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29
Nov
FAQs about what to expect from prenatal visits at every step in your pregnancy journey
Congratulations on getting pregnant! Now, let’s partner with you to support the healthiest experience and process in the journey to building your family. Your experience is unique. So, how often you see your ob-gyn during pregnancy depends on many unique factors, including whether you are in a high-risk pregnancy. Regardless of your specific needs, Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine is here for you in Katy, Texas, to sustain your and your baby’s health at every step. And we are pleased to provide some insights into what to expect courtesy of the following questions about prenatal visits.
When should I schedule my first visit?
There is no good reason to wait to see us after receiving the good news. Generally, though, this longer visit will be scheduled between eight and ten weeks after the first day of your last period. Be prepared to set aside a little more time for this appointment, as much of it will involve collecting considerable information that serves as a foundation for other services, testing, and appointments throughout the rest of your pregnancy. We will conduct a thorough physical exam, which includes a pelvic exam. Typically, an ultrasound is ordered to see how your baby is growing. This may provide the first look you get at your baby – so it’s an exciting time! We will also provide you with an estimated due date.
How frequently will I need to visit my OBGYN early on?
This depends on whether your pregnancy is high-risk or not. If we do not find any causes for concern, it is largely advised to schedule a prenatal appointment once every month between week 4 and week 28. The rule of thumb is that the closer we get to your due date, the more often we will need to check on your health and that of your baby.
So, when will I need to start to visit more often?
At the start of your third trimester (week No. 28), you will go from visiting us once every four weeks to biweekly (or once every two weeks). This schedule will be maintained until week No. 36. In the last month of your pregnancy, we will see you every week.
Call our office
New patients please call:
855-346-8610
855-346-8610
Existing patients please call:
281-347-2600
281-347-2600
What can I expect during these visits?
All women can generally expect to have their blood pressure, weight, urine, and belly bumps regularly measured throughout pregnancy. Common tests or screenings include NIPT, which stands for noninvasive prenatal testing. This is typically done after the 10-week mark to check for genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. A blood test known as a quad test is primarily ordered between the 15th and 20th week. This bloodwork is necessary to check for potential anomalies in the development of the baby’s brain, spine, and nerves. Later on, usually in the sixth month toward the end of the second trimester, we will also test for gestational diabetes. This complication affects some 5% to 9% of pregnant women and arises due to hormonal imbalances that trigger elevated blood sugar levels.
What if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
Your pregnancy may be considered “high-risk” if you are younger than 20 or older than 35. Other risk factors include smoking, tobacco and nicotine use, excessive alcohol consumption, and comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, and poorly controlled asthma. While you will need to visit Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine more frequently, your schedule depends on your specific needs and risk factors. Additionally, we may need to order special ultrasounds and genetic and lab tests.
A healthy pregnancy is a true partnership between you and your OBGYN. To schedule your initial visit, contact our teams in Katy, TX, at 855-346-8610. Our two offices are conveniently located at Kingsland Boulevard and Merchants Way.
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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
Connect with Dr. Jenkins on Linkedin
We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.
