The Importance of Ultrasound Scans in Katy, TX

importance of ultrasound scans in Houston, TX

Most pregnant patients look forward to their ultrasound like an excited child looks forward to his or her birthday. It’s a chance for the parents-to-be to get their first glimpse of their baby. Parents are often anxious to have important questions answered such as, “Is my baby healthy?” “Is the baby active?” and the ever popular, “Are we having a boy or a girl?”

While these typical ultrasound scans are important to the parents, they’re also critical to patient care. In the earliest days and weeks of a pregnancy, ultrasounds are used to ensure that the baby has a heartbeat and determine if the patient is pregnant with multiples. It can also be used to determine if any early pregnancy issues exist such as ectopic pregnancy and to determine how far along a pregnancy may be.

At approximately the midpoint of a pregnancy, most obstetricians will schedule a patient to have an ultrasound performed by a sonographer. During this appointment, the sonographer will take many photos of the baby to ensure proper development and to assess the risk of certain medical conditions. During this appointment, the baby’s sex is typically revealed, assuming he or she cooperates and provides the technician with a good view.

In many cases, the mid-point ultrasound is the only pre-delivery chance for parents to see their baby. However, for some women, ultrasounds will be performed again in the final weeks of a pregnancy to accurately determine the baby’s growth, check the position of the baby, measure the length of the mother’s cervix, or to determine the amount of fluid in the placenta.

The ultrasound appointments are usually a pain-free procedure. Some technicians will start by having the patient drink a large glass of water in order to get a better view of the baby. During the appointment, the sonographer will apply a gel to the patient’s stomach and then gently move the sonogram wand over the stomach, pausing to capture images for the doctor to review following the appointment. In some cases, a vaginal ultrasound will also be performed in order to get a better look at the baby or to measure the length of the cervix and placement of the placenta.

If you live in the Katy area and have questions about ultrasound scans, call the office of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Jenkins and the wonderful team there have helped many patients understand this and other important tests.

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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.

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.

Dr. Matthew Mason, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from both the University of Texas at San Antonio and Austin (where he also earned a secondary degree in Business Foundations), he earned his MD from the Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Mason completed his residency at the Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, NY, at the Jacobs School of Medicine. Known for his expertise in high-risk obstetrics and advanced surgical procedures, he is a published author and a Junior Fellow of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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.

Kaila White, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, is a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in nursing. She earned her Master’s and Doctorate of Nursing from the University of South Alabama and began her career in 2017 as an oncology nurse in Tampa, FL. Her extensive experience spans medical-surgical, oncology, hospice, geriatrics, labor and delivery, and high-acuity travel nursing. Kaila has also served as an adjunct clinical nursing professor at the University of Houston. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care and empowering women through education and advocacy.

Jacklyn “Jackie” Chestnut, MSN, WHNP-BC, is a compassionate and experienced Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to empowering women through personalized care. With over ten years of experience, she began her career as a Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse at Memorial Hermann Memorial City. Jackie holds a BSN from Houston Baptist University and an MSN from Kent State University. Her expertise spans reproductive and sexual health, menopause management, and hormone therapy. Beyond her clinical work, Jackie is actively involved in a Christian women’s nonprofit, where she mentors and fosters community.