Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time for women, but it can also be a time filled with anxiety and worry. Being as healthy as possible during pregnancy will allow you to grow a healthy baby. Here's some information to help you on your journey.

  • Online prenatal classes

    Our prenatal classes cover a variety of topics from pregnancy and birth to newborn care. These classes can be completed online. Topics include:

    During pregnancy

    • Physical and emotional changes during pregnancy
    • Fetal development
    • Medical tests and procedures
    • Lifestyle and environmental risks
    • Nutrition
    • Physical activity

    During labour

    • Hands-on comfort measures, relaxation and breathing techniques for labour
    • Labour and delivery
    • Pain relief options and medical interventions, such as epidural, induction of labour, episiotomy and caesarean section

    After pregnancy

    • Newborn care
    • Breastfeeding
    • Infant safety
    • Postpartum care
    • Preparation for parenthood

    Register for a prenatal class:

  • Prenatal care by a health professional

    See your primary care provider as early as possible in your pregnancy. If you don't have a doctor, find a family doctor accepting new patients in Niagara. Make arrangements with your primary care provider for prenatal care either with them, an obstetrician, or a midwife.

  • Healthy eating

    Women are encouraged to eat a healthy diet during pregnancy to build a healthy baby. A balanced diet during pregnancy will also help establish a proper amount of weight gain.

  • Healthy from the Start

    Healthy from the Start is a group prenatal program for eligible expectant parents, delivered in partnership with Strive Niagara.

    The program provides healthy lifestyle and nutrition information for pregnant women and their support people. It offers:

    • Food gift certificates
    • Nutritious snacks
    • Free vitamins
    • Group education sessions
    • Access to a registered dietitian and public health nurse

    Weekly drop-in programs and services are available in person at locations across Niagara and online through Zoom.

    For more information or to register, connect with Strive Niagara by email at admin@striveniagara.ca or call 905-380-5096.

  • Physical activity

    Regular physical activity during pregnancy can help maintain body weight, reduce stress levels, help with sleeping, and build strength for labour and delivery. Talk to your health care provider about your physical activity routine and learn more about being active during your pregnancy.

  • Alcohol, drugs, tobacco use and prescription medications

    Alcohol and Drugs

    Consuming alcohol and drugs at any time during pregnancy can cause brain damage and birth defects. It's important to try and stop using before becoming pregnant. Damage to the baby can occur very early in pregnancy, before most women even know they're pregnant.

    Tobacco

    Smoking tobacco may put you at risk of having a miscarriage or low birth weight baby. A low birth weight baby may suffer serious health problems which may follow them into adulthood.

    It's best to stop smoking before becoming pregnant and make your home and car smoke-free. For help with quitting smoking visit Smoker’s Helpline or call Niagara Region Public Health's Tobacco Hotline at 905-688-8248 ext. 7393.

    Prescription Medications

    Many prescription medications are safe during pregnancy. However, some are not. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any medications while pregnant.

  • Mental health

    Pregnancy can be an exciting time for women, but it can also trigger feelings of depression or anxiety. It's important to monitor your mental wellness, and speak to your health care provider if you're not feeling like yourself.

  • Baby's growth and development

    A regular pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. During this time your body will experience changes and your baby will experience many stages of growth. Learn about what to expect during pregnancy.

  • Labour and birth

    The idea of labour and birth can be scary for a first time mom. There are many unknowns about what to expect. Online resources and talking with your health care provider can help you answer many of the questions about how you'll meet your baby.

  • Vaccinations

    Find out what vaccines you may need before, during and after your pregnancy.

    In Ontario, routine vaccinations start when your child is two months old. Now is a good time to learn about vaccinating your child. Remember:

    • Your health care provider can give you vaccination information specific to your needs
    • You can call public health to speak to a nurse about any questions you may have. Call us at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7425
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