Knowing where you prefer to give birth and what options are available to you can help you make informed decisions about your care provider(s). For example, if you prefer one of the two delivery hospitals in Vancouver, choose a maternity care provider with hospital privileges there. The Family Doctors with maternity special interest are listed on our site along, with which hospitals they deliver at. We also have helpful resources to guide you in making informed decisions about your pregnancy journey. Remember, this is your journey, and we’re here with you along the way! Check out these valuable resources.
Choosing a Maternity Provider
As you approach mid-way of pregnancy, you likely have chosen a maternity provider to support you throughout your pregnancy and delivery. If you’re looking for more support to find one, check out our “Choosing a Provider” page. This mid-pregnancy phase is also an excellent time to explore additional support options, such as doulas and Indigenous knowledge keepers/elders who can provide emotional and/or culturally safe support throughout your pregnancy journey. Feel free to discuss these options with your provider; they may have some additional insights!
Prenatal Classes
Prenatal classes can be another way to prepare for the upcoming birth of your baby and the early days of parenting. By mid-pregnancy, you may want to start exploring your options for classes — do you prefer online or in person, a few days or a few weeks? Reflecting on what you’re curious to learn about may also spark some discussion with your loved ones so that you’re able to choose the class that’s most appropriate for your needs, timelines (and schedule!) Prenatal classes may be one way to feel more confident and prepared for childbirth, breast/chest feeding, and newborn care. Often, group classes offer a supportive environment where you can connect with other expectant parents, share experiences, and maybe even plan play dates for the future. Our listing of prenatal classes are provided for informational purposes only.
Thinking Ahead?
At mid-pregnancy, you may be thinking ahead to turning the corner on your journey. This might be a perfect time to pause and reflect on your journey so far while your hopes, dreams, fears, and excitement might be focused on in the coming months. Given that the growth you’ve experienced until now has been largely on the ‘inside’, as your baby grows more ‘outwardly’, you might find that you’re having more discussions about what’s in store for you, your little one and your loved ones. Are there ceremonies or milestones that will be important for you? Sharing these and other insights with your maternity provider can help clarify what’s to come. Check out our trusted resources to dive deeper into these and other discussions.
Discomfort and Pain
It’s quite common to experience discomfort and pain during early pregnancy. These symptoms, such as ‘morning sickness’, can be challenging, but resources are available to help manage them. The good news is that most of the time, these settle down. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to manage discomforts and pain, your pregnancy experience can be more comfortable, allowing you to focus on the stuff that matters — connection, joy, love, and other beautiful things life offers us! Check out our valuable resources on common discomforts and tips for managing and alleviating these symptoms.
Complications in Pregnancy
Although most pregnancies progress smoothly, it’s important to be aware of potential complications that can arise during early pregnancy. While many people may not share their own lived experiences, did you know that the estimated number of miscarriages is likely higher than what’s reported since many occur early in the first trimester, sometimes even before people realize they’re pregnant? For all the bumps that may come along the journey, we’ve gathered valuable information on common complications during early pregnancy, as well as steps you can take to minimize your risk. By staying informed and seeking the support of your healthcare provider when needed, you can help ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
COVID-19 and Pregnancy
Wondering how COVID-19 might still affect your pregnancy experience? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Since early in the pandemic, our website has offered a comprehensive list of resources and support related to COVID-19 and pregnancy. From information on vaccine safety to guidance on prenatal care, we’ve compiled all the latest information to help you navigate and decide what’s best for you. Visit our COVID-19 page today to stay informed and up to date.
Thinking Ahead?
Check out our resources for answers to common questions and concerns during the next stage of your pregnancy journey. For example, does diabetes run in your family? If so, maybe exploring information on gestational diabetes, a common condition that can occur during pregnancy, would be valuable for you. Check our resources for the themes and topics that lay ahead.
Your Mental Health
Pregnancy can be an exciting and special journey but can also come with many questions, concerns, and changes. It’s important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health during this time. Many communities also have specific cultural practices or traditions related to mental health that can provide meaningful emotional and spiritual support. If you feel connected to a particular cultural or faith community, how might you include these elements along your journey? Consider reaching out to your community’s leaders for guidance, support or ceremony. After all, this is such a unique time in your life! Remember, taking care of your whole self – body, mind and spirit – is vital to a healthy you and to a healthy pregnancy! Your maternity provider has the expertise to help assess and support your mental health. As we help create safer spaces to discuss mental health openly, we hope you find these resources add value to your journey.
Supplements, Vitamins, and Medications
Pregnancy is a time for changes in your body and sometimes for your palate too. For example, if you’re following a vegetarian diet or considering switching to one, it’s important to ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Our resource on vegetarian diets offers tips on which foods are high in essential vitamins and minerals. Choose foods rich in iron daily to meet your body’s extra needs. The iron from these foods is best absorbed when eaten with vitamin C-rich foods such as berries, citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli and tomatoes. Are you already a fan of any of these? Remember, a balanced and varied diet is key to a healthy pregnancy. Plenty of options are available for vegetarians and for foods from diverse ethnic traditions. Check out Canada’s Food Guide – First Nations, Inuit and Metis as well as our list of pre-pregnancy resources for more information.