Prenatal Care in Santa Barbara, CA
The most important part of pregnancy is keeping you and your baby healthy and safe from start to finish. Prenatal care is one of the most proactive steps you can take to ensure your pregnancy progresses as smoothly as possible. Pedram Rashti, MD, and the team at Rashti Women's Care provide comprehensive prenatal care to expectant mothers in Santa Barbara, CA and the surrounding communities. Call the office today to make an appointment, or book through this website.
Request an AppointmentWhy Prenatal Care Matters
Regular prenatal visits allow your OB-GYN to monitor the health of both mother and baby, detect potential complications early, and provide guidance on nutrition, lifestyle, and birth preparation. Women who receive consistent prenatal care have significantly better pregnancy outcomes, and starting care early in the first trimester is especially important.
At Rashti Women's Care, we take a personalized approach to prenatal care. We recognize that every pregnancy is different, and we tailor our monitoring and recommendations to your unique health history, risk factors, and goals.
What to Expect During Prenatal Visits
Your prenatal visits at Rashti Women's Care will vary depending on how far along you are. In general, the first trimester covers confirmation of pregnancy, full health history review, initial blood work, urine testing, genetic screening discussions, and your first ultrasound. The second trimester includes regular monitoring of fetal growth and development, anatomy ultrasound, and gestational diabetes screening. The third trimester involves more frequent visits, monitoring for preeclampsia and other late-pregnancy complications, Group B strep testing, fetal positioning assessment, and birth planning discussions.
Prenatal Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance
During your prenatal visits, Dr. Rashti and our team will provide guidance on prenatal vitamin use including folic acid and iron supplementation, nutrition and safe weight gain throughout each trimester, physical activity recommendations appropriate for your stage of pregnancy, avoiding substances and medications that may harm fetal development, and managing common pregnancy discomforts such as nausea, back pain, and fatigue.
Coordinated Care for Complex Pregnancies
If your pregnancy involves additional risk factors — such as advanced maternal age, multiple gestations, a history of pregnancy loss, or a pre-existing medical condition — our team will coordinate closely with appropriate specialists to ensure you receive the level of care your pregnancy requires. We also support women pursuing VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean). Learn more on our pregnancy services page.
For more information about prenatal care at Rashti Women's Care, call (805) 682-7109 or request an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prenatal Care
When should I start prenatal care?
Prenatal care should begin as soon as you know you are pregnant, ideally in the first 6–8 weeks. Early prenatal care allows us to establish a health baseline, screen for risk factors, and ensure you and your baby get off to the healthiest possible start.
How often will I have prenatal appointments?
Visit frequency typically increases as your pregnancy progresses. Most patients are seen every 4 weeks through the second trimester, every 2 weeks from weeks 28–36, and weekly from week 36 until delivery. Your schedule may vary depending on your specific health needs.
What blood tests are done during prenatal care?
Early prenatal blood work typically checks your blood type, Rh factor, hemoglobin levels, immunity to certain infections, and screens for conditions like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Additional tests throughout pregnancy may include gestational diabetes screening and Group B strep testing in the third trimester.
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
For most healthy pregnancies, moderate exercise is safe and beneficial. Activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are generally well-tolerated. Dr. Rashti will provide personalized guidance based on your health and pregnancy specifics.
What prenatal vitamins should I take?
A daily prenatal vitamin containing at least 400–800 mcg of folic acid is recommended starting before conception or as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Dr. Rashti may recommend additional supplementation based on your individual nutritional needs and bloodwork results.
What warning signs should I call the office about during pregnancy?
Contact our office at (805) 682-7109 right away if you experience vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal cramping, decreased fetal movement after 28 weeks, signs of preeclampsia such as sudden swelling or severe headaches, or any other symptom that concerns you.
How do I schedule prenatal care at Rashti Women’s Care?
Call Rashti Women's Care at (805) 682-7109 or use our online appointment request form to schedule your first prenatal visit. We recommend calling as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed so we can get you started with early, consistent care.