Frequently Asked Questions

What are my choices for a primary health care provider during pregnancy?
I’m spotting! What should I do?
What if I had a few drinks before I realized that I was pregnant?
Do I really need to take a prenatal vitamin supplement if I’m eating a balanced diet?
Why do I feel so short of breath?
I’m not feeling excited about my pregnancy. Is this normal?

What are my choices for a primary health care provider during pregnancy?
You can have a family doctor or a registered midwife as your primary health care provider during pregnancy and delivery. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC covers the costs for doctors and midwives, but it will not pay for both a doctor and a midwife during your pregnancy – you will need to select one or the other. Midwives can provide care for normal, low‑risk pregnancies in hospital or at home. Some women also choose to have a doula. A doula provides emotional and physical support to you and your partner before, during, and just after birth, but does not provide medical care and is not a primary care provider for pregnancy, labour and delivery. The cost of a doula is not covered by MSP.

For more information about doula services, visit the Doula Services Association website.

For more information about midwives, visit the College of Midwives of BC website.

For more information about your personal and medical support team during pregnancy, click here.

I’m spotting, what should I do?
There are many potential causes of bleeding in early pregnancy. A small amount of vaginal bleeding in the first trimester does not mean you are having a miscarriage, but vaginal bleeding in the second and third trimester should be considered serious. If you have vaginal bleeding any time in your pregnancy, stop whatever you are doing and talk to your health care provider.

For more information about vaginal bleeding, click here.

What if I had a few drinks before I realized that I was pregnant?
Drinking alcohol is a common social activity for many women. There is no safe level of alcohol use in pregnancy but binge drinking is the riskiest. It is recommended that women do not drink alcohol at all during pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, stop drinking as soon as possible. Often women drink before they are aware they are pregnant, but it is important to know that it is never too late to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

For more information about alcohol use in pregnancy, click here.

Do I really need to take a prenatal vitamin supplement if I’m eating a healthy diet?
Prenatal supplements offer vitamins and minerals at the right amount to support a healthy pregnancy, such as folic acid and iron. A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement that has folic acid, Vitamin B12 and iron is recommended throughout pregnancy. A healthy diet with a prenatal supplement will give you the extra vitamins and minerals you need for your developing baby. If you can’t afford prenatal supplements, talk to your health care provider or your local public health office.

For more information about taking supplements during pregnancy, click here.

Why do I feel so short of breath?
Shortness of breath in pregnancy is usually from the extra demand a baby places on your body. Rising levels of hormones can have an effect on your breathing. Your uterus is also expanding which takes up much of the room you have available in your belly and diaphragm (part of the body that supports breathing). If you are carrying high or are carrying multiples, you may notice shortness of breath more. You may also find you are short of breath while exercising or while climbing the stairs.

In the first trimester, shortness of breath is usually normal, but check with your health care provider if there is a history of heart problems in your family. In the 3rd trimester try taking deep, slow breaths through your mouth, wear loose clothing, use good posture, and get plenty of rest. Staying physically active during pregnancy will help with shortness of breath (as well as cutting down on swelling, leg cramps, fatigue, backache and constipation).

For more information about some of the common changes you may experience in each trimester of pregnancy and suggestions about what you can do to stay comfortable, click one of the following:
1st Trimester Mother
2nd Trimester Mother
3rd Trimester Mother

I’m not feeling excited about my pregnancy. Is this normal?
During your pregnancy, your body and hormones are changing, and you have to adjust to having a baby growing inside you. While having a baby is usually a time of celebration, is can also be a stressful time, especially if your pregnancy was unplanned. You may find it hard to cope with sudden changes to your life. These changes may leave you feeling sad, overwhelmed and confused.

For many women, these feelings are temporary. But if they persist or get worse, you could be experiencing depression. Depression during pregnancy can have an impact on your health, your pregnancy, and your ability to care for yourself. Women who experience depression during pregnancy have a greater chance of experiencing postpartum depression after birth. If you think you may have depression, talk to your health care provider.

For more information about depression during pregnancy, click here.