Being pregnant and giving birth in a new country can be exciting, stressful and scary at the same time. Prenatal care, birth practices, and traditions surrounding the birth of your baby can differ from country to country. Many individuals face challenges adjusting to their new country. For example, language barriers, employment, financial worries and lack of social support.
I am new to Canada, what do I need to know about having a baby here?
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- Choose a health care provider: Choosing a health care provider is an important part of your pregnancy journey. Try to choose a health care provider as early in your pregnancy as possible. Sometimes there may be more than one health care provider working together to care for you.
- Attend prenatal appointment regularly: Your health care provider will schedule your prenatal appointments. Generally, you will see your health care provider once a month from the start of pregnancy until 28 weeks (one to seven months), two times a month from 28 to 36 weeks (seven to nine months), and once a week in the last four weeks of pregnancy. This schedule could change depending on your pregnancy.
- Have a healthy lifestyle: Your health care provider will advise you about healthy eating, being active, taking a multivitamin and to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs.
- Attend a prenatal program: Joining a prenatal program is a great way to learn about pregnancy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many programs are being offered virtually. Talk to your health care provider about programs near you.
To learn more about pregnancy planning in a new country connect with a Public Health Nurse online or call (416) 338-7600.
