Prenatal Care
Prenatal Care
Healthy Pregnancy
As soon as you think you may be pregnant, see a doctor or nurse-midwife for prenatal care. If you know you are pregnant, get care right away and have regular visits throughout your pregnancy.
Before You Are Pregnant
Thinking about getting pregnant? Read these frequently asked questions about preparing for a healthy pregnancy.
How a Fetus Grows
Understand the stages of a baby's development and how your body changes during each one.
Risk Factors & Chronic Disease
Learn about specific health challenges pregnant people face.
Black Maternal Health
Black mothers have been found to face barriers to equitable maternal care.
Maternal Mental Health
Learn about common maternal mental health conditions you may experience while pregnant or after giving birth.
For Teen Parents
If you are teen parent, it is likely that you have needs and worries that may not apply to new parents who are older. Teen parents are more likely to depend on their family for financial support or for help with the baby as they go back to high school.
Partnering With Your Doctor
Establishing an open, trusting relationship with your prenatal healthcare team is one of the first and most important steps in a healthy pregnancy. Here's what to consider when you're getting started.
Preparing for Delivery
Planning for a healthy birth means understanding the types of care you and your baby may need. Some babies may need extra care from a special medical team.
Levels of Care
All newborns need care. However, when problems arise, hospitals provide levels of extra care depending on the baby's needs.
Maternal Healthcare and Insurance
Explore low-cost, free, and special insurance coverage available to pregnant people.
C-section Resources
While most babies are born through vaginal birth, a C-section may be required if there are problems.
Assistance for Expecting Families
CDPH advocates for the health of all Chicagoans and works in partnership with local agencies to provide access to health resources and services.
Improving Care for Moms & Babies
The Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC) works to improve the health of pregnant women, mothers, and infants through perinatal quality improvement initiatives in birthing hospitals across Illinois. Get involved and make sure your hospital is part of this collaborative.
EverThrive Illinois
Formerly the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition, EverThrive works to improve the health of women, children, and families through community engagement, partnerships, policy analysis, education, and advocacy.
Common Problems
The best way to prevent the most common issues in pregnancy is to get prenatal care early and continue having regular checkups with your doctor.
Low Birthweight
All newborns need care. However, when problems arise, hospitals provide levels of extra care depending on the baby’s needs.
Preterm Birth
When a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation instead of the usual 39-40 weeks, it is considered to be preterm.
Advocating for Yourself or a Loved One
Planning for Delivery
The who, what, when, where, and how to ensure a smooth pregnancy and birth.
Developing a Postpartum Plan
Set up a support system and learn about conditions that may affect mothers after giving birth.
Exploring Second Opinions
You have the right to consult with other medical professionals about your pregnancy, diagnoses, and lab results.
Understanding Your Lab Results
Certain tests are part of routine care during pregnancy. Here’s what to expect at all stages of your pregnancy.
Doulas & Midwives
Doulas and midwives are people who provide guidance and support during your birth
Preventing Teen Pregnancy
Early parenthood can seriously impact a young person's future and their child's health. Most teen pregnancies are unplanned. Everyone should have access to knowledge and care they need to make informed decisions about when, how, and if they become a parent.
- ConnecTeen at Lurie
ConnecTeen is designed to serve and support pregnant and parenting youth who attend Chicago Public Schools (CPS) or live in the City of Chicago.
- CPS Pregnant and Parenting Students
CPS information for pregnant and parenting students
- Power to Decide
The campaign to prevent unplanned pregnancy
FIND A RESOURCE
Use our resource finder to locate your nearest clinic providing vaccinations or find a pediatrician in your neighborhood.