Apr
Whether you are thinking about having a baby, just found out you are pregnant, or are pregnant with your third child, prenatal care and quality obstetric services are important . Prenatal care involves the care and services you receive while pregnant. Located in Katy, TX , Drs Jenkins, Roy, Ramirez and Ikwuagwu of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine offer comprehensive obstetric care.
Quality prenatal care is important for the baby’s health as well as the mother’s. Studies have shown that mothers who receive prenatal care are more likely to deliver a healthy baby. Obstetricians can identify potential problems early, which allow the mother and baby to receive the appropriate treatment sooner. The medical team can provide expectant mothers with education and tips for a smooth, healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery .
At Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine, we tailor prenatal care and treatments to your needs. Our physicians are available to address your concerns and questions before, during, and after labor and delivery. We offer the following preconception and prenatal services:
Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life. Our team is available to provide quality care before, during, and after your pregnancy . Knowing what to expect from your obstetrics team helps guide you through this period to lessen your stress and help you make informed choices about your care.
Your initial appointment is scheduled around the eighth week of pregnancy. During this appointment, you can expect to discuss your personal and family health history. A physical exam, pelvic exam, and Pap test will be performed. Your blood pressure, height, and weight will be checked. Your doctor will answer your questions and concerns, calculate your due date, and provide you with information on increasing your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Beginning in the first and carrying through the second trimester, appointments with your obstetrician are every four weeks. During this stage, you may have blood work and a urine analysis. Your baby’s heartbeat will be checked. Your doctor will continue to monitor your health to make sure the baby is growing as expected. Additional screenings including those that check for birth defects or abnormalities may be offered.
During the third trimester, you will be tested for gestational diabetes and group B strep. Your doctor will discuss these tests with you as they approach. You will begin to see your doctor every two weeks and then every week when you are 36 weeks pregnant. As your due date nears, signs of labor will be discussed, and your cervix will be checked.
Prenatal care encompasses medical care you receive from your obstetrician as well as your healthy habits at home. During your appointments, your medical team will give you information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A prenatal vitamin with folic acid should be taken the moment you find out you are pregnant if not before. A woman’s health is essential for a healthy baby. Women who eat well and exercise regularly while receiving regular prenatal care are less likely to have complications during pregnancy and are more likely to give birth to a healthy baby.
Patients should maintain a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, calcium, protein, and healthy fats. Eating a balanced diet is linked to fetal brain development and a healthy birth weight. It may also lower the risk of some birth defects and unpleasant pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue and morning sickness. Expectant mothers should avoid smoking and undercooked meats. Unless otherwise directed by your physician, women can continue their regular exercise routines unless it becomes uncomfortable.
If you are pregnant or are hoping to become pregnant, contact the team at Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine for obstetric services and prenatal care. Call 855-346-8610.
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.