Pregnancy Services

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Are you and your loved ones expecting a new baby? PCC is the one-stop shop where we believe in birth centered around you! Our team of certified nurse-midwives, family medicine physicians, and OB/GYNs are here to care for you and your baby.

We can inform you about your birthing options. They are all linked within one health system. Let us help you throughout your birthing process.

 

Choosing a Provider: Doctors and Midwives

One of the most important decisions you will make in your pregnancy is choosing the right provider.

Many people choose an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) or a family medicine physician. They care for parents and babies before and after birth. You may choose a doctor who you have seen for a long time and with whom you have a strong relationship. Doctors can help with high-risk complications if needed. They can help with vaginal births or Cesarean (C-section) births.

For low-risk pregnancies, you have another option: a certified nurse-midwife (CNM). CNMs provide all of your prenatal care. They can help during vaginal births with or without pain medications. If your pregnancy changes from low to high-risk, your midwife can work with a physician or transfer your care to the doctor.

We suggest interviewing both a physician and midwife. Whichever you choose, rest assured they will respect your birth preferences. They will help deliver your baby in a safe environment.

 

Prenatal Care

A healthy birth begins with care during your whole pregnancy. Here at PCC, parents come in to receive prenatal and postpartum care at one of our health centers.

Prenatal Care Schedule:

You will have regular visits with your provider depending on how far along the pregnancy is:

  • 8-28 weeks → every 4 weeks
  • 28-36 weeks → every 2 weeks
  • 36+ weeks → every week

Standard prenatal care involves screenings and tests, such as:

  • General blood tests to screen for sexually transmitted diseases and other conditions
  • Regular blood pressure checks
  • Genetic testing (optional)
  • 20-week ultrasounds
  • Testing for gestational diabetes
  • Screening for group beta strep (GBS)

 

 

Birthing Locations

You can have your baby at the following locations. We work hard to give you and your baby a comfortable and safe space for birth.

Room with pink walls and full size bed with floral bed spread. Candles line the bathtub in the corner. Birth Center at PCC

Do you want a natural birth in a home-like setting? If so, you may be interested in the Birth Center at PCC. It is inside PCC South Family Health Center in Berwyn. The birth center is a place outside the hospital to have your baby. The parent must have a low-risk pregnancy to be eligible. You will be supported by a team of certified nurse-midwives (CNMs).

At our birth center, we provide services and benefits such as: 

  • Choice of water birth
  • Support for medication-free birth
  • Support for alternative labor positions
  • Birthing balls and heat packs
  • Doulas are welcome
  • Breakfast in bed
  • Generous visitor policy
  • Home visit by the midwife
  • Free childbirth classes at PCC (required)
  • Transfer to West Suburban Medical Center, if needed

If you are interested, please discuss it with your provider.

Find more information on the Birth Center at PCC here. 

West Suburban Medical Center

PCC can help you with vaginal birth with or without pain medication. We also offer Cesarean births (C-sections).

At West Suburban Medical Center, we provide services and benefits such as:

  • Choice of family medicine physician, OB/GYN, or CNM
  • Support for medication-free birth
  • Support for alternative labor positions
  • Support for vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC)
  • Choice of nitrous oxide, epidural, or other pain medications
  • Birthing balls and heat packs
  • Doulas are welcome
  • Free childbirth classes at PCC
  • Neonatologists on call 24/7 and Level 2 Special Care Nursery*

If you are interested in having a birth without an epidural, you have another choice. You may deliver in the Alternative Birthing Center of the hospital. You will work with a CNM. Additional benefits are: 

  • Full size beds
  • Choice of waterbirth
  • Choice of nitrous oxide
  • Support for vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC)

 

*If infants need advanced, Level 3 care, they are transferred to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

 

 

 

Childbirth Education

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Here at PCC, we work hard to make sure you feel supported . We want to support you before, during, and after the delivery of your child.

We offer free childbirth education classes for PCC patients. These classes are available to pregnant patients and members of the support team. This includes partners, family members, friends, and others.

We offer a four-week class series. We also lead four-hour Saturday classes that cover all topics. Topics include: 

  • Topic 1: The Process of Labor
  • Topic 2: Labor Support Techniques;
  • Topic 3: Understanding Complications & Interventions*
  • Topic 4: Infant Care, Nutrition & Breastfeeding*

*Required topics for Birth Center at PCC patients

Registration is not required. You must check in with the front desk when you come.

If you have any questions, call Mary Sommers at 708-386-0845, Ext. 1009.

Se habla español. Para más información sobre clases de preparación para el parto gratuitas en PCC, llame a Mary Sommers al (708) 386-0845, Ext. 1009.

Click here to browse upcoming patient classes.