A healthcare provider can also provide accurate information to the mother and her partner in order for them to make informed decisions regarding prenatal care and any treatment that may be necessary during and after the pregnancy.
The following links provide general information about pregnancy. For more detailed information on specific issues related to pregnancy, please see the sub-sections below.
The biophysical profile focuses on the health of the fetus. This includes assessing the fetus’ heart rate using an electronic fetal heart monitor (a test called a Non-Stress test), as well as using an ultrasound to look at muscle tone, movement, breathing, and amniotic fluid level. Gathering this information takes place in the third trimester when it is considered necessary by a healthcare professional.
A caesarean section or C-Section is the use of surgery to deliver one or more babies during one pregnancy. This type of delivery may be necessary when a vaginal delivery has a high risk for complications. Vaginal birth may still be an option for subsequent pregnancies.
Being aware of baby’s movements is important during pregnancy. Experiencing a change in fetal activity during pregnancy should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Doing daily fetal movement counts may be recommended by the healthcare professional, especially if risk factors are present.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) involves behaviours by an intimate partner or ex-partner that cause physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Pregnancy can be a vulnerable and high-risk time for the start or increase in intensity of intimate partner violence.
Genetic screening and testing are medical tests that are completed during pregnancy to check for chromosomal abnormalities and, less commonly, for fetal infections. These tests are performed by a medical specialist who provides care during pregnancy and identifies certain risk factors in the pregnancy. Genetic screening and testing can be invasive or non-invasive.
A general practitioner, or family doctor, is a doctor who provides general care for patients. Many family physicians provide prenatal care and support during pregnancy. Some also deliver babies.
Obstetricians/gynecologists are physicians who provide medical care during pregnancy and birth. They also specialize in disorders and disease of the reproductive system.
A doula provides support to families through pregnancy, labour, and birth, as well as the first year of the baby’s life. A doula is not a health professional and is not trained to assist in births without the presence of a healthcare professional.
A midwife is a licensed and registered health professional. Midwives provide care and support during low-risk pregnancies, birth, and for six weeks after birth. Midwives are available in limited locations in Saskatchewan.
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who provide direct care for health promotion and the treatment and management of health conditions.
Glucose screening is completed to determine the presence of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). Glucose screening is normally done in the second trimester, but can be done sooner and more often if a high risk for gestational diabetes is determined or the doctor is concerned about the development of gestational diabetes. Treatment for gestational diabetes is important in order to prevent complications during pregnancy and throughout the life of the woman and child.
Visit Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) for more information.
Screening for group B streptococcus occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. Group B streptococcus can be transmitted to the baby during labour and delivery. Group B streptococcus can be treated with antibiotics during labour and delivery.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can develop during pregnancy. This can cause complications during pregnancy. Gestational hypertension is one of the most common complications during pregnancy.
Induction of labour is a medical intervention that occurs when labour is artificially started using an external agent or method that causes the uterus to contract, cervix to open, and baby to be born.
Contact your local public health office for a referral. A clinician will call you and can provide assessments, information, support, coping strategies, and information regarding community resources related to maternal mental health .
Maternal mental health concerns can occur during pregnancy and/or after birth. These impact the whole family, including partners and children. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for recovery.
A non-stress test or fetal heart rate monitoring is a test that is used during pregnancy to listen to the fetus’ resting heart rate and heart rate after movement. Monitoring the fetus’ heart rate is a part of biophysical monitoring.
Elevated hormone levels can cause gums to swell, bleed, and trap food during pregnancy. Oral health during pregnancy is very important.
A pregnancy that has gone 10 days past the due date is called a “post-date” pregnancy. Post-term pregnancies are those that are 14 days past their due dates. The most accurate way to determine the due date is through an ultrasound.
Pre-existing diabetes can impact the health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Careful monitoring of both the mother and baby should take place throughout pregnancy.
When the amniotic sac breaks before 37 weeks, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes. This can result in serious complications for the mother and fetus.
Preterm labour is the start of labour between 20 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This is one of the most common problems in pregnancy. Prematurely born babies can have serious health and developmental complications.
As part of good prenatal care, doctors recommend routine blood tests to look for infections and other conditions in pregnancy. If a problem is found, treatment can reduce the risk of harm during pregnancy and delivery. These include tests for:
If you have experienced a pregnancy loss, there are supports available in Saskatchewan. You can visit the following sites for more information.
Travelling during pregnancy can be safe. However, travelling can increase the risk of infections or complications during pregnancy. Individuals who are pregnant should consult their physician before travelling and be aware of public health notices and recommendations for vaccinations when travelling to specific destinations.
An ultrasound lets healthcare professionals see if a fetus is growing and developing normally. For most women, the first ultrasound is done between 11 and 14 weeks gestation to accurately date the pregnancy. An anatomic ultrasound takes place between 18 and 20 weeks to check on the growth, development, and physical anatomy of the baby. In certain situations, ultrasounds may be conducted in the first trimester.
Vaginitis is an infection of the vagina. Individuals who are pregnant should talk to their healthcare professional if they are having symptoms of vaginitis. Symptoms include itching, burning, vaginal discharge, and pain during sex.
Gaining weight is a natural and important part of pregnancy. However, gaining too much weight during pregnancy may lead to health problems and gaining too little weight can increase the risk of low birth weight. An individual’s weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) before pregnancy will help to determine how much weight should be gained during pregnancy.
For information about multilingual resources for pregnant people, mothers, and those working with individuals before, during, and after their pregnancy, visit Multilingual Resources.
For translation and interpretation services in Saskatchewan, visit the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Interpretation and Translation Services.