Women looking for pregnancy and prenatal care in the Southgate, Brownstown and Downriver communities of Michigan will find the best options at Northline Women’s Health Center. Our obstetrics services include regularly scheduled visits for physical examinations, testing, nutritional care and patient education. Our healthcare providers also offer emergency obstetric care at any time. We recommend that you begin prenatal care as soon as possible once you determine that you are pregnant.
What is Obstetrics?
This branch of medicine focuses on pregnancy, childbirth and conditions associated with the postpartum period. The well-being of the pregnant mother is paramount to obstetricians. Our obstetricians specialize in assisting with normal labor and delivery and Cesaerean sections.
At Northline Women’s Health Center, our expertly trained providers administer comprehensive evaluations to determine your well-being. Obstetricians can detect and address any concerns, issues and conditions that develop as a result of pregnancy.
Conditions Obstetricians Address
While your obstetrician is responsible for monitoring your health and the health of your growing baby, they are also trained to treat conditions associated with your pre- and postpartum health.
OBs address conditions that may cause high-risk pregnancies, such as:
- Chronic health conditions
- Ectopic pregnancies
- Preeclampsia
- Sepsis
- Uterine ruptures
- Fetal distress
Your doctor will also take your personal health history and lifestyle choices into consideration when planning your obstetric care. Those factors may include:
- Carrying multiple babies
- A history of miscarriage or preterm labor
- Risks like smoking, drinking alcohol or consuming drugs
What to Expect at Your Obstetrician's Appointment
Your care will be managed throughout your pregnancy by an OB coordinator. Northline Women's Health Center is one of the few practices in southeast Michigan that employs registered nurses as OB Coordinators. We'll complete physical and pelvic exams, blood and urine tests, and blood pressure, height, and weight measurements during your first visit. At your second visit, we'll review test results and discuss a prenatal plan for any conditions that might affect your pregnancy.
For a typical uncomplicated pregnancy, you'll have obstetrician care office visits every four weeks for the first 28 weeks. Between weeks 28 and 36, you'll visit our office every two to three weeks, then weekly after 36 weeks.
We will check the baby’s heart rate and measure the height of the uterus to gauge the baby’s growth. We will also test for signs of gestational diabetes and perform screenings for birth defects, sexually transmitted diseases and other conditions that could put your baby at risk.
Special testing may also be necessary when the fetus is at increased risk of pregnancy complications. That can occur if you've had complications during a previous pregnancy or have a preexisting health condition such as diabetes or heart disease, high blood pressure or a blood condition known as Rh Sensitization.
When Will I Receive My First Ultrasound?
As part of your routine prenatal care, we perform a detailed ultrasound examination of your baby between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. A 3D/4D keepsake ultrasound is offered at a discounted rate for our patients who are between 28 and 32 weeks into their pregnancy.
We also recommend that you complete a childbirth education class in your eighth month of pregnancy. This class is intended for you and your birth partner to learn about labor, comfort techniques, Cesarean sections and newborn care to prepare you for your upcoming delivery. Some insurance plans will help to cover the cost of the class.
Schedule Your Appointment
Contact Northline Women's Health Center to schedule an obstetrics appointment at one of our offices in Brownstown or Southgate, Michigan.
