Katy, TX doctor offers tips and recommendations to feel confident during your high-risk pregnancy

Tips to Feel Confident During Your High-risk Pregnancy in Katy, TX area

At Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, patients in the community of Katy, TX and beyond have access to quality healthcare before, during, and after their pregnancy. However, women who are pregnant and have a diagnosis of a high-risk pregnancy may feel uneasy about the entire process. Visiting a doctor who offers tips and recommendations to feel confident during your high-risk pregnancy is key to getting through these trying times.

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

There are many reasons why a woman may receive a diagnosis of a high-risk pregnancy. Some of the most common situations include:

Obesity
Multiple births
Young or older maternal age
Diabetes/gestational diabetes
HIV-positive
High blood pressure
Illegal drug use
Preeclampsia
Premature labor

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New patients please call:
855-346-8610

Existing patients please call:
281-347-2600

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How is a high-risk pregnancy determined?

Several factors may occur which can lead to a high-risk pregnancy, including patients who have previously had high-risk pregnancies in the past. Conditions that may impact pregnancy include obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Women who are carrying more than one baby, including twins and triplets, may experience preterm or premature labor. In these cases, babies are often born earlier than singleton babies who usually make it to full term at 40 weeks. This may mean that the babies may require additional care when delivered before 36 weeks. It is also important for women to understand that their age may contribute to their risks during pregnancy. Young teenagers who are pregnant may have some concerns arise during their pregnancy. This can occur as well for women over the age of 35. Older maternal age may increase the risk of several congenital disabilities, including down syndrome.

Tips for feeling confident during your high-risk pregnancy

Tips for feeling confident during your high-risk pregnancy in Katy, TX area.

Below are a few recommendations to follow to put your mind at ease and help you through your high-risk pregnancy:

Understand why your pregnancy is considered high-risk. Knowing the reasons why your pregnancy has been diagnosed as high-risk will help you better understand the risks at hand. Our doctors will make recommendations to help ease your concerns. This includes additional ultrasounds to monitor the baby’s health and tips for reducing your risks, which may consist of bed rest.
Become active in your medical care. When a high-risk pregnancy is diagnosed, it is best for women to work directly with their medical care team to fully understand the complications. During this time, you can get information regarding what to expect through the third trimester and beyond. Influence decisions where possible, as many women start feeling hopeless and powerless during this time.
Know that your doctor is making recommendations to reduce risks if possible. While being told to stay on bed rest for several months may seem like a cruel punishment, it is being recommended to address the high-risk pregnancy and assist in getting the baby safely to terms. Take this time to read up on baby care or spend one-on-one time with your other children. Great activities in bed include reading them books or playing card games together.
Follow the doctor’s instructions closely for the best possible outcome, and regularly visit for monitoring. Many doctors may have extra ultrasounds or tests done to ensure the baby is growing correctly and is more likely to reach a full-term birth. Women should make sure to follow their doctor’s instructions to providing a healthier pregnancy from start to finish. By going against doctor recommendations, women may be putting their pregnancy at risk.
Be honest with your medical history. While it may be embarrassing to share medical history, including sexually transmitted diseases, it is essential in ensuring you and your baby get the best possible care and minimize the risks associated with a high-risk pregnancy. Being open and honest can help the doctor determine the needs of you and your baby and make appropriate recommendations for care. Reducing complications is at the forefront of the doctor’s mind, and by communicating risk factors, women are making it easier for the team to provide the necessary care.

Are you dealing with a high-risk pregnancy?

Working with a team of professionals who have you and your child’s best interests at heart is key to feeling confident during the entire pregnancy. Contact Drs Jenkins, Roy, Ramirez or Ikwuagwu of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine today in the Katy, TX area at 855-346-8610. Our team is always accepting new patients into our practice, which is located at 23535 Kingsland Blvd.

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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.