With some simple guidelines and a little research you can find answers to these big questions and be on your way to a happy, healthy pregnancy.
When to go
According to Anita Greig, a Toronto-based family physician, the best time to start your pre-natal care is before you become pregnant. Greig encourages women to come in for pre-conception counselling to cover a wide range of topics from vaccinations to vitamins, as well as for a general check-up.
"There's so much that needs to be discussed prior to conception that can take a big role in terms of prevention," she says. "I wish patients knew to come in before conception. I wish they knew to start the folic acid. I wish they knew to have their vaccinations up-to-date."
Folic acid is the vitamin used to prevent neural tube defects such as Spina bifida, and vaccinations will help ensure that a woman doesn't come down with viruses like German measles and chicken pox, which can cause health complications for both mother and baby. Greig also covers issues such as diet, exercise, medications and pre-existing health concerns, so that women can be in the best possible health before they conceive.
What to expect
If you are already pregnant, it's important to start seeing your healthcare provider on a regular basis to make sure that you and your baby are healthy and to identify any problems early on.
According to the College of Family Physicians of Canada, at your first pre-natal check-up your healthcare provider will usually take a detailed background of your family history and ask about how you've been feeling. You'll also likely have a pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus, and your blood and urine will be screened to identify any underlying health problems.
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