After a positive home pregnancy test, you can book your first prenatal appointment with the Nurse Practitioner. The first appointment can be done in-person or virtually, and your support person is welcome to join. Subsequent prenatal appointments are done in-person only.​

Early prenatal care is a critical component of a healthy pregnancy and can significantly impact the well-being of both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. Early prenatal care involves a series of appointments, during which the Nurse Practitioner will provide care that includes:

• Education and health promotion counselling - people often have many questions, especially if it is their first pregnancy. Usual topics include nutrition and food safety, supplements, over-the-counter medication use, substance use, exercise and physical activity, precautions and preventive measures against infections, travel, and sexual activity

• Screenings tests - requisitions are provided for standard recommended blood work and urine testing. The Nurse Practitioner will review your history and risk factors to determine the need for additional testing

• Ultrasounds - requisitions are provided for dating ultrasound to establish your expected due date, and to monitor normal growth and development

• Pregnancy symptoms - common pregnancy symptoms and management strategies are reviewed. Prescriptions for medications such as Diclectin can be arranged, as indicated.

• Genetic testing - options for genetic testing can be discussed, and appropriate requisitions are provided

• Referral to your preferred OB or transfer of care to your midwife (midwifery care is by self-referral)

• Ongoing emotional support and answers to your questions

The Nurse Practitioner can safely manage normal healthy pregnancies until the OB or midwife takes over. If at any time, the pregnancy is deemed high-risk, transfer to specialist care will be facilitated.

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