Prenatal care begins before conception

If you’re planning to conceive a child, you may be surprised to find out that the best prenatal care begins before you even become pregnant. Dr. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine has been helping countless Katy-area patients plan their pregnancies, and ensure top health for both the mother and child for many years. Dr. Jenkins recommends that women talk with their gynecologist about their plans to conceive so that they can discuss any health conditions or risk factors.

Even if there is no reason to believe a patient would have any complications, giving herself approximately three months before trying to conceive can help improve and prepare the body. For example:

Begin taking a prenatal vitamin. The importance of folic acid has been known for many years. A daily dose of the vitatmin has been shown to aid in the development of a healthy brain and spine. Folic acid is found in some foods, however, the best way to ensure that a patient is receiving enough of it is to take a vitamin.
Stop smoking and drinking. Both of these habits can cause permanent damage to the child as the body will pass the harmful substances on to the baby. A patient who feels nervous about trying to quit alone should talk with her doctor.
Make sure all vaccinations are up to date and that medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure are under control.
Talk to your physician about any medications, including herbal, prescription, and over-the-counter, that you are taking. Many medications are safe during pregnancy but some are not. The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor. Also, if you’re taking any medications that the effects are not known, you and your physician will need to discuss the potential risks versus benefits.

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There may not be any way to completely prepare for the joys and challenges of having a baby. But you can improve your health and the chances of a successful pregnancy and healthy baby by taking these steps to make sure that your health is in a good place. For more information about prenatal care, call the Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine today to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Jenkins.

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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.