What is prenatal care?

Prenatal care refers to the care you receive during pregnancy. The goal of prenatal care is to monitor you and your baby’s health throughout your nine months of gestation, as well as your health following delivery.

Early and ongoing prenatal care visits help identify pregnancy problems before they turn into issues that may complicate your pregnancy or delivery. 

Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., provides personalized and comprehensive prenatal care from an experienced staff of doctors, nurses, and certified midwives. 

What can I expect during prenatal care?

You can expect comprehensive and attentive prenatal care at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C. During your first appointment, which should be scheduled about eight weeks after your last menstrual period, your provider:

• Confirms pregnancy
• Reviews your health and gynecological history
• Reviews you and your partner’s family history
• Conducts a physical and pelvic exam
• Performs a Pap smear
• Screens for sexually transmitted diseases
• Estimates your due date
• Runs lab work to screen for health issues
• Answers all of your questions and concerns
• Asks about your delivery plan
• Prescribes a prenatal vitamin

During your prenatal care follow-up visits, your provider checks your weight and blood pressure and listens to your baby’s heartbeat. They also provide recommendations to help you manage common pregnancy-related issues such as nausea and constipation.

What prenatal care screenings do I need?

The types of prenatal care screenings you need may depend on your maternal age, health and pregnancy history, and family history.

Some of the most common prenatal screenings include:

• Blood test to screen for anemia
• Glucose tolerance test to screen for gestational diabetes
• Ultrasound testing to assess the baby and your uterus
• Check of blood type and Rh factor
• Group B strep screening

Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., also offers genetic screening to assess risk for genetic conditions and chromosomal abnormalities.

For your convenience, your provider performs most prenatal screenings at the office.

Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., also offers 3D/4D ultrasound testing. This advanced ultrasound test provides detailed photos and videos of your baby but isn’t part of your routine prenatal care. 

Many women and their families find the 3D/4D ultrasound a special bonding experience with their baby. 

Does prenatal care include delivery?

Yes, prenatal care at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., includes delivery of your baby. The women’s health practice offers many delivery options, including in-hospital labor and delivery, cesarean section (C-section), and natural childbirth.

Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., encourages you to seek out educational opportunities to help you prepare for the birth of your baby.

To learn more about prenatal care at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., call the office closest to you or book an appointment online.