Prenatal care in Ontario: your schedule, visit by visit
7 min read
Prenatal care in Ontario follows a predictable rhythm. Knowing the schedule in advance makes the whole pregnancy feel less like a series of surprises.
First trimester
Book your first visit as soon as you know you are pregnant, ideally before eight weeks. This visit confirms the pregnancy, sets a due date, reviews your medical and family history, and starts folic acid if you have not already.
Standard early bloodwork covers blood type and Rh status, complete blood count, immunity to rubella and varicella, hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis screening. A dating ultrasound is arranged, and you will be offered prenatal genetic screening.
Second trimester
- Visits roughly every four weeks
- Anatomy ultrasound at 18 to 22 weeks
- Blood pressure, weight, fundal height and fetal heartbeat at each visit
- Gestational diabetes screening at 24 to 28 weeks
- Rh immune globulin at 28 weeks if you are Rh negative
- Whooping cough vaccination offered in the third trimester
Third trimester
Visits move to every two weeks from 28 weeks, then weekly from 36 weeks. Group B strep swab is done around 35 to 37 weeks. Position of the baby is checked, and a birth plan is discussed along with feeding, postpartum support and contraception afterwards.
When to call right away
Vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, severe or persistent headache, vision changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, severe abdominal pain, fever, or noticeably reduced fetal movement after 28 weeks all warrant a same-day call or an assessment at the hospital.
This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. For guidance about your own health, book a visit or call (519) 946-4954.