Getting pregnant

Thinking about having a baby? Start by looking at your lifestyle, habits and health risks. They can affect your pregnancy and later your baby.
Prior to pregnancy Learning about pregnancy Myths & truths Reproductive Medicine

Prior to pregnancy

Here are six important things you can do at least three months before conceiving:

• Take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to lower the risks of birth defects such as spina bifida, a condition where the baby's spine does not close completely during pregnancy.
• Stop using tobacco and drinking alcohol. Smoking can narrow your blood vessels and affect the delivery of oxygen to your developing baby. And when you're pregnant, no amount of alcohol is considered safe.
• Get to a healthy weight and work with your doctor to control medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and epilepsy.
• Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter and prescription medications you may be using as well as any dietary and herbal supplements. Be sure your vaccinations are up to date.
• Avoid contact with toxic substances and chemicals, including cat or rodent feces, which can lead to serious infection.
• Don't neglect your teeth and gums. Good dental care, including daily flossing, can help avoid medical problems.

A father's health is also important to a successful pregnancy and healthy baby. Your partner should check with his own doctor about health history, medications he may be using and working toward a healthy lifestyle.

Learning about pregnancy

Today's parents-to-be have a wealth of medical knowledge at their fingertips, but learning baby basics doesn't have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Take a deep breath, relax and let us help. Carle offers a variety of classes taught by medical professionals on everything from water birth to choosing the right car seat.

Myths & Truths about Pregnancy

What are some signs I might be pregnant?

A missed period, excessive tiredness, breast tenderness and nausea are some early indicators. Learn more »

Is it true nursing moms can't get pregnant?

Although it's less likely you'll conceive while breastfeeding, it's still possible. Learn more »

I'm 40. Am I too old to get pregnant?

No, but fertility problems and complications during pregnancy are more common in women over 35. Learn more »

Does the style of a man's underwear affect his fertility?

Not necessarily. There have been several studies about the ideal temperature for sperm production, but the evidence is inconclusive. Learn more »

Reproductive Medicine (Treatment for Inferility)

If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, you’re not alone. Approximately 10-15 percent of women experience infertility – many from a variety of conditions that aren’t detectable. Carle Reproductive Medicine providers work as a team to identify causes of infertility and determine the best treatment method for you.

Service include:

• Diagnostic evaluations
• Genetic and pre-conception health counseling
• Educational seminars
• Emotional support and guidance through the infertility by a licensed psychologist and our team of providers
• Intrauterine insemination with partner’s sperm
• Intrauterine insemination with donor’s sperm
• Ovulation induction
• Monitoring for assisted reproductive technologies

Assisted reproductive technologies (in partnership with an outside affiliation):

• Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
• In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
• Egg donation
• Embryo donation
• Gestational surrogacy

If you have not been able to conceive or maintain a pregnancy, or have fertility concerns, consider a consultation. Call (217) 255-9600.