St. Paul's Maternity Care Clinic

During your first trimester, we get to know you.

We will ask questions about:

• Your medical history
• Your past and current pregnancy history
• Review any testing done so far (e.g. ultrasounds and bloodwork)
• Discuss options for genetic screening
• Discuss other tests that may be required based on your situation
• Discuss your family history
• Discuss your social history (e.g. your supports, any challenges you may have with money, accessing food etc.
• Get to know what is important to you for your care and during your pregnancy.
• Discuss nutrition, food safety and exercise in pregnancy, discuss vitamins and other medications, discuss where you can find pregnancy information and what to do in case of an emergency
• Answer your questions

You typically have 1-2 appointments, virtually, during your first trimester. Your complete physical examination may be scheduled at the end of the first trimester. If you are experiencing significant first trimester complications, for example, bleeding or severe nausea/vomiting, you may have more appointments or additional in person visits.

During your second trimester you are seen every 4 weeks. During these visits we do your weight, blood pressure and measure your uterus and listen to the babies heart beat.

You will also be offered the following:

• A detailed screening ultrasound at 20 weeks. These are usually done at St. Paul’s Hospital. You are able to find out the sex of your baby after this ultrasound if you want
• Bloodwork between 24 and 28 weeks to screen for gestational diabetes mellitus and check for iron deficiency and anemia and recheck your bloodtype if you are Rh negative
• We will discuss with you options for prenatal classes/education, options for doula support during labour, vaccines that are available for you during pregnancy
• Answer your questions

During your third trimester, starting at 30 weeks, you will be seen every 2 weeks. After 36-37 weeks, you will be seen weekly.