Local Obstetrics Professional Explains the Importance of Proper Prenatal Care

It is a common misconception that maintaining a healthy pregnancy is only essential for the developing fetus. The reality, however, is that a healthy pregnancy is necessary for both the developing fetus and the mother. A woman’s body undergoes drastic changes during pregnancy. A mother-to-be will experience drastic physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that make self-care critically important. Through approved exercise, a proper diet, prenatal vitamins, and scheduled checkups with an obstetrician, the mother-to-be will be setting herself and her baby up for a successful pregnancy.

Expecting mothers who reside in Katy, Texas, and surrounding areas have trusted the management of their pregnancies to Dr. Taryll Jenkins and the team at Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Jenkins is skilled in the field and fully respects the importance of how several factors, including proper medical care, a balanced and healthy diet, low-intensity exercise and activity, and relaxation, all combine to make up a healthy and successful pregnancy. Expecting mothers who undergo quality prenatal care while taking care of themselves at home have a higher probability of completing a healthy pregnancy. Women who receive good prenatal care reduce their risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and other serious pregnancy complications.

Dr. Jenkins feels it is important to stress that prenatal care begins even before conception. When a couple decides to start a family, it is vital to cease unhealthy habits. Women who smoke or drink heavily should begin to curb that behavior before they even produce a positive pregnancy test. That will allow the aspiring mother to cease these activities once conception has occurred. Making sure you are at a healthy weight and have no underlying health conditions is also very important to avoid any negative impact on your pregnancy.

Once a positive pregnancy test has been achieved, the next step should be to call a trusted obstetrician to schedule an appointment. Many expecting mothers go in for their first appointment when their pregnancy approaches the eight-week mark. At this point, the expecting mother should be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat, take measurements of the fetus, and undergo essential blood work. As the pregnancy progresses over the next several months, follow-up appointments will occur every four weeks so that the baby’s weight, heartbeat, and health can be monitored. These appointments are also necessary for the mother as more testing will be done, including blood work, ultrasounds, and testing for gestational diabetes. All this care is needed to ensure that the baby and mother remain healthy as the pregnancy develops.

As a pregnancy continues, it is essential to know what specific activities and foods should be avoided. It is commonly asked if things like alcohol, caffeine, sushi, lunch meat, exercise, and even sex should be avoided. While it is common knowledge that you should avoid alcohol and tobacco products, it is best to check other foods and activities with your doctor. There is a difference in opinion depending on who your doctor is. Some will say avoid specific foods and beverages, while others state that they are ok in moderation. Acceptable activity level is usually going to be dependent on the health of the mother.

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For more info about obstetric care, call Dr. Taryll Jenkins today at 855-346-8610.

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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.