When we think about women’s health, we often think about pregnancy. For the moms-to-be that we work with, a pregnancy is one of the most joyful experiences in her life. And in the majority of cases, each pregnancy follows a routine course. Some women, however, have medical difficulties related to their health or the health of their baby. These situations, known as high-risk pregnancies, only occur in 6 percent to 8 percent of all pregnancies. But when we do, we understand all too well how worrisome the pregnancy can become.
Whether your pregnancy is following a routine course or is presenting with worrying developments, it’s normal to have questions about what to expect. That’s where we come in. When you walk into Somerset Gynecology and Obstetrics office, you can expect our OB/GYN providers to focus solely on your individual health needs in a warm and caring environment. Our team of reproductive experts is here for you - and your family. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (248) 816-9200!
Before even attempting to conceive, it is ideal for hopeful future parents to take steps to address their fertility and preconception wellness. These can include the following:
Congratulations! Now that you are pregnant, you need regular prenatal care. This includes the following:
Potentially. "Morning sickness" is the general term used to describe nausea and vomiting due to the changes in hormones a woman experiences during pregnancy. Despite its name, it can occur at any time during the day. Most women experience morning sickness during their first trimester (with symptoms fading by their 14th week of pregnancy). Once you’ve confirmed that your symptoms are not due to a more serious cause, you can work with your doctor to find ways of lessening their severity.
In some cases, a nonstress test is recommended after 26 to 28 weeks of pregnancy to check for problems in a pregnancy. A nonstress test (NST) is also known as fetal heart rate monitoring. This common prenatal test is used to check on a baby's health by measuring heart rate and seeing how it responds to a developing baby's movements. No stress is placed on the fetus during this testing.
A high-risk pregnancy is one that, without extra care, poses a greater risk to the mother or her fetus than a "standard" pregnancy. It is possible for an entire pregnancy to be high-risk, as well as for a pregnancy to become high-risk partway through the second or third trimester.
High-risk pregnancies generally refer to:
Depending on the nature of a high-risk pregnancy, different care plans are prescribed to address a woman's health, conditions, and circumstances. Generally speaking, however, a high-risk pregnancy will typically require more frequent prenatal visits and closer monitoring in general.
Every pregnancy and delivery is different, depending on every mother and baby’s needs. Throughout her pregnancy, the mother should discuss her delivery preferences with her care team, as well as have a conversation about alternative delivery options should the need for them arise. This will typically involve conversations about vaginal births versus cesarean sections.
Questions regarding your baby will likely be directed at your pediatrician. Our team, however, is still here to discuss your gynecologic and reproductive health needs. This includes your questions about contraception and breastfeeding. Our team is able to write prescriptions for various methods of birth control, as well as for a breast pump.
We also offer care and referrals for the depressive disorders associated with a mother who has just given birth; these are a natural part of recovery (due to a woman’s changing hormones), and should be reported to your care team promptly.
Somerset Gynecology and Obstetrics is committed to providing every woman with the healthcare she needs as she prepares to start or expand her family. Contact us today to book your next appointment!
