How and why is an obstetric ultrasound done for patients in Katy, TX?

At Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, Katy, TX area women who are going through their pregnancy are often interested in learning more about obstetric ultrasounds. Why might an ultrasound be performed? How is an obstetric ultrasound done? How often should I have ultrasounds completed throughout my pregnancy? These are all questions that patients may have about this amazing technology, and they can be answered by Drs Jenkins, Roy, Ramirez and Ikwuagwu.

Why might an ultrasound be performed?

Ultrasounds are performed for a variety of reasons. When most women think of ultrasounds, they think of the ability to see their baby in the womb and the chance to learn if they are having a boy or a girl – or even multiple babies! Ultrasounds provide the opportunity to glimpse into the body to see your precious bundle of joy! However, there are important reasons ultrasounds may be done. They are used to:

Determine the gender
Ensure proper development throughout the pregnancy
Assess the risks of specific medical conditions
Diagnose concerns that may occur
Check the position of the baby for delivery
Measure the length of the cervix
Determine how much fluid is in the placenta

How is an obstetric ultrasound done?

There are two ways for our doctors to perform ultrasounds. First is the traditional procedure during which a device is used along the patient’s stomach. This allows the sonographer to capture images of the baby and take screenshots and video for the doctor to review. There are some situations in which the sonographer may prefer to use a vaginal ultrasound. This is a wand that is inserted into the vagina to get a more precise look at the baby than what a traditional, external ultrasound can provide. The doctor may suggest the use of one over the other, depending on the reason the ultrasound is being performed in the first place.

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How often should I have ultrasounds completed throughout my pregnancy?

The number of ultrasounds during a pregnancy may vary from patient to patient. Those who are considered “high risk pregnancies” may need to undergo more ultrasounds than a patient who does not have any medical risks. Most women will have one to three ultrasounds during their time with our team. The first one may be done to ensure the pregnancy is viable in the first few weeks. The second one may be done mid-way to check for any deformities and to provide a gender reveal. The third may be done prior to delivery to make sure everything is ready for the new arrival and that the third trimester is progressing as planned.

Are ultrasounds safe?

kins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine explain whether ultrasounds are safe

Ultrasounds are completely safe to perform throughout the pregnancy to provide information to our doctors to ensure the health and development of the new baby or babies. It allows our physicians to monitor progress and ensure that all is well for delivery.

Does it hurt to have an ultrasound performed?

Ultrasounds with traditional external devices do not hurt. The sonographer may suggest patients come in with a full bladder to ensure the best view, and this might be uncomfortable for some women who are wanting to urinate prior to the appointment. If an ultrasound is performed with a vaginal device, there may some initial discomfort during insertion but then patients are often comfortable through the ultrasound viewing. Our sonographers can answer any questions women may have about their ultrasound prior to having it performed so they are completely confident before, during, and after their procedures. We want our patients to have a positive experience during their ultrasounds.

Are you interested in ultrasounds during your pregnancy?

Ultrasounds are great diagnostic tools available with today’s amazing technology. If you are ready to discuss with your obstetrician the benefits of regular ultrasounds throughout your pregnancy, we encourage you to contact the team of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine. Our physicians are readily available to assist women in the Katy, TX area with their care needs. Call 855-346-8610 to connect with our staff, and our practice which is conveniently located at 23535 Kingsland Boulevard.

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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
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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.