What can I expect?
Day by day, month by month, pregnancy is slowly changing your body. You become more aware of a new role you will play in having a child. Understanding what to expect will help you to get ready for delivery and welcoming your newborn into your family.
The good health of your baby starts with your own health. This is why a healthy pregnancy begins before you become pregnant.
Talk to your health care provider as soon as you find out that you're pregnant. Advice from an expert will help you prepare yourself for pregnancy and parenthood.
You have different options for receiving prenatal care in Ontario:
- Obstetricians are medical doctors who offer care to pregnant women and deliver babies.
- Family doctors provide care to pregnant women, babies, and families. Some deliver babies.
- Nurse practitioners provide care for women with normal pregnancies, babies, and families. They usually do not deliver babies.
- Midwives take care of women with normal or low-risk pregnancies. They also provide care for the first two weeks after birth. They work together with medical doctors to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery at home or in hospital.
You may choose to give birth at home, in a birthing clinic or at the hospital. Learn more about midwives and how to find a doctor or a nurse practitioner.
Talk to your health care provider about any concerns you may have during the pregnancy. You should also check if your vaccines are up-to-date. These are intended to protect both you and your baby against diseases such as rubella, chickenpox and influenza.
Also, talk with your health care provider about:
- medications that you are taking and the possible impact on your baby
- foods you should eat
- folic acid supplements that help development of your baby's spine, brain and skull and are recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society
- other vitamin supplements you may need
If you are thinking about getting pregnant:
Learn about Ontario's newborn screening.
Pregnancy is a time of great changes — to your body, feelings, appetite, and even your relationship with your partner. Understanding these changes will help you prepare for your new arrival.
A normal pregnancy lasts between 37 and 42 weeks. Your body will also transform as your baby grows and develops. Most women gain 11.5 to 16 kilograms (25 to 35 pounds) during these months. Almost all of this extra weight is the baby and her protective surroundings — the placenta and fluids.
You can check your healthy weight gain and make your own pregnancy calendar.
You may experience some physical discomfort at the various stages of your pregnancy. This includes nausea, constipation, backache and swollen ankles and hands. Make yourself comfortable by:
- putting your feet up to decrease swelling
- sleeping with a pillow between your knees to decrease pressure on your hips
- melting ice chips in your mouth to help with nausea
Try to stay physically active. Exercise can relieve stress you may have and give you more energy.
Be careful about what you eat and drink. Your taste and appetite can change drastically. Things you liked before pregnancy may not be your first choice now. Also, some food may not be safe for you and your baby.
Your hormones are also changing and triggering different moods. It is natural to move quickly from one emotion to another when you are pregnant. You may be perfectly happy at one moment and feeling sad the next.
Talk to your partner about your feelings. Partners have an important role in:
- supporting each other during pregnancy
- getting ready for the changes the baby will bring
Learn more about your emotional health during pregnancy.
Ontario provides community support for pregnant women. Call your local Public Heath Unit to find out about prenatal programs in your area. These can help you prepare for childbirth and life with a newborn.
Call Telehealth Ontario to speak to a registered nurse if you cannot reach your doctor or public health nurse and don't know what to do. You can talk to a registered nurse any time 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number is 1-866-797-0000. This is a free and confidential service provided by the Ontario government. This service is also available in numerous languages.
You may also be eligible for additional support through the Healthy Babies Healthy Children.
If you recently moved to Canada read about available help and where to find it.
