Choosing who will not only support your delivery but will also be with you on your pregnancy journey is an important decision and one that’s usually made earlier on. Fortunately, there are several options available to you in Vancouver. Are you surprised to learn that many Family Doctors specialize in delivering babies? It may be helpful to explore them to see which provider suits your needs, preferences and unique circumstances. Our website offers insights on the available options, but discussing this with your primary care provider is also very valuable. They can provide additional guidance and support to help you make an informed decision. Remember, this is your journey, and it’s important to choose the support that feels right for you.
Discomfort and Pain
As your due date approaches, you may start experiencing increased discomfort and pain, especially in the lower back and hips. Additionally, high blood pressure can also be a concern during late pregnancy and may be a symptom of other conditions. To learn more about managing these symptoms, check out our reliable resources on common aches, pains and more during the late pregnancy phase.
Complications in Pregnancy
Preterm labour, also known as premature labour, can occur between 20-37 weeks of pregnancy and requires urgent medical attention. Recognizing the signs of preterm labour is vital for pregnant individuals. Some signs may include vaginal bleeding or spotting, contractions that are becoming more frequent, back pain, pelvic pressure, leakage or a change in vaginal discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your maternity provider immediately. To learn more about preterm labour and other late pregnancy complications, visit our recommended resources.
COVID-19 and Pregnancy
If you have questions about COVID-19 during late pregnancy, it’s important to consult reliable sources of information. Our website has various COVID-19 resources available, including information on protecting yourself and your baby, what to do if you have symptoms and how to access care. Some resources are available in alternate languages and accessibility. Since COVID-19 still is a thing (even if it might not feel like it or others might not think so) check out these resources we’ve reviewed for you.
Thinking Ahead?
Labour and delivery are just around the bend! Whether you’re playing the waiting or scrambling game, we know there’s lots to consider and plan for. Are you curious about packing a hospital bag, arranging transportation, choosing who will be present during the birth or discussing pain management options with your maternity provider? We’ve gathered some comprehensive checklists and other resources covering the chapter on labour and delivery.
Your Mental Health
Investing in your mental wellness is essential since it can impact both your baby and others in your circle. It’s important to focus on your strengths, harmony, balance and a sense of control or autonomy over your health. Sometimes, expertise and additional tools offered by your maternity provider may be valuable in supplementing big emotions that may be impacting your quality of life. If you feel this might be your case, speak to someone you trust and share your concerns with your provider. We’ve also reviewed and compiled reliable resources to offer additional support for you.
Food and Nutrition
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is another way in which you can actively help support the growth and development of your baby (and you!). Canada’s Food Guide and Canada’s Food Guide – First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are useful resources to inform your food choices. While they’re not specifically tailored to pregnancy, they offer guidelines, and recommended servings of food groups and highlight some traditional foods such as wild plants, seaweed, dried fish and bannock. These might also inspire you to consider what foods from your culture (or someone else’s) could be healthy options to explore and include. Check out the links to these resources to learn more about healthy food choices during late pregnancy.
Substance Use
If you’re dealing with alcohol and/or drug use during pregnancy, resources are available to help you and your baby. The Families in Recovery (FIR) Program at BC Women’s Hospital offers a specialized program that provides safe and supportive care to pregnant individuals and their families affected by substance use. This program offers a range of services, including addiction treatment, medical care, and social support. To learn more about this and other resources available, visit BC Women’s. Remember, you’re not alone (even if it may sometimes feel that way). Support is available for you and your baby. Explore the resources we’ve selected to spotlight for you. Connecting with your provider can also offer additional valuable support.
Thinking Ahead?
As you get closer and closer to the big day, it’s important to enjoy the present, the process and the present that will soon be delivered (pun intended!). With this arrival, have you considered any special or significant ways you’d like to greet, welcome and/or honour the new addition to your family? Perhaps you’d like to carry your baby in a cradleboard or wrap them in a moss bag; maybe you’ve picked out the soundtrack or specific sacred verse; perhaps there is a naming ritual, exposure to the environment or the sharing of sweets. Whatever your preference is, this is YOUR journey! Sharing these intentions with your maternity provider can help create awareness and advocacy for your wishes.
Healthcare Visit Schedule
It’s incredible to see how your body has changed — after all, you’re a Life Giver! Now is a time of accelerated growth for your baby, so focusing on your holistic wellness and the well-being of your growing baby will be key. Visits during this phase will ideally be in person and will likely be with your maternity care provider. However, in some situations, you may have additional team members too <strong>[NOTE: Link to expanded text/blog info about Choosing a Provider]</strong>. Topics covered may vary depending on the provider, but generally, here’s what you should expect from these checkups, in addition to the regular monitoring: