Pregnancy Specialist

Associated Obstetrics and Gynecology

Gynecologists & Obstetricians located in Clarkston, MI & Bloomfield Hills, MI

Few things are more exciting than finding out you’re going to have a baby, but pregnancy can also be a stressful time. The specialists at Associated Obstetrics & Gynecology in Bloomfield Hills and Clarkston, Michigan, view their role as your partner in pregnancy and work to guide you through this journey and toward your goal of motherhood. If you’re planning to add to your family or are already expecting, schedule your first prenatal visit today, online or by phone.

Pregnancy Q & A

What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care is the medical care you need prior to and during pregnancy. It encompasses a wide range of services tailored to your specific set of needs.

While all pregnant women share some things in common, no two pregnancies are ever exactly the same. The team at Associated Obstetrics & Gynecology understands that personalized care can make a world of difference in the life of an expectant mother, whether it’s her first or fourth pregnancy.

Why is prenatal care so important?

Prenatal care provides a wealth of information about your health, your baby’s health, and the manner in which your pregnancy is moving forward. Great prenatal care strives to detect potential problems in the earliest stages and find solutions that keep you and your baby healthy and happy.

The benefits of prenatal care are widely documented by statistics that compare outcomes in areas of the world where quality prenatal care is the norm to outcomes in areas where such care is not readily available.

In addition to the obvious health benefits, prenatal care gives you access to a highly trained professional who is able and willing to answer the questions that arise during pregnancy. Having a trusted resource to turn to can make your pregnancy far more enjoyable and gives you the peace of mind needed to truly enjoy the experience.

What happens during prenatal care visits?

Your initial visit will be one of the longest, as your care team needs to gather a great deal of information about your health. You’ll share details about your personal and family health history, as well as your lifestyle and support network.

Your specialist gathers data on your weight, height, heart function, blood pressure, and other vital signs. You may have a breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap test, and screening for sexually transmitted disease.

Bloodwork provides a more in-depth view of your health and becomes part of your medical record. Ultrasound imaging helps your doctor estimate your due date and also gives you that important first glimpse of your new baby.

As you move through the stages of pregnancy, the team performs additional tests according to your specific needs. They screen you for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other conditions that create a high-risk pregnancy. They screen your baby for signs of developmental or chromosomal abnormalities.

Your prenatal visits are also an opportunity for you to ask questions and express any concerns you have. You’re encouraged to reach out to the office any time a question or issue arises, and there’s no need to feel self-conscious about gathering the information needed to prepare for your newest family member.

Schedule your first prenatal visit online or by phone as soon as you’ve made the decision to conceive or found out you’re expecting.