The timeline for starting a family today looks a lot different than it did a generation ago. Many women are having children later in life — once they’ve built a career, felt financially stable and found the right partner. In fact, birth rates for women in their 30s and early 40s have reached their highest levels in decades. But as women age, the risks of pregnancy increase, […]
Pregnancy after preterm birth: What you should know and how to prepare
If you’ve experienced a preterm birth, it’s normal to feel a mix of hope and worry when thinking about another pregnancy. You may wonder if it will happen again or what you may be able to do differently this time to prevent it. The good news is there are steps you and your care team […]
This healthy toddler’s journey began with a high-risk pregnancy, long NICU stay
Life with 3-year-old Mauro is just about perfect for Gina and Sarah Ginnetti of Boardman. He’s a joyful toddler who loves hockey, dinosaurs, singing nursery rhymes and creating art with Kinetic Sand and Play-Doh®. “He’s funny and smart and can count to 15,” said Sarah. It might be hard for Gina and Sarah to imagine […]
Spotting preeclampsia symptoms early is key for a healthy pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes — and a lot of doctor appointments. While it might feel like one more thing on your to-do list, prenatal checkups are important for the health of you and your baby. At each check-up, your doctor assesses your health, how your baby is growing and can offer tips to ensure your pregnancy is as […]
Healthy preconception diet: Foods to enjoy — and avoid — before pregnancy
One of the best ways to support a healthy pregnancy begins even before you see that positive result on a pregnancy test. “Many women don’t know they’re pregnant until several weeks after conception,” said Michael Krew, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Akron Children’s. “But during that time, your baby’s vital organs are rapidly developing, so making sure you have the right nutrients in your system gives your baby […]
Planning for baby? Here’s why a pre-pregnancy checkup matters
Thinking about having a baby? Before you start tracking ovulation apps or stocking up on prenatal vitamins, there’s one step that often gets skipped: a pre-pregnancy checkup. Think of it as a routine physical but tailored specifically for conception. It gives you and your doctor the chance to identify any potential risks early and create a plan for a healthy pregnancy. “It’s important to prepare your […]
