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Katy obstetrician explains the importance of prenatal care
Prenatal care should begin as soon as you suspect that you’re pregnant. Simply stated, the earlier you start caring for yourself, the healthier you and your child will be. The importance of prenatal care cannot be overstated, as your Katy obstetrician explains.
The benefits of prenatal care
- Have a healthy baby – You want the best for your child, even before he or she is born. You might be decorating the nursery and already planning a college fund, but the most important thing you can do to ensure a good life ahead is seek medical care. Preventive care can help avoid problems, while early diagnosis and treatment can mitigate the risk if problems do develop. How much difference does regular prenatal care make? According to the US Office of Women’s Health, infant death is five times less likely and a low-birthweight baby is three times less likely if the mother receives prenatal care.
- Keep mommy healthy too – The majority of pregnancies are trouble free, but if something goes wrong your baby isn’t the only one in danger. The changes in, and demands on, a woman’s body during this time are tremendous. Your obstetrician will help you avoid injury and optimize your own health, as well as diagnosing and managing any conditions such as diabetes that may develop.
- Get answers to your questions – Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting, and sometimes frightening, events in a woman’s life. Is this supplement safe? How much exercise should you get? Is this symptom normal at this stage? Questions abound, especially for first time moms. However, every pregnancy is different, so even women with multiple children find themselves in unknown territory.
- Know what’s happening – During prenatal exams, your obstetrician will measure your baby bump, check the fetal heart rate, and more. This information, along with ultrasound images and other indicators are used to track your baby’s development.
- Be prepared –What are your pain medication preferences? Who do you want in the delivery room? Are you going to breastfeed? These are just a few of the many decisions you will need to make as you create a birth plan. Your obstetrician will explain what to expect during labor and delivery, and what you need to decide in advance.
Call our office
New patients please call:
855-346-8610
855-346-8610
Existing patients please call:
281-347-2600
281-347-2600
What does the first prenatal visit include
During the first visit, your obstetrician will confirm the diagnosis of pregnancy, and run some routine tests to identify any risk factors. This includes a cervical exam, pap smear, bloodwork, cervical cultures, and a general physical examination. Ultrasound scans and other diagnostics may also be performed at this time if needed.
In addition to testing, your obstetrician will inquire about your medical history, previous pregnancies, date of your last menstrual period, and any symptoms you might be experiencing. An important part of this visit is advice and discussion, especially if you haven’t seen us for preconception care. We will discuss nutrition, supplements, medication, exercise, and other steps you can take to promote a healthy pregnancy.
When you first learn that you are pregnant, your mind goes a million directions. It can be easy to forget important questions or information. In order to make the most of your prenatal visit, it is a good idea to make a list. Include any questions about your eating habits, ability to work, medical concerns, the birthing process or anything else. Similarly, bring something (a device or old-fashioned pen and paper) to make notes during the appointment. Of course, we are here for you throughout your pregnancy and beyond, so you can always call. However, these steps can help you make the most of your appointment and get off to a good start.
Ongoing pre-natal care
After the initial visit, you will need to see your obstetrician regularly to ensure that your pregnancy is progressing normally. The treatment schedule may vary, especially for women with high-risk pregnancies, which must be monitored closely. However, in most cases the prenatal care schedule includes:
- First appointment – As soon as possible
- Subsequent appointments during the first trimester – Monthly
- During the second trimester – Bi-weekly
- During the third trimester – Weekly
- At any time – Don’t take chances; call us if you have unexpected symptoms or anything else concerning
If you are pregnant or planning a family, please call Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine at 855-346-8610 to schedule an appointment.
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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.
