The alpha-fetoprotein test (AFP test) is where a blood sample is drawn from the mother to check the levels of AFP. AFP is a protein secreted by the fetal liver and…

What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound (US) imaging is a method of obtaining images of internal organs in the body by sending high-frequency sound waves into the body. The image itself is the sound wave…

What is amniocentesis?
Now that you have become pregnant, your primary concern is probably your baby’s health. Many of your child’s characteristics are determined at conception. You and the father each donate 23 chromosomes which…

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Carrier Screen
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease affecting breathing and digestion that is caused by an abnormal gene involved in mucus production in the body.
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Congratulations, you’ve reached the home stretch. As your fetus continues to grow, you should prepare for the delivery of the baby. You may feel a little uncomfortable as you continue to gain weight and…

Glucose Screening
With good medical care, women with preexisting or gestational diabetes can have an uncomplicated pregnancy and a healthy baby, as long as blood sugar levels are well controlled. A glucose screening can…

There are a number of tests you may take throughout your pregnancy to ensure that all is well for you and your baby.  The tests you take will depend on your age and your pregnancy…

With the advent of genetic testing came the possibility to conduct paternity tests. Advances in paternity testing now allow for private, non-intrusive and more convenient collection of samples. Whatever your reason, paternity testing is now…

What is Chorionic Villus Sampling?
Chorionic villi sampling (CVS) is done to determine if your child has a chromosomal disorder such as Tay-Sachs, sickle-cell anemia, most types of cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome.…

As soon as you find out that you are pregnant, it is vital that you call your health care practitioner to set up an appointment. Proper prenatal care will ensure that you optimize your chances…

Why write a birth plan?
Writing a birth plan can help you feel in control of your birth. By writing out such a plan, you become more informed about your birth. And…

It used to be that the only time a pregnant woman could hear her baby’s heart beat was when she went to her prenatal check-ups. Women who have experienced miscarriages or complications in previous…

What Is a Doula?
Doula comes from the Greek, meaning “woman’s servant.” A doula is a paid, trained labor support assistant who helps a woman physically and emotionally to have a successful birth. Statistics show…

Even though most people make up their mind about their health care providers through their first impression, there are some questions that are important to ask at your first meeting.…

Should I Think About Home Birth?
Have you considered giving birth at home? For some women, this idea might sound a bit strange. Isn’t a hospital the only place you can give birth? Actually,…

Giving birth in water might seem like a strange idea to some women. However, the practice of water births is gaining in popularity. More and more, women are asking for hospitals to provide a birthing…

All pregnant women require regular prenatal care and definitely benefit from this care. It has been shown that women who receive regular prenatal care tend to have healthier pregnancies as well as healthier…

Baby Steps
Now that you’re pregnant, the first major decision you must make is choosing the correct health practitioner to assist you in the pregnancy and birth process. This decision may seem…

There is a growing trend in North America among women to choose a midwife as their primary care giver during their pregnancy instead of a medical obstetrician. What is a midwife, you ask? Well,…

Family Practitioners
Going to a family physician (or FP) for prenatal care is quickly becoming a popular choice with lots of women. Many find it convenient to have most of their medical needs satisfied…

Obstetrical care is the most common form of prenatal care chosen by women. But how do you know if it’s right for you?

What is an Obstetrician?
An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes…

Today, women have more choice with respect to the birthing process. It is now possible for women to decide when they wish to give birth thanks to better birth control methods. The list below includes…

People associate the arrival of a new baby as a joyour affair, but for some mothers it can be the start of Postnatal Depression.

Many women will experience different feelings after their…

Women who have postnatal depression experience periods where they are up and periods where they are down, usually the down periods become less frequent over time as they recover.

A woman’s risk for depression after pregnancy cannot be accurately predicted based on her hormone levels. But some women may be at higher risk for postpartum depression. These include women who:…