The best way to have a healthy pregnancy is to: eat a balanced diet, stay physically active, get lots of rest, avoid smoking, alcohol and drug use and reduce stress.

You’ll also need medical care from your doctor and/or midwife. You can expect to see them every 4 – 6 weeks during the early stages of your pregnancy. After about 30 weeks, they’ll want to see you every 2 - 3 weeks, increasing to visits every 1 – 2 weeks in your final month of pregnancy.

You may need extra medical attention or health care advice if you:

• are underweight or overweight
• had problems with a previous pregnancy, for example, if your baby was preterm or weighed less than 2500 g (5 lb. 8 oz.)
• have diabetes, high blood pressure or other medical conditions
• are over 35 or under 16 years of age
• are carrying more than one baby
• have had a caesarean birth or uterine surgery
• use alcohol, cigarettes or drugs
• are under emotional stress or have violence in your life
• are dealing with depression or other mental health issues

Take important information when you visit your health practitioner. This can be a family medical history or facts about any change in your condition. Have your partner, support person or family member go with you, too. That way, they can ask questions, hear the same information, and share in the excitement of your growing baby. Also, access your local health unit for additional healthy pregnancy supports available in your community.

Links:

BC HealthGuide

British Columbia Association of Pregnancy Outreach Programs

College of Midwives of British Columbia

College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia

Baby’s Best Chance