Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic Akron General® offers a full range of women’s health services, obstetrics and gynecology.

Whether you are thinking about starting a family or are already pregnant, Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health Services are here for you, along with the comprehensive maternity services offered in our New Life Center.

“The journey to a successful pregnancy has many steps. It starts with being healthy before pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and taking part in regular physical activity may all increase your chances for conception, a healthy pregnancy, less complications during delivery, and most importantly having a healthy baby,” says Jacqueline Zuponcic, DO, an Ob/Gyn at Cleveland Clinic Akron General.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also recommends a “preconception counseling” appointment for women who are ready to begin attempting pregnancy. At this appointment, we review your medical history, medications, and risks that you may have — all to help optimize your chances for a healthy new pregnancy.

If you don’t already have a provider, it’s important to choose one you are comfortable with. The team at Akron General includes board-certified obstetrician/gynecologists and advanced practice nurses, as well as maternal-fetal medicine specialists and anesthesiologists who are available 24/7.

“It’s important to begin prenatal care early, with your first visit about eight weeks into your pregnancy, and monthly prenatal visits until around 28 weeks,” says Dr. Zuponcic. “As your due date approaches, you will have more frequent visits so we can closely monitor your health and that of your baby.”

Regular prenatal visits are essential to help you and your baby stay well, to manage any conditions or complications that may arise, and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have along the way.

During pregnancy, testing helps ensure the health of both mom and baby. Akron General offers state-of-the-art ultrasound technology and specialized testing such as amniocentesis, RH sensitization and percutaneous umbilical sampling, and now access to fetal echocardiogram services onsite from Cleveland Clinic Children’s pediatric cardiologists.

Learn more about what to eat and what not to eat when you’re pregnant.

Help for those with fertility issues

“For some, conception requires special attention and care. An estimated 1 in every 6 to 7 couples have trouble conceiving. Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after trying for one year. Women should see a healthcare provider at that time. However, women older than 35 should seek help after just six months of trying since fertility declines with age,” says Jeffrey Goldberg, MD, Head of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Goldberg treats patients at various Cleveland Clinic locations including Akron General Health and Wellness Center in Bath.

In women, causes of infertility can include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes and menstrual problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Men may have abnormal sperm count and/or function due to hormonal or genetic problems or blocked ducts. In many cases, the cause of infertility is unexplained.

“Although many people associate fertility treatment with in vitro fertilization (IVF), our fertility center provides the full range of services including medical treatment, artificial insemination and minimally invasive surgery,” says Dr. Goldberg. “For those who do require IVF, our program is one of the largest in the state and is equipped with the most advanced reproductive technologies available. In addition, our IVF lab director has over 30 years of experience. For these reasons, our IVF success rates are among the highest in the nation.”

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Labor & delivery

Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s New Life Center has the physicians and specialists, facilities and technology to support your childbirth preference, whether you desire a natural birth or require a cesarean section.

As a Level III Perinatal Center, we are prepared for any type of delivery and need for your baby. If your infant needs special care after delivery, we have an onsite neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staffed by board-certified neonatologists.

In addition, Akron General is a Baby-Friendly® designated birth facility — an initiative sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to encourage and recognize hospitals that offer optimal care for infant feeding.

Our caregivers:

Focus on delivering safe quality care, while creating the best experience possible.
Support the childbirth philosophy of the patient.
Support practices that keep our low-risk C-section rate low.
Help optimize mother-baby bonding by encouraging kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact).
Value a family-centered care model, keeping mom and baby together post-delivery.
Provide breastfeeding and lactation support during and after mom’s hospital stay.

“We believe that new families should spend as much time as possible with their newborns while at Akron General,” says Dr. Zuponcic. “In addition, our nurses and caregivers share information on breastfeeding, demonstrate bathing techniques, and educate parents on what to expect when they bring newborns home.”

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Specialized care for high-risk moms and babies

Sometimes, extra care is needed. Akron General cares for mom and baby during high-risk pregnancies and for fragile newborns.

Moms who are on bed rest or require additional monitoring stay in our Perinatal Unit. Nurses are able to monitor mom and baby at the bedside, from our nursing station or offices. For added safety and reassurance, an alerting feature notifies staff should changes arise quickly.

Care for your child after birth

It’s important to choose a pediatrician for your child at least a month before your due date because a baby can always come sooner than expected. Your pediatrician will want to complete an examination while your baby is still at the hospital. To avoid any excess costs, be sure to verify that the physician you select has privileges at Akron General and is covered under your health insurance plan.

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Roy Miller, MD

What’s the bottom line?

When it comes to stroke, knowing the risk factors and warning signs is key. If a person shows any stroke symptoms, even if symptoms go away, call 911 and get the person to the hospital immediately.

Remember, Cleveland Clinic offers the highest quality stroke care near you at Akron General.

For your safety and convenience, Cleveland Clinic stroke specialists offer in-person and virtual appointments for those who have experienced a stroke and need follow-up care. To schedule an appointment with a stroke specialist, call 330.344.8523.

Jacqueline Zuponcic, DO

Jeffrey Goldberg, MD

Care for women of all ages

From being a mom, to becoming a grandmother, and every life-changing event in between, Cleveland Clinic Akron General is here for you. We provide women of all ages with OB/Gyn & Women’s Health services designed to meet their unique and changing needs from adolescence to mature adulthood by offering care for medical conditions including general gynecologic care, childbirth, infertility, incontinence, gynecologic cancers, pelvic floor disorders, menopause and more.

To schedule an appointment with a Women’s Health specialist, visit AkronGeneral.org/WomensHealth or call 330.344.8565.