Convenient Breast Screening Close to Home

Keeping up with breast screening is easier when services are convenient and connected to your healthcare team.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center offers breast-screening technology at its West Bloomfield office, helping patients coordinate routine women’s care and breast-health needs in one familiar setting.

The appropriate screening plan varies by age, breast density, family history, symptoms and previous results.

WHMC’s services include 3D mammography, Automated Breast Ultrasound for selected patients and MammoScreen artificial-intelligence support during mammogram review.

3D Mammography for Routine Screening

Three-dimensional mammography, also called digital breast tomosynthesis, captures images from multiple angles.

A computer reconstructs those images into thin layers that a radiologist can review. This approach can make overlapping tissue easier to evaluate than a flat image alone.

The appointment is similar to a traditional mammogram. Each breast is positioned and compressed briefly while the images are obtained.

Mammography remains the primary screening method for most women, even when an additional ultrasound or MRI is recommended.

Learn more about 3D mammography at WHMC.

ABUS for Some Women With Dense Breasts

Dense breast tissue can make a mammogram more difficult to interpret because dense tissue and many abnormalities both appear white.

Automated Breast Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a broad set of breast images and may be considered as supplemental screening for certain women with dense breasts.

ABUS does not replace mammography, and it is not automatically recommended for everyone with dense tissue.

Your provider should consider your complete risk profile, mammogram results and the possible benefits and limitations of extra imaging.

Review WHMC’s information about ABUS and dense breasts.

MammoScreen AI Supports the Radiologist

MammoScreen is an FDA-cleared artificial-intelligence tool that assists radiologists during mammogram interpretation.

The system analyzes image patterns and highlights areas that may deserve additional attention. It acts as a support tool and does not replace the radiologist’s professional judgment.

Using MammoScreen does not require extra compression or a separate patient visit.

WHMC includes the technology with mammograms so the radiologist can consider the AI analysis alongside the images, prior studies, breast density and clinical history.

Read more about MammoScreen at WHMC.

Plan Your Appointment

Before scheduling, tell the office if you have a new breast symptom, implants, prior breast surgery, a personal history of breast cancer, a high-risk family history, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If previous imaging was performed elsewhere, ask about transferring those records for comparison. Confirm insurance benefits for screening and any supplemental imaging.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center is located at 5777 West Maple Road, Suite 200, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322.

Review the current location and office hours, call (248) 932-9223 or request an appointment online.

If you are unsure which service you need, the team can help route your request for appropriate clinical review.

A Coordinated Screening Experience

Breast screening is more than the minutes spent obtaining images.

It includes choosing the appropriate test, comparing prior studies, receiving the report, understanding breast density and completing any recommended follow-up.

Keeping these steps connected can reduce confusion and make it easier to maintain a consistent schedule.

At WHMC, patients can discuss breast screening within the context of broader gynecologic and preventive care. That is especially useful when risk may be influenced by family history, reproductive history, menopause care or previous breast findings.

Bring questions to your annual visit and update the team when your history changes.

If you have a breast symptom, mention it when requesting the appointment so the appropriate evaluation can be arranged.

Routine screening and evaluation of a new concern are different pathways. Providing complete information at the start helps the clinical team determine what type of visit or imaging order may be needed.

Bring Your Questions to the Appointment

Before visiting WHMC, list the date and location of your last mammogram, medications, breast procedures and relevant family history.

Note any changes you have observed, even if they seem minor. Ask how results will be delivered and when to call if you have not received them.

Arriving with accurate information helps the team coordinate screening, comparison and follow-up more effectively.

The post Breast Cancer Screening in West Bloomfield: Mammograms, ABUS and AI Support at WHMC appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

A Callback Does Not Mean You Have Breast Cancer

Hearing that a mammogram is abnormal can be frightening, but an abnormal result is not the same as a cancer diagnosis.

It usually means the radiologist found an area that needs more information before it can be classified confidently. Additional images often show that the finding is normal tissue or a benign change.

Callbacks are more common after a first mammogram because there are no earlier images for comparison.

They may also occur when tissue overlaps, an image is not clear enough, the breasts are dense or the radiologist sees a mass, asymmetry or calcifications that require a closer look.

Understanding the BI-RADS Assessment

Mammography reports commonly use the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, known as BI-RADS.

This standardized system communicates the overall assessment and recommended next step. A report may indicate that the exam is negative or benign, that short-term follow-up is advised, or that additional imaging or biopsy should be considered.

One common result is BI-RADS 0, which means the study is incomplete and more imaging or prior mammograms are needed. It does not mean that cancer was found.

Ask your provider or imaging facility what category appears in your report and what action is recommended.

What Additional Imaging May Include

A diagnostic mammogram uses specialized views, magnification or focused compression to evaluate the specific area.

Breast ultrasound may help determine whether a finding is solid or filled with fluid and can provide another view of dense tissue.

In some situations, breast MRI may be recommended based on the finding or the patient’s risk.

If imaging still shows a suspicious area, the radiologist may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy removes a small tissue sample so it can be examined by a pathologist.

The recommendation does not confirm cancer. It is the step used to determine what the cells are.

How to Prepare for Follow-Up

Schedule the recommended appointment promptly and ask whether prior images are needed.

If earlier mammograms were performed elsewhere, authorize their transfer as soon as possible. Bring a list of relevant procedures, biopsies and family history, and tell the team about any new symptoms.

Write down your questions before the appointment. Useful questions include:

• What did the mammogram show?
• Which breast and area are being evaluated?
• What test is recommended next?
• When will results be available?
• Who should I contact if I do not receive them?

Stay Connected With Your Healthcare Team

Do not assume that no news means no follow-up is needed. Confirm that you received your results and completed every recommended step.

If you are advised to return in six months, add the date to your calendar and verify that the order is in place.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center can help patients coordinate breast-health questions with their ongoing women’s healthcare.

Learn about 3D mammography at WHMC or contact the West Bloomfield office at (248) 932-9223.

If you have an urgent or rapidly changing breast symptom, contact a healthcare professional promptly rather than waiting for routine screening.

How to Manage the Waiting Period

Waiting for additional imaging can create significant anxiety.

Focus on the information you have: the report found something that needs clarification, and the next test is designed to provide that information. Avoid assuming the most serious outcome before the workup is complete.

If the wait is long, ask whether another appointment is available or whether you can be added to a cancellation list.

Contact your healthcare provider if you do not understand the recommendation, cannot schedule the test or develop a new symptom.

Keep a record of appointment dates, facility names and the person you spoke with. If a biopsy is recommended, ask when pathology results are expected and which clinician will review them with you.

A clear communication plan can reduce uncertainty and help prevent missed follow-up.

Do Not Stop After the Callback

The screening process is not complete until the recommended evaluation has been performed and the result has been explained.

Keep copies of reports, verify that your provider received them and ask when routine screening should resume after the workup.

If the final finding is benign, future radiologists may still need those diagnostic images for comparison. Organized records can make later screening more efficient.

The post What Does an Abnormal Mammogram Mean? Understanding the Next Steps appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Hormonal changes are only part of the picture. Aging, family history, activity level, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol and other health factors also influence long-term wellness. A comprehensive menopause plan should address current symptoms while also considering preventive health.

How Menopause Can Affect Bone Health

Bones constantly break down and rebuild. Estrogen helps regulate this process. As estrogen levels decline around menopause, bone loss can occur more quickly.

Excessive bone loss can lead to osteoporosis and increase the risk of fractures, particularly in the hip, spine and wrist. Osteoporosis is sometimes called a silent condition because it may not cause obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Your clinician may review factors such as family history, early menopause, previous fractures, body weight, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, medications and other health conditions. Bone-density testing may be recommended based on age and individual risk.

Weight-bearing activity, strength training, adequate nutrition and avoiding tobacco can help support bone health. Learn more about bone health and osteoporosis prevention during menopause.

Why Heart Health Matters During Menopause

Cardiovascular risk increases with age, and the menopause transition is an important time to evaluate heart health. Changes in estrogen may affect blood vessels and cholesterol. At the same time, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight changes, inactivity and elevated cholesterol become more common during midlife.

Heart-health conversations may include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, nutrition, physical activity, sleep quality, smoking, family history and stress.

• Know your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Discuss diabetes screening with your healthcare provider
• Choose regular activity that fits your health and abilities
• Talk about sleep changes, weight changes and family history
• Avoid smoking and ask for support if you need help quitting

Menopausal hormone therapy may be appropriate for some women with bothersome symptoms, but it is not right for everyone. Benefits and risks depend on age, symptoms, medical history and the type of therapy being considered. Treatment decisions should be made individually with a qualified healthcare professional.

Menopause and Pelvic Floor Health

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that supports the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. Menopause and aging can contribute to changes in these tissues. Pregnancy, vaginal delivery, chronic coughing, constipation, repeated heavy lifting and previous pelvic surgery may also affect pelvic support.

Possible symptoms include urinary leakage, urgency, vaginal pressure, a bulging sensation, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, discomfort and pain during sexual activity.

These symptoms are common, but you do not have to accept them as an unavoidable part of aging. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor physical therapy, a pessary, medication or a procedure, depending on the diagnosis and severity.

WHMC provides evaluation for urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and other pelvic floor concerns. Explore WHMC gynecology services for more information.

Vaginal and Urinary Changes During Menopause

Lower estrogen levels may also contribute to vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, painful intercourse and urinary symptoms. Treatment options may include vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, pelvic floor therapy, local vaginal estrogen or other prescription therapies.

The most appropriate option depends on your symptoms, health history and preferences. Tell your provider about discomfort, leakage or sexual health concerns rather than waiting for symptoms to become more disruptive.

Build a Complete Menopause Care Plan

Effective menopause care should address symptoms, preventive examinations, bone health, cardiovascular risk, pelvic floor function, breast and cervical screening, lifestyle and follow-up as your needs change.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center provides personalized care during menopause and beyond. To discuss your symptoms and preventive health priorities, contact WHMC or call (248) 932-9223.

The post How Menopause Affects Bone, Heart and Pelvic Health appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

AI Is a Support Tool, Not a Replacement for the Radiologist

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to support medical imaging, including mammography.

MammoScreen is an FDA-cleared technology designed to assist radiologists as they review mammogram images. It analyzes image patterns and highlights areas that may deserve closer attention.

The radiologist remains responsible for interpreting the exam and issuing the report. AI does not perform the mammogram, speak with the patient or make an independent diagnosis.

Its role is to provide an additional layer of information within the radiologist’s established workflow.

How MammoScreen Evaluates Images

MammoScreen uses a deep-learning model trained on a large collection of mammogram images.

When a new study is processed, the system assesses the images and provides information that can help the radiologist prioritize or re-examine areas of concern.

It can be used with both 2D and 3D mammography images, depending on the clinical setup.

This process happens behind the scenes. Patients do not need additional compression, extra images or a separate appointment simply because AI support is being used.

Your physical mammogram experience remains the same.

Why a Second Analytical Tool May Be Useful

Mammograms contain complex patterns of fatty, fibrous and glandular tissue. Dense tissue can be particularly challenging because it may overlap with or obscure an abnormality.

An AI tool can offer consistent image analysis and draw attention to features that the radiologist should consider alongside the full exam.

AI is not infallible. It can flag benign findings, and it may not highlight every cancer.

Radiologists also consider prior images, breast density, technical quality, symptoms, history and patterns that an algorithm may not fully capture. Human expertise and clinical context remain essential.

What Happens If an Area Needs More Evaluation?

If the radiologist sees an area that is unclear or potentially abnormal, the next step may include additional mammogram views, targeted ultrasound, short-term follow-up or biopsy.

That process is based on the radiologist’s final assessment, not solely on an AI score or marker.

A callback after screening is not a diagnosis of cancer. It means more information is needed to reach a confident conclusion.

Follow the instructions in your results letter and contact the ordering provider if you have questions about the recommended next step.

MammoScreen at Women’s Health and Menopause Center

WHMC includes MammoScreen with mammograms to support the breast-specialized radiologist reviewing each study.

The technology is intended to enhance review while preserving the role of trained clinical professionals.

Learn more on WHMC’s MammoScreen information page.

If you are due for screening, call (248) 932-9223 or request an appointment online.

You can also review WHMC’s 3D mammography services and ask whether additional screening should be considered based on your breast density and individual risk.

Questions Patients Often Ask About AI Mammography

Does AI see my entire medical record? The system is used to analyze mammogram images within a clinical workflow. The radiologist, not the algorithm, brings together the imaging with prior studies and relevant history.

Does an AI marker mean cancer is present? No. A highlighted area is a prompt for review, not a diagnosis.

Can AI replace additional imaging? No. If an area remains unclear, the radiologist may recommend diagnostic views, ultrasound, MRI or biopsy.

Does AI guarantee that a cancer will be found? No screening method or software can provide that guarantee. Patients should still report new breast changes even after a normal mammogram.

The most useful way to think about MammoScreen is as one more analytical input for the radiologist.

It can support consistency and attention, but it works within a broader system that includes high-quality imaging, trained technologists, specialist interpretation, comparison with prior exams and reliable follow-up.

Technology Works Best With Complete Information

Even when AI is part of the review, provide accurate history and make prior images available.

Tell the team about surgery, implants, previous biopsies, current symptoms and changes in family history. Those details give the radiologist context that image analysis alone cannot supply.

Advanced software may support interpretation, but high-quality care still depends on communication among the patient, technologist, radiologist and referring clinician.

The post MammoScreen AI: How Artificial Intelligence Supports Mammogram Review appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Newborn screening does not diagnose every possible condition. It identifies babies who may benefit from additional testing, early treatment or closer follow-up. The exact screening process can vary by state, hospital and your baby’s individual needs.

The Newborn Physical Examination

A pediatrician or qualified newborn care professional will perform a physical examination after delivery. The examination may include your baby’s heart and breathing, muscle tone, skin color, head, face, mouth, abdomen, hips, spine, reflexes and general responsiveness.

Your baby will also be weighed and measured. Weight, length and head circumference create a baseline that can be compared with future pediatric visits. Weight changes during the first days are common, so your pediatrician will continue monitoring feeding and growth after discharge.

Blood Spot or Heel-Stick Screening

Blood spot screening is sometimes called the heel-stick test. A healthcare professional collects a few drops of blood from your baby’s heel and places them on a special screening card.

The sample is sent to a state laboratory to look for signs of uncommon but serious conditions. These may include metabolic, hormonal, blood, immune and genetic disorders. Many babies with these conditions appear healthy at birth, which is why screening is important even when the newborn examination is normal.

An out-of-range screening result does not necessarily mean that your baby has a condition. It means additional testing may be needed. Ask your pediatrician when results should be available and how your family will be contacted.

Newborn Hearing Screening

Hearing plays an important role in communication and language development. A newborn hearing screening can usually be completed while your baby is resting or sleeping.

Common screening methods measure how the inner ear or hearing pathways respond to sound. The process is quick and does not hurt. A baby may need repeat testing because of movement, fluid in the ear or background noise. Not passing the first screening does not automatically mean that permanent hearing loss is present.

Pulse Oximetry for Newborn Heart Screening

Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in your baby’s blood. A small sensor is placed on the baby’s hand or wrist and foot.

This screening can help identify certain critical congenital heart defects before a baby leaves the hospital. The test is painless and usually takes only a few minutes. If the oxygen reading is outside the expected range, the care team may repeat the screening or recommend additional evaluation.

Pulse oximetry does not identify every heart condition and does not replace the newborn physical examination.

Bilirubin and Jaundice Evaluation

Many newborns develop some degree of jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin or eyes. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up in the blood.

Bilirubin may be measured using a device placed against the skin or through a blood test. The result is interpreted based on the baby’s age and individual risk factors. Most newborn jaundice is mild, but higher levels may require closer monitoring or treatment.

Additional Testing and Follow-Up

Not every newborn needs the same additional testing. Blood sugar checks, infection testing, imaging or other evaluations may be recommended when a baby has symptoms or specific risk factors.

• Which screenings were completed
• Whether any tests need to be repeated
• When results will be available
• Who will receive the results
• When your baby should see a pediatrician

WHMC provides prenatal education and delivery preparation throughout pregnancy. Explore WHMC obstetric care and prenatal birthing classes as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

To schedule prenatal care in West Bloomfield, contact WHMC or call (248) 932-9223.

The post What Are the Most Important Newborn Tests After Delivery? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

A Missed Mammogram Can Become a Longer Gap

Busy schedules, caregiving, anxiety, discomfort and insurance questions can make it easy to postpone a mammogram.

One delayed appointment may not feel significant, but it can turn into a much longer break from screening. If you are due, scheduling now is a practical way to restore your routine.

Mammograms can identify breast changes before they can be felt. Regular screening also gives radiologists prior images for comparison.

A new area, subtle change or stable finding is often easier to understand when current and previous exams are available together.

Screening Is Intended to Find Changes Before Symptoms Appear

A screening mammogram is performed when there is no new breast symptom. It is not a guarantee that cancer is absent, but it remains the primary screening test for most women.

Finding certain cancers at an earlier stage may expand treatment options and improve outcomes.

Do not wait for a lump before discussing screening. At the same time, do not wait for a routine mammogram if you already have a concern.

A new lump, bloody or clear nipple discharge, nipple inversion, skin dimpling, redness, swelling or a noticeable change in breast shape should be evaluated promptly.

Know Whether You Are Due

For average-risk individuals, major guidelines support beginning mammography at age 40.

Recommendations differ on whether screening should occur every year or every two years, which is why your plan should be confirmed with your clinician. People with a higher-than-average risk may need earlier or more intensive screening.

Review the date of your last mammogram and any follow-up recommendation in the report.

If you were advised to return in six months, that is different from routine annual screening and should not be postponed without speaking with the ordering clinician.

Common Reasons Women Postpone Screening

Some women worry about pain or a callback. Compression is brief, and the technologist can work with you on positioning.

A callback means the radiologist needs more information. It does not automatically mean cancer.

Others are unsure about cost. Contact your insurer and the imaging office to confirm coverage and any expected patient responsibility.

If you are concerned because it has been several years, remember that returning now is more useful than feeling embarrassed about the gap.

Tell the office when and where your last exam was performed so previous images can be requested when available.

Make Your Mammogram Easier to Complete

Choose an appointment time you can realistically keep, add it to your calendar and gather prior imaging information in advance.

On the day of the exam, avoid deodorant, powder, lotion and perfume near the breasts and underarms. Wear a two-piece outfit and tell the technologist about implants, surgery, pregnancy, breastfeeding or breast symptoms.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center offers 3D mammography and MammoScreen AI support in West Bloomfield.

If you are overdue, call (248) 932-9223 or request an appointment online today.

How to Restart Screening After a Long Gap

If it has been several years since your last mammogram, begin by contacting your OB-GYN or the screening facility.

Be ready to share the approximate date and location of the previous exam, even if you no longer have the report. The facility may be able to request the earlier images.

If they are unavailable, the current study can still establish a new comparison point.

Do not wait until Breast Cancer Awareness Month if you are already due. Choose the earliest practical appointment, confirm whether an order is required and address insurance questions in advance.

If fear has been the main barrier, tell the team. They can explain the process, expected timing and how results are communicated.

The important decision is not whether you followed the past schedule perfectly. It is whether you take the next appropriate step now.

Use October as a Reminder, Not a Deadline

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a helpful prompt to check your screening status, but mammograms should be scheduled whenever they are due.

Appointment availability may tighten during October, so book early or choose another month that fits your recommended interval.

Consistency matters more than the season. Once the exam is scheduled, plan how you will receive the results and complete any requested follow-up.

The post Why You Should Not Delay Your Annual Mammogram appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Mammogram Discomfort Is Usually Brief

One of the most common questions before a mammogram is whether it will hurt. The honest answer is that the experience varies.

Some women feel firm pressure, while others experience a few seconds of pain during compression. The discomfort usually ends as soon as the technologist releases the plate.

Concern about discomfort should not prevent you from scheduling recommended screening. Understanding why compression is used and taking a few practical steps can help make the appointment more manageable.

Tell the technologist about any sensitivity, injury, implants or areas that are already painful before positioning begins.

Why Breast Compression Is Necessary

During mammography, the breast is placed between two plates and compressed for each image.

Compression spreads the tissue so overlapping structures are easier to see. It also keeps the breast still, reduces blur and allows a clear image to be produced with the lowest practical radiation exposure.

The technologist must apply enough compression to obtain diagnostic-quality images, but you should still communicate throughout the exam.

If the pressure becomes difficult to tolerate, say so immediately. The technologist may be able to pause, adjust the position or explain how much longer the image will take.

Choose a Comfortable Time When Possible

Breasts can be more tender before and during a menstrual period. If you notice a predictable pattern, consider scheduling your mammogram for a time in your cycle when tenderness is usually lower.

Do not delay an urgent diagnostic evaluation because of cycle timing.

If your clinician says it is safe for you, an over-the-counter pain reliever before the appointment may reduce discomfort.

Ask first if you have medication allergies, kidney or liver disease, a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners or are unsure which product is appropriate.

Prepare for Easier Positioning

Wear a two-piece outfit so you can undress only from the waist up.

Avoid deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion, powder, cream and perfume on your breasts and underarms on the day of the exam because some products can create spots on the image.

Bring information about previous mammograms and arrange to have earlier images transferred if they were completed elsewhere.

Limit unnecessary tension by allowing enough travel time and arriving a few minutes early. Slow breathing and relaxing your shoulders can make positioning easier.

The technologist may ask you to turn, lift your arm or hold your breath briefly while an image is taken.

Do Not Ignore Ongoing Breast Pain

Breast pain is common and is often not caused by cancer, but new, persistent or localized pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

A routine screening mammogram may not be the correct appointment when symptoms are present. The office may recommend a clinical exam, diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound or another next step.

WHMC offers 3D mammography in West Bloomfield with an experienced screening team.

If discomfort has made you postpone your mammogram, let the office know when scheduling so your concerns can be addressed. Call (248) 932-9223 or contact WHMC online.

When Anxiety Is the Bigger Barrier

For some patients, worry about results, past trauma or feeling exposed causes more distress than the compression itself.

Tell the scheduling team if you are anxious or need additional explanation. You can ask the technologist to describe each position before touching or moving you and to tell you when compression will begin and end.

Consider bringing a written list of concerns so you do not have to remember everything during the appointment. Ask whether a support person may accompany you to the facility, even if that person cannot enter the imaging room.

Most importantly, do not feel embarrassed about expressing discomfort or fear. Clear communication helps the care team provide a more respectful experience and may make it easier for you to return for future recommended screening.

Plan for a Short Appointment With Long-Term Value

The compression portion of each image lasts only a short time, while the information from regular screening can support years of comparison.

Give yourself time to arrive without rushing, communicate openly and focus on one image at a time.

If you had a difficult previous exam, mention it when scheduling. A thoughtful plan can make the next mammogram more comfortable and less intimidating.

The post Does a Mammogram Hurt? What to Expect and How to Prepare appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

At Women’s Health and Menopause Center, pregnancy care is designed to guide you from those first questions through delivery preparation and postpartum recovery. Early and regular prenatal care allows your OB-GYN to monitor your health, follow your baby’s development and identify concerns that may require additional attention.

Begin Care After a Positive Pregnancy Test

Contact WHMC after confirming your pregnancy. The office can review the date of your last menstrual period, health history, medications and symptoms before recommending the appropriate appointment time.

Earlier evaluation may be recommended for patients with bleeding, significant pelvic pain, a history of ectopic pregnancy, fertility treatment or certain medical conditions. Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other emergency symptoms.

During your first appointment, your provider may review your medical and family history, previous pregnancies, medications, estimated due date, prenatal vitamins, nutrition and screening options. Bring a medication list, the first day of your last menstrual period and information about prior pregnancies or health conditions.

Learn more about the first trimester of pregnancy and how to prepare for early prenatal care.

Personalized Prenatal Visits Through Every Trimester

Prenatal care continues throughout all three trimesters. At WHMC, routine appointments may include blood pressure and urine checks, fetal heart-tone monitoring, a review of your symptoms and an examination with your provider.

Additional testing depends on your stage of pregnancy and individual medical needs. Your care may include ultrasounds, prenatal genetic screening, an anatomy scan, gestational diabetes screening and Group B strep testing. Visit frequency may increase as your due date approaches.

Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple gestation, fetal-growth concerns or previous pregnancy complications may need additional monitoring. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your individual situation.

WHMC’s personalized approach also gives you time to ask questions and understand why a screening, test or treatment is being recommended. Explore the complete WHMC obstetrics program.

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

During the third trimester, conversations begin shifting toward labor, hospital preparation and birth preferences. Your prenatal appointments may include discussions about signs of labor, when to contact the office, hospital arrival, pain-relief preferences, support people and newborn care.

A birth plan can help organize your preferences, but it should remain flexible. Your care team may need to adjust the plan based on your health, your baby’s condition and how labor progresses.

Read WHMC’s tips for labor and delivery and review current hospital and after-hours instructions before your final weeks of pregnancy.

Postpartum Care Is Part of the Plan

Care should not end when your baby is born. The postpartum period includes physical healing, hormonal changes, feeding decisions, sleep disruption and emotional adjustment. Follow-up should address your recovery as well as your long-term health.

• Vaginal or cesarean recovery
• Bleeding, pain and blood pressure
• Bladder, bowel and pelvic floor symptoms
• Anxiety, depression or mood changes
• Feeding concerns and sleep
• Contraception and future pregnancy planning

WHMC’s patient resources include postpartum support and information that can help you prepare before delivery.

Begin Your Pregnancy Journey With WHMC

Whether this is your first pregnancy or you are growing your family, WHMC provides individualized care throughout pregnancy, delivery preparation and postpartum recovery. To schedule a prenatal appointment, contact WHMC or call (248) 932-9223.

The post How WHMC Supports You From a Positive Pregnancy Test Through Postpartum Care appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Different Tests Can Answer Different Questions

A mammogram and Automated Breast Ultrasound, commonly called ABUS, are not interchangeable tests.

Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to create images of breast tissue and remains the primary screening tool for most women. ABUS uses sound waves and may be added for selected patients, particularly when dense tissue makes a mammogram more difficult to interpret.

When a provider recommends both exams, the goal is to gather complementary information. One test does not cancel out the need for the other.

The decision should be based on your breast density, overall risk, previous imaging and the recommendation of your healthcare team.

What Mammography Can Show

Mammograms can reveal masses, architectural changes and tiny calcium deposits that may not be visible with ultrasound.

Three-dimensional mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis, captures images from multiple angles and allows the radiologist to review thin layers of tissue. This can reduce some of the visual overlap found in a flat 2D image.

Even with 3D technology, dense fibrous and glandular tissue can sometimes obscure a finding because dense tissue and many cancers both appear white on mammograms. That is why breast density is included in the radiology report and patient summary.

What ABUS Adds

ABUS creates ultrasound images across a broad area of the breast. Sound waves respond differently to solid and fluid-filled structures, giving the radiologist another way to evaluate tissue.

Because ABUS does not rely on X-rays, density affects the images differently than it affects a mammogram.

ABUS may help identify some findings that are less visible on mammography in dense tissue. However, it can also reveal benign areas that require additional evaluation.

A patient may be called back for targeted handheld ultrasound, more mammogram views or another test. This possibility should be part of the discussion before supplemental screening.

Who May Be a Candidate for Both?

Women with heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts may be candidates for supplemental imaging, but density is only one factor.

Family history, genetic mutations, previous biopsies, prior chest radiation and personal history can influence the screening plan. Some higher-risk women may be advised to have breast MRI rather than, or in addition to, ultrasound.

Professional guidance does not recommend that every woman with dense breasts automatically receive ABUS.

Your clinician can help weigh potential benefits against possible drawbacks, including false-positive findings, extra appointments, anxiety and out-of-pocket costs. Insurance coverage for supplemental screening can vary.

Coordinate Your Breast Screening at WHMC

The most effective screening plan is one you understand and can follow consistently.

Keep copies of prior imaging available, review your density category and update your provider whenever your family or personal history changes. If you notice a new breast symptom, contact your provider instead of waiting for routine screening.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center provides 3D mammography and ABUS technology for dense breasts in West Bloomfield.

To ask whether you may benefit from both, call (248) 932-9223 or request an appointment.

What to Expect During an ABUS Appointment

For ABUS, you will generally lie on your back while lotion is applied to the breast. A wide ultrasound transducer is placed over the tissue to collect standardized images.

The technologist may make several passes to image the full breast. You may feel pressure, but the examination does not use the same plate compression as mammography and does not involve ionizing radiation.

The technologist captures the images, but a radiologist interprets them. Results may not be provided during the appointment.

Ask when the report should be available and what follow-up would be required if an area needs more evaluation. Since ABUS can identify findings that require targeted imaging, plan to complete any recommended follow-up promptly.

Supplemental screening is most useful when it is part of an organized process that includes interpretation, communication and access to diagnostic evaluation.

Confirm the Order and Coverage

Before booking ABUS, confirm that the appropriate order has been placed and ask your insurance company how supplemental ultrasound is covered.

Request an estimate if coverage is uncertain. Also ask whether mammography and ABUS should be scheduled together or on separate dates.

Understanding the plan before arrival can reduce delays and ensure the radiologist receives the imaging needed for a complete review.

The post Mammogram and ABUS: Why Some Women May Benefit From Both appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

What Breast Density Means

Breast density describes the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared with fatty tissue as seen on a mammogram. It is not determined by how breasts look or feel.

A radiologist assigns one of four density categories after reviewing the images:

• Almost entirely fatty
• Scattered areas of density
• Heterogeneously dense
• Extremely dense

Breasts are considered dense when they are classified as heterogeneously dense or extremely dense.

Dense breasts are common. Density can change with age, hormonal shifts, pregnancy, menopause, certain medications and changes in body composition.

Why Dense Tissue Matters

Dense breast tissue matters for two main reasons. First, dense tissue and many breast cancers both appear white on a mammogram. This overlap can make a small abnormality more difficult to see.

Second, having dense breasts is associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared with having mostly fatty breast tissue.

Federal mammography rules require facilities to include breast-density information in patient result summaries. The notification is meant to support a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider. It does not mean that every woman with dense breasts automatically needs an additional test.

Should Everyone With Dense Breasts Have More Imaging?

There is no single answer for every patient. Major organizations note that evidence is still evolving about routine supplemental imaging for all women whose only risk factor is breast density.

Additional screening can find abnormalities that were not visible on a mammogram, but it can also lead to more callbacks, short-term follow-up studies and biopsies for findings that are not cancer.

Your provider should consider the full picture, including your age, family history, genetic factors, previous biopsies, past chest radiation, personal history and the findings on your mammogram.

A formal breast-cancer risk assessment may help determine whether supplemental ultrasound, MRI or another approach should be discussed.

How ABUS May Help

Automated Breast Ultrasound, or ABUS, uses sound waves rather than X-rays to create images of breast tissue.

It is designed to image a broad area of the breast in a standardized way and may be considered as supplemental screening for some women with dense breasts. ABUS does not replace mammography because the tests show different types of information.

During an ABUS exam, lotion is applied to the breast and a scanner is positioned over the tissue to collect images. A radiologist reviews the resulting image set.

If an area needs a closer look, targeted handheld ultrasound or another test may still be recommended.

Read more about ABUS and dense-breast screening at WHMC.

Questions to Ask After Receiving a Dense-Breast Notice

Ask which density category appears in your report, whether you have other breast-cancer risk factors and whether additional imaging would offer a meaningful benefit in your situation.

You can also ask about possible costs, insurance coverage and the chance of a false-positive result.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center offers 3D mammography and ABUS in West Bloomfield. Call (248) 932-9223 or contact WHMC to discuss your screening history and schedule the services recommended for you.

Breast Density Can Change Over Time

A density category is based on the current mammogram and may not remain the same throughout your life. Hormonal changes, aging, menopause, pregnancy, weight changes and some medications can affect breast composition.

That is one reason each new report should be reviewed rather than assuming your density is unchanged from a previous year.

If supplemental screening is recommended, ask whether it is being suggested because of density alone or because other risk factors are present. Also ask how the test fits with your regular mammogram schedule.

Additional imaging should complement, not replace, recommended mammography unless your clinical team provides a different plan. Keep a record of your reports and follow-up instructions so future clinicians can see the full screening history.

Keep Density in Perspective

A dense-breast notice provides useful information, but it should not create panic or be treated as a diagnosis.

Use it as a reason to ask better questions about your overall risk and the limits of each screening test. Continue recommended mammography, report new symptoms and complete any additional imaging your clinical team advises.

The goal is an individualized plan, not the largest possible number of tests.

The post Do You Have Dense Breasts? Why Additional Screening May Be Recommended appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.