First Visit

Some testing is time sensitive and may be discussed over the phone with you before your first appointment. In general, either in conjunction with an early pregnancy telephone call or all at once in person, your initial appointment will include:

• Medical, Family and Prenatal History
• Discussion / review of Lab Results/Ultrasounds (if applicable)
• Nutrition/Lifestyle Review
• Physical Assessment including blood pressure and weight (optional)
• Individualized Risk Factors / optional prenatal testing
• Time for questions and concerns

You are not required to confirm your pregnancy with a doctor or see your GP prior to meeting with midwives. Midwives can order all necessary bloodwork and ultrasounds that you choose to have in your pregnancy. Please note, it is not always possible to hear your baby’s heartbeat at this early visit.

Prenatal Testing Options:

Every pregnancy comes with choices that are deeply personal to that individual. The beginning of pregnancy brings about a flood of information which may be difficult to navigate. Due to the time sensitive nature of some prenatal testing, we have provided links below for you decide which options, if any, are right for you.

Take home messages:

• Most babies are born healthy regardless of a woman’s age, obstetric history or family history
• Prenatal testing is an option available to you. Ensure you have sufficient information about your options to make informed choices about testing
• Most women receive reassuring test results that provide peace of mind in their pregnancy. However, some women experience anxiety with testing which you may consider when making a choice about testing

Nausea and vomiting is often one of the most challenging aspects of early pregnancy for many women.

Mild nausea and occasional vomiting is a normal part of pregnancy and among the most common symptoms between 6 - 12 weeks. Although challenging, especially when sometimes family, friends and coworkers are not yet aware of your pregnancy, it is not harmful to your baby or yourself. However persistent and severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is not normal if you are losing weight or unable to function with daily activities. Please talk to your health care provider to find out what the options for treatment are. You will also find a list of helpful resources here.

Resources:

• Managing Morning Sickness: Care Instructions
• Nausea and vomiting – Pregnancy Info

In early pregnancy healthy eating can be challenging if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting. For most people, the second trimester is a time you overcome that feeling and can return to good eating. Healthy eating is the foundation of a healthy pregnancy and some common discomforts and experiences in pregnancy can be mitigated by eating well. In fact, you will never have such good motivation!

Resources:

• Healthy Eating: Healthy Eating in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Iron Deficiency:AHS- Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Food Safety:Food Safety for Pregnant Women