You may have already heard some of the foods to be mindful of while pregnant. For example, it’s important to be cautious about consuming raw fish during pregnancy. C’mon, giving up sushi while living in Vancouver? You might be wondering, why is this? Raw fish can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can be dangerous to both you and your developing baby. If you’re a sushi lover, there’s a workaround: you can still enjoy cooked varieties, such as California rolls or vegetable rolls. Be sure to talk to your maternity provider about any specific concerns you may have about consuming sushi during your pregnancy. For this and other musings, check out our resources for food and nutrition.
Substance Use
No amount of alcohol is considered to be safe during pregnancy. While it is critical to refrain from drinking alcohol as it can harm the developing baby, discussing your specific situation with your maternity provider will be crucial. This might seem like a taboo topic that might be difficult to discuss initially. However, building trust to have an open dialogue and appreciate your questions, concerns, or barriers will be key in enabling your maternity provider to offer you the support that could be most valuable. Pregnancy is a unique time filled with many opportunities. Check out these helpful resources to help you be informed. The choices you make during pregnancy can impact not only your health, but also that of your baby and others. We hope these resources will enable you to feel well supported to prioritize your well-being and seek support when needed.
Thinking Ahead?
We’ve curated a list of resources in the “Taking Care of Yourself” section that are relevant throughout all stages of pregnancy. As you peruse the list, you’ll find a wealth of information to support you in early, mid, and late pregnancy. From nutrition and exercise to mental health and self-care, our resources cover a wide range of topics to help you feel your best in body, mind and spirit throughout your pregnancy journey.
Healthcare Visit Schedule
So, you’re pregnant — Badai ho, Mubarak, Felicitations, Congratulations! While things may vary slightly by provider, clinic and timing, generally, here’s what to expect during your early pregnancy visit. Topics covered may differ depending on the provider, but overall, you can expect the following:
Screening and Tests
During the early stages of pregnancy, regular prenatal appointments and tests are essential for monitoring your health and the health of your growing baby. In this early period, here’s what you can expect:
- Blood Tests – Blood work is done routinely in this early stage. Your healthcare provider can explain what they are testing for based on your unique circumstances.
- Dating Ultrasound – An initial ultrasound is usually done between 7-11 weeks to get a more accurate sense of your baby’s due date. You may even see your little one for the first time during this ultrasound!
- Genetic Screening – Genetic testing can help identify the potential risk of chromosomal abnormalities in your baby as early as the first trimester. Since these are screening tests only, to have or not to have these tests is entirely your decision. There are several helpful resources HERE which can help inform your choice.
This early period can have a lot of tests and appointments to jumpstart your journey. In addition to discussing these with your provider, check out the trusted resources we’ve curated for you to help you feel informed and empowered when making the choices that are right for you.
Maternity Program and Services
PregnancyVancouver.ca has a wealth of patient information to guide you in your journey. As we continue to add content to our website, our goal is to review and recommend more information for you about services and programs in Vancouver. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the list of programs and services available on Pathways BC as well as what is currently listed on BC211.
Planning Your Pregnancy
When it comes to announcing your pregnancy, the choice is entirely yours. You get to decide when and how to share this news. And remember, there’s no rush! You can take your time and share the news with different people at different times if that feels more comfortable for you. For example, you don’t have to tell your boss at the same time as your mom or best friend. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, and deciding when to announce your pregnancy is entirely up to you and what feels most comfortable for you. Your healthcare provider can also give you some insight, given your circumstances. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your loved ones. However you decide to do it, we’ve collected a list of resources to help you plan for your journey ahead.
Where to Deliver in Vancouver
Did you know that Vancouver General Hospital doesn’t deliver babies? The two Vancouver hospitals that offer delivery services are St. Paul’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital. As you prepare for your pregnancy journey, your primary care provider and other professionals involved may discuss the delivery options available to you based on your location and maternity care provider. Take some time to read up on the two delivery hospitals and the delivery locations available in Vancouver to help you make an informed decision.
Termination
Ending a pregnancy is a personal decision that can come with a range of emotions and thoughts. It’s important to remember that everyone’s circumstances are different, and there is no one “right way” to feel about it. Whether it’s a decision that feels easy or one that comes with a lot of conflicting emotions, this is all quite natural. You may even find it helpful to journal or perform ceremony as a way to make sense of what’s going on for you. No matter where you are on the spectrum, resources and people are available to help you make the best decision for you. We encourage you to seek the support of your healthcare provider as you explore the resources we’ve gathered.
Termination
Regardless of timing, it’s important to understand that there may be unique reasons to consider termination. While typically the window for termination is earlier in pregnancy, it can still be possible to consider this option mid-way through your pregnancy. There might be big emotions associated with this consideration so it’s critical to have an open and honest discussion with your provider. Journalling, ceremony, connecting with elders, and taking time for reflection can be other ways in which you can work with your emotions, concerns, fears or questions. Remember, your provider can be a valuable resource to help you make informed decisions that are right for you and your circumstances. Visit our page on termination for more information.