Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the term used for when a baby (or babies) develop inside your uterus (womb). It typically lasts around 40 weeks. 

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. Each trimester marks distinct stages of development for the baby and significant changes in your body.

If you want to have your baby at St. Paul’s Hospital, the first step is to find a care provider to look after you during pregnancy and childbirth. Your care provider can be a family doctor, registered midwife or obstetrician. Your choice will depend on your health-care needs and personal preferences.

You might notice some changes in your body when you become pregnant. Missing a period, tender and swollen breasts, fatigue and nausea are all common early signs of pregnancy. There are a few ways to confirm a pregnancy:

1. Home Pregnancy Test: You can use a home pregnancy test to find out if you’re pregnant. The test detects the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine. If hCG is present, it indicates pregnancy.
2. Blood Test: Your primary care provider may conduct a blood test to measure the exact amount of hCG. Blood tests can detect pregnancy earlier than home urine tests. They also provide more precise information.
3. Physical Examination: Your primary care provider may examine you to check for changes in your uterus, such as its size and shape. A physical exam can also detect possible signs of early pregnancy.

Once pregnancy is confirmed, your primary care provider might order an ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to see how your baby is developing. 

You can do several things to ensure a healthy pregnancy and minimize the risk of complications when your baby is born. The first thing is to find a health care provider who can look after you and your baby during pregnancy.

Prenatal care

Most pregnant people will visit their health care provider every four weeks during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. From 28 to 36 weeks, these visits increase to every two weeks. From 36 weeks until you deliver your baby, you’ll see your health care provider once a week. 

If you’re having a high risk pregnancy (e.g. carrying twins), you will visit your health care provider more often.

Regular prenatal visits help track the progress of the pregnancy and address any issues. 

Nutrition & lifestyle

Proper nutrition is critical for you and your baby. A prenatal vitamin rich in folic acid, iron, and calcium will support the development of your baby. It can also prevent complications such as neural tube defects. Try to eat a balanced diet and drink lots of water to support amniotic fluid levels.

Most pregnant people can continue with moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, during their pregnancy. Moderate exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, improve circulation, and reduce stress. You should avoid smoking or vaping, alcohol. They can harm the developing baby. Talk to your health care provider before taking any medications to confirm if they are safe for your baby.

Common pregnancy discomforts

You may experience discomforts such as nausea, back pain, and swelling during your pregnancy. You can manage these with lifestyle changes, medications, or alternative therapies. Some common recommendations include:   

• Morning Sickness: Eat small, frequent meals. Some people find ginger or vitamin B6 supplements can help with nausea.
• Back Pain: Try to maintain proper posture when you’re pregnant. Wearing supportive footwear and practicing pregnancy-safe exercises can help ease discomfort.
• Fatigue and Sleep Issues: Practice good sleep hygiene at night. Some people find take naps during the day helpful.

Monitoring & addressing complications

Some pregnancies may involve complications that need extra attention:

• Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy and can affect the baby’s health. Typically, you can manage it through diet and exercise. Some people need insulin therapy.
• Preeclampsia: This condition can lead to serious complications for both you and your baby. It is characterized by high blood pressure. Your health care provider will check your blood pressure regularly during your pregnancy.

Clinics that treat pregnancy

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.