Your Prenatal Visit Guide

​What to expect at your appointments, from early pregnancy through delivery.

What Happens at Each Visit

At most prenatal visits, you can expect:

• A weight and blood pressure check.

• Urine testing for glucose and protein at certain visits, when indicated.

• Dr. Ghausi will listen to your baby’s heartbeat when appropriate and answer any questions you may have.

Your Visit Schedule

• Up to 30 weeks: Monthly visits.

• 30–35/36 weeks: Visits every two weeks.

• 36 weeks until delivery: Weekly visits.

​​

What to Expect at Each Stage

​

6–12 Weeks | First-Trimester Care

• Ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy and establish your due date.

• Routine bloodwork, usually at Quest Diagnostics.

​​

Genetic testing options:

• NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing): A screening test available from 10 weeks that assesses the chance of certain chromosome conditions, including Down syndrome. Screening performance varies by condition; it is not a diagnostic test. You may also opt to learn the baby’s sex.

• Genetic carrier screening: Screens for approximately 270 inherited conditions that could be passed to your baby. If you screen positive, your partner may be offered testing. The approximate cost discussed is $350, possibly covered by insurance. Because this screens your inherited DNA, repeat testing is not usually needed for every pregnancy.

​

Ultrasound note: Routine ultrasounds are not performed after 13 weeks in this office unless medically indicated, apart from the scheduled anatomy scan and other recommended imaging. Non-medical ultrasounds may be available upon request; if insurance denies the claim, you may be responsible for the cost.

​

18–21 Weeks | Anatomy Scan

• A detailed anatomy ultrasound is performed by a perinatologist. We will provide a referral so you can schedule your appointment.

​​

24–28 Weeks | Planning Ahead

• Rhogam injection: If you are Rh-negative and it is indicated, we will discuss your injection and arrangements at Los Robles Hospital.

• Hospital tour and classes: Consider scheduling a tour or registering for prenatal education classes through Los Robles Hospital – Labor and Delivery.

​​

30 Weeks | More Frequent Visits

• Prenatal appointments transition to every two weeks.

​​

32–36 Weeks | Baby’s Position

• Around 36 weeks, we may perform an ultrasound to assess your baby’s position, amniotic fluid, and size, unless you have a recent perinatology ultrasound. You may discuss declining this ultrasound if you prefer.

​​

36–38 Weeks | Preparing for Delivery

• Group B Strep (GBS) screening: A vaginal/rectal swab is collected to check for GBS, usually at 36–37 weeks. About one in four pregnant patients carries this common bacterium without symptoms. If positive, antibiotics are recommended during labor to help protect your baby.

• Pre-register with the hospital to make admission easier when you go into labor.

​​

38–40 Weeks | Nearing Delivery

• Cervical examinations may be offered to assess dilation and effacement. Discuss whether you would like an exam with your clinician

​​

Questions? We’re Here to Help

Please ask questions during your visits or call the office for clarification or additional information. We are here to support you throughout your pregnancy journey.

Important: This handout provides a general overview of Dr. Ghausi’s prenatal visit process. Timing and testing can vary based on your pregnancy, medical history, insurance coverage, and current recommendations. Your prenatal care team will advise you on individualized care