Screenings throughout your Pregnancy

As you journey toward motherhood, we are here to support your health and the development of your baby. Week by week, we will monitor growth and perform necessary screenings based on the following schedule:

Weeks 10 to 20

Prenatal panel, including CBC, urinalysis, blood type, RPR, thyroid screening, HIV, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, and Chlamydia
Amniocentesis, if applicable
Cell free DNA
Early NT (nuchal translucency) screening
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, MSAFP
Chorionic Villus Sampling, or CVS
Carrier screening for Tay-Sachs, Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X, SMA, and sickle cell
Applicable optional screenings

Weeks 18 to 24

Ultrasound

Ultrasound screening is performed during this time. The high frequency sound waves allow us to assess the baby’s growth and development. If a medical need exists, additional ultrasounds will be performed. Only medically relevant ultrasounds are covered by insurance.

d-Tap Vaccine

The d-Tap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. The small dosage of weakened virus stimulates an immune response in the body that minimizes the risk of contracting any of these conditions.

Second-trimester immunization is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The vaccine may also be given during the third trimester, or soon after delivery. Vaccination during pregnancy also protects the newborn until routine vaccines are given at 2 months of age.

Call our office

New patients please call:
855-346-8610

Existing patients please call:
281-347-2600

Virtual Consultation

Weeks 24 to 28

One-hour Glucose Testing

This mandatory test screens for gestational diabetes, which occurs in 12 percent of pregnancies in our country. While fasting, you will consume a 10 oz. sugar beverage provided by your physician’s staff. After an hour, you will have blood drawn to determine how your body handles what is called a “glucose load.” We typically have results within 48 hours of this test. If lab work shows an abnormality in glucose management, we will schedule additional testing. Gestational diabetes can present complications to the pregnancy and the fetus. Early detection facilitates proper management.

Weeks 28 to 30

Rh Immunoglobin Injection

Intramuscular Rh injection will be given at this time if you are Rh negative. This is necessary because the baby’s red blood cells can be damaged if the mother develops antibodies against them. The risk of antibody stimulation can be prevented with routine Rhogam injections given during the third trimester. Injections may also be given in instances of bleeding or miscarriage.

Weeks 36 and 37

Group B Strep Vaginal Culture

Approximately 20% of women test positive for Group B Strep bacteria. Because bacteria are typically present in the vagina or rectum, or both, there is a risk of transmission to the baby during delivery. A very small percentage of babies who are exposed to this bacterium are infected, and most who are born to carrier mothers do not develop problems. Due to the potential for life threatening health problems, screening is necessary. If you test positive, antibiotics will be administered during your labor and delivery.

If you have questions regarding your pregnancy or screening process, contact our office at 855-346-8610.

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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.