Dr. Piverger helps women plan for a healthy pregnancy.
Dr. Yves-Mario Piverger, Family Medicine physician at MetroSouth Medical Center recognizes the importance of pre-pregnancy health in his patients who are planning to become pregnant. Most importantly, women over the age of 35 should be particularly aware of their weight, existing chronic conditions, overall fitness level, and healthy lifestyle habits to help ensure a comfortable pregnancy.
Research suggests that healthy women over thirty-five with no fertility issues have nearly the same opportunity for a healthy baby as a younger mother. The pre-pregnancy health of the mother, however, may be complicated with a touch of hypertension, a bit of excess weight or prediabetes which then can lead to problems. Increased age is a risk factor for developing hypertension, diabetes and for putting on excess weight, and therefore many women delaying pregnancy until later in life must address these issues.
Dr. Piverger recommends that women thinking about pregnancy visit a qualified physician for a preconception consultation. Dr. Piverger sees patients at the MetroSouth Medical Center clinic in South Holland, Illinois. All of the OB/GYNs and Family Medicine physicians at MetroSouth Medical Center conduct these pre-conception consultations.
During this office visit, the physician will discuss the following with the couple thinking about pregnancy:
- Medical history and chronic conditions of mother and father
- Genetic and inherited disorders
- Need for lifestyle modifications
- List of OTC and prescription medications currently used by mother and father
- Fertility concerns, birth control methods and transition off birth control
- Importance of folic acid and prenatal vitamins
- Healthy foods
- Immunization history
- HIV status, STDs, last Pap smear
- Working conditions and possible environmental hazards
- Plan for prenatal care
If you have any questions or comments regarding the pre-conception consultation, please let us know by responding to this blog below. Appointment requests can be obtained by emailing us at info@metrosouthmedicalcenter.com or by calling 708 489-7925.
