Pediatrics is the specialty of medicine that focuses on the health care of children. It includes a broad range of health services from preventive care to treatment of acute and chronic disease.

Like family doctors, pediatricians must complete medical school and a residency (training) in their chosen field. However, they focus on the health care of infants and children from birth to adulthood.

Prenatal Visits

Prenatal visits are a critical part of the care that you get during your pregnancy. They allow your doctor to spot any health problems before they become serious, making it easier for you to have a healthy baby.

During your first visit, your provider will check your weight and blood pressure and perform other tests to see how you are doing. She will also draw your blood for a group of tests called the prenatal panel, which is done to detect infections or other medical problems that can affect your baby and you.

Your provider may recommend other tests, such as a urine test for hepatitis B, syphilis or gonorrhea, and a blood test to check for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. These tests are important to catch infections early, when they are most treatable.

At your next visit, your doctor will do the same things as before and also will check you for signs of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. These conditions are very treatable and can save your life if they are caught early on.

Once you are past the end of your first trimester, your doctor will want to see you more often. This is especially true if you have pre-existing health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

A pediatrician who is a board-certified obstetrician or gynecologist can offer this service to expectant parents. The initial contact may be a phone call or a face-to-face appointment, depending on the expectations of the family and the preferences of the pediatrician. An office information handout can be sent to the family, if desired.

Well-Child Checkups

Well-child checkups are important medical examinations that help your child grow and develop normally. They may also be used to detect certain diseases and conditions early, which can improve the prognosis or prevent them from occurring.

During a well-child visit, the doctor will conduct an exam of the child's body, which includes taking blood pressure and weight measurements, performing a physical examination, and evaluating growth using standard growth charts. He or she will also answer any questions the parents have.

The doctor will also look for any signs of a health condition, such as allergies or asthma. She may also order tests for other possible problems.

At the Sugar Land pediatrician office of Senait Adebo, MD, FAAP, patients are evaluated by a board-certified medical professional who can help detect problems early and ensure their proper treatment. She first examines your child's eyes, ears, throat, breathing, heartbeat, reflexes, and more to identify potential health issues.

She may suggest diagnostic tests, such as blood or urine testing, as well as imaging procedures to better understand your child's health. She can prescribe medication for your child, too.

A well-child visit is also an opportunity to make sure the child is up-to-date on all vaccinations. Vaccinations are a simple, effective way to prevent certain illnesses and diseases from developing in the first place, and they can save your child from life-threatening complications if they do happen.

Sports Physicals

Whether your child plays sports or is just getting ready to go to camp, a sports physical is a great way to ensure that they are healthy enough to participate. A sugar land pediatrician can provide a thorough exam to help your child stay healthy and safe.

The doctor will ask about your medical history and answer any questions you might have about sports. He or she will also perform a physical exam to evaluate your heart and musculoskeletal system.

While a sports physical is not as comprehensive as a regular checkup, it can be helpful in diagnosing and treating conditions that might impact your ability to play sports. For example, if you have asthma or other chronic health issues, your doctor may recommend that you see a specialist about how to manage your condition while playing sports.

Most states require that students get a sports physical before they can participate in school sports. The exam also helps to keep vaccinations up to date and can be used as a chance to talk with the doctor about any concerns you have.

You should have your child bring in their immunization records and a list of prescription medicines they take. The doctor can then review these records and make any necessary recommendations to protect your child’s safety.

The doctor will also ask about any other health problems your child has. This can include problems like asthma or rheumatoid arthritis.

Most states require a sports physical before children can play school sports or participate in any organized sport. This evaluation helps to prevent injury and keep your child safe while playing their favorite sports.

Immunizations

Immunizations are a great way to help prevent your child from getting sick. They are also a great way to save time and money in the long run.

In a nutshell, immunizations work by introducing the body to a certain microorganism that will cause the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies will then protect the body from harm and help it fight off harmful pathogens that might otherwise attack it.

There are several kinds of vaccines available, ranging from common ones that are given to kids as early as two months to more specialized shots that are recommended for children who will be traveling to different countries. There are also vaccinations that protect against the more serious diseases, such as smallpox and polio.

The best part is that most of these vaccinations can be done at the doctor’s office, which will save you a trip to the hospital and make sure your little one receives the most comprehensive protection possible. In addition, the doctors at Gentle Pediatrics are very knowledgeable when it comes to these types of shots and can give you all the information you need to decide which one is right for your little one.

The doctors at Gentle Pediatrics in Sugar Land, Richmond, and the Rosenberg area offer a variety of services for your child. Our mission is to keep your family healthy, so we strive to provide all our patients with the highest quality care possible. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment! Our friendly team is always happy to help! We are open for new patients and accept many forms of insurance. We also offer telehealth appointments. Our office is located in a prime location on the Sugar Land Medical Center campus in Sugar Land, TX.

Sick Appointments

When your child gets sick, it’s important that they get prompt treatment. For that reason, Gentle Pediatrics offers sick appointments to their patients in Sugar Land, Richmond, and the Rosenberg area. They also accept most major insurance plans.

Senait Adebo, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician who believes that health care should be holistic. She is passionate about supporting her patients throughout their entire lives, from childhood to adulthood. She provides whole-person health care with a focus on nutrition, weight loss, and mental health support. She also specializes in newborn care and well-child checkups, providing personalized treatment to ensure your child’s wellness.

Dr. Co-May Pasdar-Shirazi, MD, is a pediatrics specialist who works at Select Internal Medicine & Pediatrics in Sugar Land, TX. She has 12 years of experience and is affiliated with CHI St. Luke’s Health – Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and St. Luke’s Health-Sugar Land Hospital.

Her practice focuses on a variety of healthcare issues, including well-child checkups, annual physicals, and vaccinations. She also provides counseling on nutrition, weight loss, and healthy lifestyles. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Texas Medical Board. She can be reached by phone or through her online booking system.