Finding out you’re pregnant can be an exciting moment! After you celebrate, you might start asking yourself: What should I do next? This guide will walk you through the most important steps to take after a positive pregnancy test, from choosing a prenatal care provider to getting ready for your baby’s arrival.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule an early doctor’s appointment to confirm your pregnancy and plan your care.
- Begin taking prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA.
- Select a prenatal care provider: obstetrician (OB), midwife, or family doctor/nurse practitioner.
- Think about hiring a doula for extra emotional and physical support.
- Decide on your birth preferences (where you want to give birth and who will be present during and after delivery).
Table of Contents
Step 1: Book a Doctor’s Appointment
As soon as you know you’re pregnant, call your doctor to set up an appointment. At this first visit, your healthcare provider will:
- Confirm your pregnancy with blood tests
- Talk about early pregnancy care
- Help you decide on a prenatal care provider
Early prenatal care is very important for both you and your baby, so don’t wait to make that appointment.
Step 2: Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins help fill in any nutritional gaps and make sure you and your baby get the nutrients you need. Look for vitamins that include:
- Folic acid: Helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.
- Iron: Supports your increased blood volume and helps prevent anemia.
- Calcium: Helps build strong bones for your baby.
- DHA: Helps with brain and eye development.
Tip: Ask your doctor or pharmacist which prenatal vitamins are best for you.
Step 3: Choose a Prenatal Care Provider
In Ontario, you have a few choices for prenatal care:
Obstetricians (OBs)
OBs are doctors who specialize in pregnancy and childbirth. They handle high-risk pregnancies and can manage complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or early labor. Usually, the OB on call at the hospital will deliver your baby, not necessarily the one you saw during pregnancy.
Find an OB: Ontario Family Doctor and OB Search
Midwives
Midwives often use a more natural approach, with fewer medical interventions when it’s safe. They care for you during pregnancy, labor, and up to six weeks after the baby is born. They also do home visits after birth and are on call 24/7 for urgent concerns. Because they book up quickly, contact a midwifery clinic early if this option interests you.
Find a midwife: Ontario Midwives
Family Doctors & Nurse Practitioners
Some family doctors and nurse practitioners offer prenatal care but may refer you to an OB or midwife for the actual birth.
Optional: Consider Hiring a Doula
A doula is a trained professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike OBs or midwives, doulas do not provide medical care but help you feel calm and confident.
Doula services usually include:
- 1 or 2 prenatal visits
- Continuous help during labor and birth
- Follow-up visits after the baby is born
Costs range from about $600 to $1,000, depending on the doula’s experience and what they offer.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Prenatal Care Provider
- Does the provider’s approach match my values and birth plan?
- Will this provider personally attend the birth, or might someone else be on call?
- Do I want postpartum care at home? (Midwives usually do this.)
- Where do I want to give birth—hospital, birth center, or home?
- Will this provider also care for my baby, or do I need a pediatrician?
- Do I prefer a male or female provider?
- What do other parents say about this provider?
Take the Next Step in Your Pregnancy Journey
Pregnancy is thrilling but can also feel overwhelming. Our Ultimate Guide to Having a Baby in Toronto ebook gives you all the details you need about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care in Ontario. Download it for free to get expert insights, listings of hospitals and midwives, and a step-by-step path for a confident pregnancy.