Top obstetrics care throughout Chicagoland

At Advocate Health Care, our expert maternity team is dedicated to you and your baby, so you can be sure your family is in good hands from day one. Our hospitals have consistently been named by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, establishing us at the region’s most recognized.

What is obstetrics?

Obstetrics is a women’s health specialty focused on maternity care and childbirth. Health conditions or surgeries related to pregnancy, labor and delivery are handled by the doctors trained in this specialty, known as obstetricians or OBs.

What does an obstetrician do?

Care with an obstetrician often begins before conception (when you become pregnant) and lasts throughout pregnancy, childbirth and a few weeks after your baby is delivered (called the postpartum period). If you’re trying to become pregnant, your OB can also help evaluate your fertility.

Services our OBs provide

Services OBs provide include:

• Prenatal screenings, tests and exams
• Monitoring your baby’s size and growth, plus their position in your uterus
• Managing health conditions that could affect you and your baby
• Working with maternal-fetal medicine specialists to identify complications or congenital concerns
• Managing labor inductions
• Treating you during labor and delivery
• Monitoring your recovery after childbirth

What is the difference between obstetrics and gynecology?

While obstetricians manage pregnancy and childbirth, gynecologists focus on the female reproductive system but don’t treat pregnant patients. However, due to the overlap of these two areas of health care, many providers choose to specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology (known as OB-GYN).

What conditions do obstetricians treat?

During pregnancy, you’ll be screened for health conditions and diseases that could affect you and your baby. And as your baby grows and your body changes, your doctor will monitor you for any complications.

Some common conditions obstetricians treat include:

• Morning sickness or nausea
• Miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies
• High-risk pregnancies
• Issues with your placenta
• High blood pressure, known in pregnancy as preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes
• Genetic disorders

What surgical procedures does an OB perform?

During pregnancy, labor and delivery, complications can arise that require intervention for the health and safety of you and your baby. These could include:

• Dilation and curettage (D&C), a surgery to remove tissue from your uterus due to miscarriage and sometimes post-birth
• Cervical cerclage, a procedure to keep your cervix closed to prevent premature birth during pregnancy
• Episiotomy, an incision in the perineal area to make it easier for your baby to exit the vagina
• The use of forceps or a vacuum to help deliver your baby
• Cesarean section (C-section), a surgery to deliver your baby through an incision in the abdominal wall instead of vaginally

NICUs ready for the unexpected

At Advocate, we’re also well-prepared to treat your baby for any complications that may arise after birth. We're home to many level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) as well as special care and intermediate care nurseries that allow us to provide immediate access to highly specialized services.

Obstetrics near you: Why should you choose Advocate?

There's a reason so many mothers across Chicagoland choose Advocate Health Care for their deliveries. Our leading-edge birthing centers and top experts provide the most comprehensive care available in the most supportive and comfortable environment.

Trust our OB team to help deliver your baby

• Family-focused facilities: Our birthing centers throughout Chicagoland feature comfortable, private suites equipped with the latest technology in maternal and newborn care, so you can enjoy your big day with your family knowing you're getting the highest level of treatment possible.
• Planning for your big day: We’re here to help you find peace of mind as you prepare for your big day – from nearby classes to sharing what you can expect after your baby is born.
• Support after baby arrives: We’ll also help you navigate motherhood and your baby's first days by offering everything from breastfeeding guidance to postpartum support.

Care designed with you & baby in mind

We aim to make your pregnancy, labor and birth experience comfortable and stress-free so you can focus on welcoming the newest addition to your family.

General hospital and care features may include:

• Private room after delivery
• Comfortable family waiting area
• Baby nursery when you want a rest
• Open visiting hours for anyone 12 and older
• Sibling visits at hours convenient for you
• Breastfeeding support
• Infant security system
• Hearing screenings for infants
• Prenatal classes
• Emphasis on family bonding practices
• Advanced surgical suites for cesarean births or some high-risk vaginal births

Private suites in a birthing center may include:

• Advanced technology for pain management, fetal monitoring, and maternal and newborn care
• Telemetry monitoring that allows you to get up and move during the labor process
• Private shower for hydrotherapy
• Complete breakfast, lunch and dinner menu
• Wi-Fi and on-demand videos
• Pull-out couch so your support person can stay overnight with you