Pregnancy Vancouver
Pre-Pregnancy
Preparing for pregnancy can be filled with possibilities. This may be the perfect time to improve your health and well-being. Taking steps to exercise, eat a balanced diet, manage stress and treat medical conditions will benefit your first pregnancy and any future ones. Reflecting on what works for you can have positive outcomes for you, your baby and maybe even others around you.
Decisions and Planning
Getting ready for pregnancy can sometimes leave you with lots to think about, so we’ve gathered the resources you need in one place! From tips on preparing for parenthood to expert advice on conception, we’ve got you covered.
Decisions and Planning
Planning Your Pregnancy
As you plan for pregnancy, it can be normal to have different emotions. You may feel excited, overwhelmed, joyful, none of these, all of these or maybe you feel several emotions at the same time. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Building a strong relationship with your care provider can help boost your comfort. Here, we’ve gathered tools for pregnancy planning that others have found useful. One of these resources is The Aboriginal Pregnancy Passport. This offers Indigenous perspectives and may also speak to some of the questions or ideas you have. Explore these resources and find what works best for you.
Decisions and Planning
Fertility and Conception
Knowing your menstrual cycle and ovulation can help when trying to conceive. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before your period. The best time for conception generally is on the day before or on the day of ovulation. You may want to try using apps and resources, like an ovulation calculator, to track your fertile days. Check out our conception and fertility resources for more information. If you have any questions or need support with your fertility, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Decisions and Planning
Thinking Ahead?
Thinking about starting a family? This is a good time to start focusing on your nutrition. A healthy diet before and during early pregnancy benefits you and your baby. Using the tips you find in the food and nutrition resources we have collected (under “Self Care”) even before you become pregnant can also be valuable. Make informed choices and give your baby the best start!
Tests, Labs and Appointments
Regular checkups and tests are important for your health, especially if you're planning for pregnancy. To help you get ready, we have gathered trusted resources that provide information on what to expect during the months ahead.
Tests, Labs and Appointments
Immunizations and Vaccinations
Vaccines are important for your and your baby’s health during pregnancy. Inactivated vaccines like Flu, Tdap and COVID-19 are safe, while live-attenuated vaccines like MMR and Varicella are not recommended during pregnancy. It’s best to receive these vaccines at least four weeks before conceiving. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance and more information on safe vaccines and the best timing. Explore our vaccine resources to learn how they can protect you and your baby’s health.
Tests, Labs and Appointments
Thinking Ahead?
Are you preparing for pregnancy? It’s never too early to start planning for the tests, labs and appointments you’ll need once you’re pregnant. Visit our Early Pregnancy section for a range of resources to help you prepare. From prenatal screenings to your first prenatal visit, we have you covered. Take a look and start planning for a healthy pregnancy journey!
Tests, Labs and Appointments
Maternity Programs and Services
Our website offers essential information to support you throughout your journey. In addition to the services available on our platform, you may also find further support through resources like Pathways BC and BC211.
Self Care
Thinking about starting a family? This is a great time to focus on well-being as you continue to build healthy habits. Taking folic acid as early as possible is key to helping your baby's development. To help you during this phase, we’ve gathered resources we hope will make preparing for pregnancy easier and more joyful!
Self Care
Food and Nutrition
If you’re thinking about starting a family, you might also consider lifestyle choices. Cutting back or avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other substances is crucial. Having a healthy diet is also important for you and your baby. Our Early Pregnancy resources offer helpful information to support your journey and help you make positive changes. Visit our resources to get started on a healthier path for you, your baby and those around you.
Self Care
Supplements, Vitamins and Medications
Taking supplements, vitamins, and medications can affect your health and pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help you find out what’s best for you. For example, some people may need more folic acid during pregnancy. You may also get folate from certain foods that you already enjoy. Learn more about the benefits of folic acid, iron, and other vitamins and supplements for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
FAQs
We understand that figuring out parental leave, health coverage, and provincial (MSP) benefits can seem complicated. We’ve collected useful resources that help answer your questions on this and other topics throughout. It's also important to speak with your maternity provider for guidance on what you need to do and when.
FAQs
Health Coverage and Benefits
In BC, new parents can take up to 12 months of maternity leave. If both parents choose to take leave, they can split it for up to 18 months and receive the same benefits. If you receive maternity care from a Family Doctor or Registered Midwife in BC, it is covered by the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP). You must have an active BC Medical Services Card to be eligible for MSP coverage during pregnancy and after giving birth. To learn more about MSP coverage or maternity and parental leave in BC, explore our helpful resources and connect with your maternity provider. There is a lot to consider, so knowing your options early can be helpful.
FAQs
Thinking Ahead?
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, you might have a lot of questions. Our Early Pregnancy section has a list of resources for common questions and concerns like dealing with morning sickness, to other discomforts. Reading about what to expect can often help you feel more at ease. Don’t hesitate to talk to your maternity provider about any questions or concerns you have, like dealing with morning sickness, to other discomforts. Reading about what to expect can often help you feel more at ease. Don’t hesitate to talk to your maternity provider about any questions or concerns you have.
Remember that your health includes your mental health. If you already have a mental health condition or worry about how pregnancy might affect your mental well-being, read more about the Reproductive Mental Health Programs at BC Women’s Hospital.
