"We usually have women come in approximately every four weeks for the first seven months," says Greig. "Every two weeks for the eighth month, and weekly for the ninth."
After your baby is born, your healthcare provider will want to continue to monitor the two of you to make sure you are off to a healthy start together.
Your healthcare team
But who should be caring for you during your pregnancy? The Canadian Women's Health Network says that because of a shortage of obstetricians in Canada, there are nurses, family physicians and midwives who can share much of the burden of maternity care.
With a low-risk pregnancy, often your family physician or midwife is able to provide all the pre-natal care necessary, and many can go on to deliver your baby as well. If complications arise you will be referred on to an obstetrician, who has the specialized skills necessary to deal with pre-natal complications.
The benefit of this approach, is that you can see a specialist while still having the support of your regular caregiver, whom you have an established relationship and are comfortable with. They will take ample time to address your questions and concerns.
However, Greig says that women who are high-risk should definitely have a consultation from an obstetrician, or seek out an obstetrician as their primary caregiver.
"The key is to provide a balanced approach, and there are different advantages to each method of practice," she says. "I think we all have a role to play, and it depends on the risk of the pregnancy and the type of care the patient wants."
For more information visit:
Canadian Association of Midwives
Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
College of Family Physicians of Canada
Read more:
• Ways to keep your skin beautiful when you're pregnant
• 10 things to know about your pregnancy
• Foods that help fertility
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