Pregnancy
Whether you’re thinking of having a baby, are pregnant, or caring for a child, there are services and resources to support you at each stage.
Before becoming pregnant
If you’re thinking of becoming pregnant it’s important to plan before you conceive. The healthier you are, the more likely you are to have a healthy baby.
Our services
Learn more about:
- Health before pregnancy
- Vaccines before pregnancy
- Medication and drug use before pregnancy
- Dealing with abuse
- Birth control and sexually transmitted infections
- Alcohol and pregnancy
During pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting time but also a time of uncertainty as you wonder if you are doing everything you can to ensure that you have the healthiest baby possible.
Our services
Learn more about:
- William Osler Health System free online prenatal program
- Trillium Health Partners free online prenatal program
- Mount Sinai Hospital Prenatal Classes (fees apply)
- BridgeWay Family Centre prenatal programs
- A healthy pregnancy
- Food safety during pregnancy
- Vaccination and pregnancy
- General pregnancy information
- Depression in pregnant women and mothers
- Finding a doctor
- Finding a midwife
- Help to stop smoking for pregnant and postpartum women
- Dealing with abuse
- What medications are safe to take
The first few weeks of parenthood can be challenging. You're going through many changes, both physically and emotionally, as you adjust to your new role.
Our services
- Baby Feeding Support Clinics
- Breastfeeding Companions program
- Talk to a public health nurse
- Healthy Babies Healthy Children program
Learn more about:
- Health after pregnancy
- Vaccines for adults
- Registering your baby’s birth
- Help to stop smoking for pregnant and postpartum women
- Dealing with abuse
- What medications are safe to take
- Sunnybrook Hospital Pregnancy and Infant Lost (PAIL) Network
- BridgeWay Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
- Car seats
- Babies
- Toddlers and preschoolers
- Feeding your baby
- Vaccines for babies and toddlers
This condition is also sometimes called postpartum depression. Most commonly, perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorders can occur during pregnancy or in the first year after baby is born.
Many new parents experience mood swings and sudden emotional changes - also known as the "baby blues." The baby blues usually start 3 to 5 days after baby arrives, but last only about 2 weeks.
If your baby blues last longer than 2 weeks, you might have a perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder.
About 10 to 20% of pregnant women and new mothers will experience a perinatal mood disorder. It's not anyone's fault, but it's very important for you and your family to get help early. Parenting partners can also experience perinatal or postpartum mood disorders.
A perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder is a medical condition that requires assessment and treatment. It’s recommended that you visit your health care provider to get help.
- Don't blame yourself
- Ask for help
- Take care of yourself
- Get counselling
- Consider medication as part of your treatment
Learn more about:
- Depression in pregnancy
- Postpartum depression
- New fathers and mental health problems
- Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
- Get help from others
Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a mental health emergency. It’s a very rare but serious mental condition that threatens new mothers and their babies.
A person suffering from postpartum psychosis might:
- Hear or see things that aren't there.
- Think people are trying to harm the baby.
- Feel confused or out of touch with reality.
When to get help
If you’re experiencing postpartum psychosis symptoms, get help now.
Call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911. You need immediate help and should NOT be alone with your baby.