TBDHU recommends adults receive vaccine protection against pertussis (whooping cough) so they do not spread the infection to infants who will not be protected until they receive their infant vaccine series.
The FREE Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) is recommended for every pregnant person, regardless of whether they have had one before. Adults who are 19 years and older and are caring for young infants should also get the FREE vaccine if they have never received a Tdap dose as an adult and are eligible for a 10 year booster.
Congratulations!
Expecting and having a baby can be one of the happiest times of your life, even if you weren’t planning to become pregnant. Expectant mothers (and fathers) can feel ranges of emotion – from sheer joy to anxiety, from overwhelming hope to uncertainty about the future. These feelings are normal, and are a sign that you are already a caring, loving parent. As a result of these emotions, most expectant parents want to prepare for baby’s arrival and get a better understanding about what will happen during pregnancy.
Below are links to some of the most common pregnancy health topics to give you some of that understanding. However, your first and best source of health information tailored for you and your pregnancy is your own health care provider. All pregnant women should have at least one prenatal visit to a health care provider – doctor, OBGYN, midwife, nurse practitioner – in their first trimester. This is to help ensure both mother and baby are healthy, and to allow you the opportunity to get answers to your specific questions.
If you do not have a health care provider, our Sexual Health Clinic can help you confirm your pregnancy with a pregnancy test, give you some good information about having a baby, and help you look for a health care provider.
Before Pregnancy
Genetics Counselling (located at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre)
During Pregnancy
Having a Baby in Thunder Bay (PDF)
Online Prenatal Program - online classes designed to help you to better understand pregnancy and health.
Thunder Bay Prenatal Coalition
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Stopping Drug Use During Pregnancy) (PDF)
After Pregnancy
Alcohol and Pregnancy
We want our babies to be born healthy so they can have a healthy happy future. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause permanent birth defects and brain damage to your baby. There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Partners can support mom-to-be by helping her have an alcohol-free pregnancy
Be Safe: Have an Alcohol-free Pregnancy (PDF)