When you find out you’re pregnant, it can be a time of many emotions. You may feel happy and excited, or shocked, confused and upset. Everyone is different. This can also be a time of growth and finding some inner strength you never knew you had.
Navigating the decisions ahead can be easier with the right supports. Two of our nurses from the Toronto Nurse-Family Partnership, Camille Baptiste and Catherine Gray, share what you can do and where you can find support for your journey.
1. Find a prenatal health care provider.
Meeting with a health care provider early in pregnancy is important to discuss your options, plan a safe and healthy pregnancy and access any medical services you need.
- Start with your family doctor or other health professional who you trust. If you don’t have a family doctor, you can find one through Health Care Connect.
- The SickKids Young Pregnancy Program provides care for pregnant adolescents under 18 years old. To register, call the SickKids Gynaecology Clinic at 416-813-6189. You do not need a doctor’s referral.
2. Prioritize your health and mental well-being.
Take care of yourself and the growing baby by eating healthy, getting enough rest, staying active and taking a prenatal multivitamin with folic acid.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. It is normal to experience many different feelings and emotions during and after pregnancy. If you are struggling, it’s important to seek help to feel better and find ways to cope. You are not alone.
3. Connect with community and peer-support programs.
There are many programs available in Toronto for young people who are pregnant and their families. These programs include prenatal and parenting classes, support through abortion, housing services, school success programs, peer mentorship – and more.
You can learn more and find out how to register by visiting the program websites:
4. Register for the Nurse-Family Partnership program.
The Nurse Family Partnership provides one-to-one support for pregnant teens and young adults under 24 years old. In this program, a registered nurse will visit you at home or another safe location to share advice and information about pregnancy, your health and next steps, based on your personal choices.
Pregnancy and parenting can be hard.
The Nurse-Family Partnership is here to help.
To register for the Nurse-Family Partnership in Toronto, contact a public health nurse via eChat or call 416-338-7600. You do not need OHIP or a doctor’s referral to sign-up.
You will go through many changes during and after your pregnancy. Take it one day at a time and remember – you’ve got this!
For more information:
- Connect with a public health nurse via eChat or call 416-338-7600
- More topics about pregnancy
- Healthy eating when pregnant and breastfeeding
- Why do I need folate in pregnancy?
- Should I take a vitamin/mineral supplement during pregnancy?
- Cannabis: The effects during pregnancy
- Pregnancy and alcohol: Do they mix?
- Sex during and after pregnancy: What’s your pleasure?
- Intimate partner violence during pregnancy
- Labour: What is it & where to learn more?
