Steady care for every week of your pregnancy.
Prenatal care is the series of checkups, tests and conversations that keep you and your baby healthy until delivery. Here is what to expect at CIMA, from your visit schedule to care for higher-risk pregnancies, genetic screening and ultrasounds.
- First visit 8–10 weeks, with ultrasound
- Anatomy ultrasound 18–20 weeks
- Glucose screening 26–28 weeks
- Weekly visits From 36 weeks
Your prenatal visit schedule
A typical pregnancy follows the schedule below, from your first visit to your due date.
First trimester
- 8–10 weeks Confirmation of pregnancy visit with ultrasound
- 10 weeks Lab-only visit for prenatal genetic screening (NIPT) and/or carrier screening
- 12–13 weeks OB workup visit, OB labs and nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound
Second trimester
- 16 weeks OB visit. Labs from your previous visit reviewed. MSAFP screening offered (15–22 weeks)
- 18–20 weeks OB visit and anatomy ultrasound. Labs from your previous visit reviewed, if applicable
- 22–24 weeks OB visit
- 26–28 weeks OB visit with 1-hour glucose test, hemoglobin, antibody screen, RPR and HIV labs. Cord blood registration and birth plan discussed
Third trimester
- 30 weeks OB visit. Labs from your previous visit reviewed. RhoGAM (if needed) and Tdap vaccine offered
- 32 and 34 weeks OB visits
- 36 weeks OB visit with Group B strep test and CBC
- 37 weeks OB visit. Labs from your previous visit reviewed
- 38, 39 and 40 weeks Weekly OB visits
Your provider may adjust this schedule to fit you and your baby.
Extra attention when you need it.
A pregnancy is called high-risk when you or your baby need closer monitoring. It doesn’t mean something will go wrong. It means we watch more carefully and plan ahead.
Common reasons include:
- A health condition you had before pregnancy
- A condition that develops during pregnancy
- Expecting twins or more
- Being 35 or older
- Complications in a past pregnancy
If your pregnancy is high-risk, you can expect more frequent visits, additional ultrasounds and lab work, and a care plan built around you.
Diabetes in pregnancy
Diabetes can be present before pregnancy or develop during it, which is called gestational diabetes. Well-managed blood sugar protects both you and your baby.
- Screening A 1-hour glucose test at 26–28 weeks
- Care Nutrition guidance, blood sugar monitoring and medication when needed
- Why it matters Good control lowers the chance of a large baby, early delivery and blood pressure problems
Hypertension
High blood pressure may start before pregnancy or appear after 20 weeks, as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. Catching it early makes the difference.
- Monitoring Blood pressure checked at every prenatal visit
- Care Closer follow-up, lab work and pregnancy-safe medication when needed
- Call us right away for a severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling of your face or hands, or pain in your upper belly
Thyroid disorders
An underactive or overactive thyroid can affect your pregnancy and your baby’s development. With testing and the right treatment, most women have healthy pregnancies.
- Testing Blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels
- Care Medication adjusted as your pregnancy progresses, since your needs often change
- Tell us if you already take thyroid medication, ideally before or early in pregnancy
UNITY by BillionToOne, explained.
UNITY is a prenatal screen done with a sample of your blood, as early as 9 weeks into pregnancy. It looks at small pieces of your baby’s DNA that travel in your bloodstream, so it is safe for your baby.
It can show whether your baby has a higher chance of certain chromosomal and inherited conditions, without needing a sample from your partner.
UNITY is a screening test, not a diagnosis. A result does not guarantee a healthy baby or rule out every condition. Your provider will review your results with you and explain any next steps.
Chromosomal conditions
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Trisomy 18
- Trisomy 13
- Sex chromosome conditions
Inherited conditions
- Cystic fibrosis
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Sickle cell disease
- Alpha- and beta-thalassemia
How it works
- One blood draw from you, at a lab-only visit around 10 weeks
- The lab checks whether you carry certain inherited conditions and analyzes your baby’s DNA found in your blood
- Your provider reviews the results with you
From first heartbeat to 3D/4D keepsakes
Ultrasounds are built into your prenatal care, and we also offer elective packages for families who want a closer look.
The standard black-and-white image used for your medical ultrasounds.
Still images with depth that show your baby’s features in lifelike detail.
3D in motion, so you can watch your baby move, stretch and yawn in real time.
Ultrasounds in your visit schedule
- 8–10 weeks: confirmation ultrasound
- 12–13 weeks: NT ultrasound
- 18–20 weeks: anatomy ultrasound
Elective ultrasound packages
Peek a Boo
An early first look at your baby.
Team Pink vs Blue
Find out whether you’re having a boy or a girl.
Tiny Treasures
10 minute 3D/4D views of your baby’s face and movements.
Little Wonders
15 minute 3D/4D views of your baby’s face and movements.
Miracle Views
20 minute 3D/4D views of your baby’s face and movements.
Elective packages are keepsake ultrasounds. They do not replace the medical ultrasounds in your prenatal care.
A companion for the weeks between visits
Northside Hospital’s online guide to a healthy pregnancy is a helpful read between appointments. It is available in English and in Spanish.
Guide in English
“Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy,” published by Northside Hospital. Open the guide
Guía en español
“Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy” en español, publicada por Northside Hospital. Abrir la guía
Ready for your first prenatal visit?
Call us and we’ll find a time that works for you. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
We accept most health insurance plans in Georgia
Visit Us
Contact & Location
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Phone
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Fax
770-451-3343
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Email
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Hours
Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pmClosed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30