PLANNING AHEAD

At PRHC, we want to ensure that you are well-supported with resources and information about what you can expect throughout your pregnancy and care.

Throughout your pregnancy, and during your hospital stay, the healthcare team will discuss your plan for care, in the context of the available evidence in order to adequately prepare you to make decisions. We welcome your input into your care and will respect the informed decisions that you make.

There are some tests and screens in pregnancy which are available to all pregnant women, while other tests may be appropriate only for certain women based on individual medical or family history. For additional information about general screening available in pregnancy, please visit https://www.prenatalscreeningontario.ca/en/pso/index.aspx . If you have a family history of a medical condition in a close relative (parent, sibling or child) and have questions about the implications for a current pregnancy, you may wish to seek a referral to the Genetics Program. This can be done by a referral from your primary care provider.

Peterborough Public Health | Register for online classes

Make an appointment with our Antenatal Clinic anytime after 32 weeks’ gestation. During your appointment, you will meet with one of our Labour and Delivery nurses who will provide you with education to support you in making decisions for your care and the care of your baby. Please note all appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes and are telephone-based.

To book an appointment call (705) 743-2121 ext. 3538.

Medications: it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about medications you are taking, are about to take, or considering stopping during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are in doubt about whether or not to take a medication, it is a good idea to check with a healthcare professional.

Nutrition and weight gain: To gain weight and meet the needs of the growing baby, certain vitamins and minerals are very important during pregnancy. In order to meet these needs, it is recommended you follow Canada’s Food Guide for Healthy Eating and eat an extra two to three food guide servings daily.

Pelvic floor exercises: Pelvic floor exercises, during pregnancy and after birth, can help reduce the risk of urinary incontinence.

Some women will experience urinary leakage during pregnancy or after birth. This can occur due to weakened pelvic floor muscles (the muscles between your anus and vagina).

You can do simple, daily pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, throughout your pregnancy to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Ask your healthcare provider how to do Kegel exercises effectively.

How to give birth is a personal decision with no right or wrong answer. We will support your choice, and will help make your birthing experience as positive as possible, however you choose to birth your baby. Learn more here.

What to expect during pregnancy

Beyond 20 weeks, several tests will be offered:

  • 24-28 weeks: Glucose challenge testing for diabetes screening and complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia.

  • 28 weeks: Antibody screening for mothers who are Rh negative; these mothers will also receive an injection of RhoGAM at this time to prevent Rhesus disease.

  • 35-37 weeks: Group B Strep swab.

Depending on your health and the baby’s needs, you may be offered other tests such as an ultrasound.

THINGS TO WATCH FOR:

During the third trimester, you will have more frequent appointments – initially, every two weeks, and then every week as your due date approaches. More frequent visits are needed as certain medical problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are more likely to occur at this time. In addition, we can check the position of the baby by examining your abdomen.

  • If you are experiencing uterine contractions that have been five (5) minutes apart, lasting one (1) minute in duration and going on more than an hour, please come to the hospital.

  • Membranes that rupture, whether or not you are having contractions. You may notice a large gush of fluid or a small continuous trickle of fluid from the vagina. The fluid is normally clear. You should come to the hospital within a couple of hours of your membranes rupturing unless you also have regular contractions every five minutes or less. If the fluid is green or brown, please come to the hospital immediately.

  • Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be scary. However, it isn’t always a sign of trouble. Still, it’s important to take vaginal bleeding during pregnancy seriously. Sometimes bleeding during pregnancy indicates an impending miscarriage or a condition that needs prompt treatment.

    • If you’re experiencing bleeding and are fewer than 20 weeks pregnant, please visit your nearest emergency department.
    • If you’re experiencing bleeding and are greater than 20 weeks pregnant, please proceed directly to Labour & Delivery on Level 6.

    Several hours or days before labour starts, some women will lose their mucous plug. This is a thick discharge that may be a bit bloody. You may also have some pink to light red discharge called bloody show. This is normal. However, if there is bright red bleeding, like a menstrual period, this may be a concern.

  • Decrease in the baby’s movements: If you feel your baby moves fewer than six times over a two-hour period and you are past 26 weeks of pregnancy, please come directly to triage in the Emergency Department.