Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: The following FAQs are to address common general questions. If you have a significant symptom or concern, or if you believe you are experiencing an emergency, call your physician or 911.
General Questions
Who will care for me during my pregnancy and delivery?
Northwestern Medicine Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine is a group practice. Throughout your pregnancy, you may see different physicians. Our physicians’ clinic schedules vary. They may be in the office, hospital for deliveries or ultrasound suites. Or, they may have other administrative, teaching or research duties. Know that they all work together as a team to provide you with the best possible care.
Northwestern Medicine prides itself as a premier academic medical center. Every aspect of your care will be under the direct supervision of an attending physician. However, your medical team may also include Maternal–Fetal Medicine clinical fellows, OB/GYN resident physicians and medical students. Many studies show that academic medical centers provide the best care. The presence of physicians-in-training is an integral reason for this.
On the day of your delivery, the physician on-call in the hospital (OB/GYN or MFM physician) will manage your labor and delivery. However, your maternal–fetal medicine physicians will be available at all times. Our entire team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Are there helpful resources for my partner?
If you’re looking for helpful resources for your partner, ACOG’s A Partner’s Guide to Pregnancy will answer commonly asked questions.
Prenatal Care Questions
How often will I be seen in the office during my pregnancy?
Prenatal visits are typically scheduled:
Should I have genetic screening? What are my options?
We offer preconception and prenatal genetic testing. We also offer screening for hereditary cancer syndromes. Your healthcare provider will make recommendations based on your individual risk factors. These may include your age, ethnicity and family history. Please find more information about genetic screening here.
What vaccinations (immunizations) are recommended during pregnancy?
We recommend you receive the influenza (flu) vaccine and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to protect you and your baby. Other adults and children who will be in close contact with your baby should also be vaccinated.
Can I travel during pregnancy?
Talk to your healthcare provider about travel. Please find general information about traveling while pregnant here.
Prenatal Care: Resources for Commonly Asked Questions
Labor and Delivery Questions
Am I in labor?
It can often be difficult to tell if you are in labor. Find more information about how to tell if you’re in labor here. If you think you are in labor or have concerns, please call the nurse’s phone line (312.695.4921) or the physician on call.
What if my baby is breech or non-cephalic?
If your baby is not in the cephalic (vertex) presentation by 37 weeks, there are two options:
Labor and Delivery: Resources for Commonly Asked Questions
Postnatal and Postpartum Care FAQs
How do I pick a pediatrician?
You will need to choose a pediatrician for your baby before delivery. Keep in mind that you may have an insurance plan that limits your choice of physicians. It is up to you to find out if a pediatrician is covered by your plan. Please find Northwestern Medicine affiliated pediatricians here. If your pediatrician is not on staff at Northwestern Medicine, a pediatric hospitalist on call will give your baby an exam after birth.
Should I have my son circumcised?
It is your decision whether to have your son circumcised. There are potential risks and benefits. Please find more information about circumcision here.
If you choose to have your son circumcised, he will likely be circumcised by one of the obstetricians prior to hospital discharge.
How soon after delivery should I be seen in the office?
Before leaving the hospital, schedule a follow-up visit for postpartum care. In most cases, we want to see you about six weeks after delivery. In certain cases, we may recommend that you be seen sooner. If you have unusual pain, bleeding, fever or feelings of depression, please schedule an earlier appointment.
Do I need any additional evaluation if I was diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy?
Women who have diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. You will likely be screened for diabetes at your postpartum visit (about six weeks after delivery). Learn more about gestational diabetes.
What if I feel symptoms of postpartum blues or postpartum depression?
Having a baby can be a big adjustment. It is common to have mood changes after delivery. This often starts two or three days after delivery and usually goes away by two weeks postpartum. However, symptoms can last. Changing hormones, anxiety about caring for your baby, and lack of sleep can affect your emotions. You may have severe symptoms, such as not bonding with or enjoying your baby, trouble caring for yourself or your baby, or excessive sadness, depression or anxiety.
If you feel you may hurt yourself, your baby or someone else, go to the emergency room right away. If you or your partner has any concerns that you may be suffering from depression, please contact us for evaluation. You are not alone. We want to help. Learn more about postpartum depression.
How do I obtain a breast pump?
Please let us know if you need a prescription for a breast pump. We will help you.
Postnatal and Postpartum Care: Resources for Commonly Asked Questions
General Questions
Who will care for me during my pregnancy and delivery?
Northwestern Medicine Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine is a group practice. Throughout your pregnancy, you may see different physicians. Our physicians’ clinic schedules vary. They may be in the office, hospital for deliveries or ultrasound suites. Or, they may have other administrative, teaching or research duties. Know that they all work together as a team to provide you with the best possible care.
Northwestern Medicine prides itself as a premier academic medical center. Every aspect of your care will be under the direct supervision of an attending physician. However, your medical team may also include Maternal–Fetal Medicine clinical fellows, OB/GYN resident physicians and medical students. Many studies show that academic medical centers provide the best care. The presence of physicians-in-training is an integral reason for this.
On the day of your delivery, the physician on-call in the hospital (OB/GYN or MFM physician) will manage your labor and delivery. However, your maternal–fetal medicine physicians will be available at all times. Our entire team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Are there helpful resources for my partner?
If you’re looking for helpful resources for your partner, ACOG’s A Partner’s Guide to Pregnancy will answer commonly asked questions.
Prenatal Care Questions
How often will I be seen in the office during my pregnancy?
Prenatal visits are typically scheduled:
- Up until week 20: once every four weeks
- 20 to 36 weeks: once every two to three weeks
- 36 weeks until your delivery: once a week
Should I have genetic screening? What are my options?
We offer preconception and prenatal genetic testing. We also offer screening for hereditary cancer syndromes. Your healthcare provider will make recommendations based on your individual risk factors. These may include your age, ethnicity and family history. Please find more information about genetic screening here.
What vaccinations (immunizations) are recommended during pregnancy?
We recommend you receive the influenza (flu) vaccine and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to protect you and your baby. Other adults and children who will be in close contact with your baby should also be vaccinated.
Can I travel during pregnancy?
Talk to your healthcare provider about travel. Please find general information about traveling while pregnant here.
Prenatal Care: Resources for Commonly Asked Questions
- What is safe to eat and drink during pregnancy? What should I stay away from?
- How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
- What are some options I can try for nausea or vomiting during pregnancy?
- What over-the-counter medications are safe to use during pregnancy?
- Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
- What if I have bleeding during pregnancy?
- What if I have back pain during pregnancy?
Labor and Delivery Questions
Am I in labor?
It can often be difficult to tell if you are in labor. Find more information about how to tell if you’re in labor here. If you think you are in labor or have concerns, please call the nurse’s phone line (312.695.4921) or the physician on call.
What if my baby is breech or non-cephalic?
If your baby is not in the cephalic (vertex) presentation by 37 weeks, there are two options:
- Attempt an external cephalic version procedure. This tends to be scheduled after 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Plan for a cesarean section.
Labor and Delivery: Resources for Commonly Asked Questions
- If I had a cesarean section in a past pregnancy, is it safe to attempt labor?
- What happens if I do not have my baby before my expected due date?
- Can or should I get an epidural? What are my other options for anesthesia?
- How is my baby monitored during labor?
- What if I have trouble delivering vaginally?
- Can I take a tour of the labor and delivery suite before delivery?
- Where can I take birthing, newborn and breastfeeding classes?
- What is cord blood banking?
Postnatal and Postpartum Care FAQs
How do I pick a pediatrician?
You will need to choose a pediatrician for your baby before delivery. Keep in mind that you may have an insurance plan that limits your choice of physicians. It is up to you to find out if a pediatrician is covered by your plan. Please find Northwestern Medicine affiliated pediatricians here. If your pediatrician is not on staff at Northwestern Medicine, a pediatric hospitalist on call will give your baby an exam after birth.
Should I have my son circumcised?
It is your decision whether to have your son circumcised. There are potential risks and benefits. Please find more information about circumcision here.
If you choose to have your son circumcised, he will likely be circumcised by one of the obstetricians prior to hospital discharge.
How soon after delivery should I be seen in the office?
Before leaving the hospital, schedule a follow-up visit for postpartum care. In most cases, we want to see you about six weeks after delivery. In certain cases, we may recommend that you be seen sooner. If you have unusual pain, bleeding, fever or feelings of depression, please schedule an earlier appointment.
Do I need any additional evaluation if I was diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy?
Women who have diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. You will likely be screened for diabetes at your postpartum visit (about six weeks after delivery). Learn more about gestational diabetes.
What if I feel symptoms of postpartum blues or postpartum depression?
Having a baby can be a big adjustment. It is common to have mood changes after delivery. This often starts two or three days after delivery and usually goes away by two weeks postpartum. However, symptoms can last. Changing hormones, anxiety about caring for your baby, and lack of sleep can affect your emotions. You may have severe symptoms, such as not bonding with or enjoying your baby, trouble caring for yourself or your baby, or excessive sadness, depression or anxiety.
If you feel you may hurt yourself, your baby or someone else, go to the emergency room right away. If you or your partner has any concerns that you may be suffering from depression, please contact us for evaluation. You are not alone. We want to help. Learn more about postpartum depression.
How do I obtain a breast pump?
Please let us know if you need a prescription for a breast pump. We will help you.
Postnatal and Postpartum Care: Resources for Commonly Asked Questions
