Pregnancy is an exciting time, and an important medical one. There are a lot of tests early on, and a lot of follow-up over the months that follow. Having a trusted health professional in your corner can make a big difference. Without a family doctor, you still have options.
Start at a walk-in clinic
You can visit a walk-in clinic, explain that you are pregnant, and ask for help. They can often arrange the right early tests and point your care in the right direction.
Get connected to a pregnancy care provider
Over the course of your pregnancy, you need to be connected to one of these:
- An obstetrician
- A midwife
- A family doctor who provides low-risk obstetric care
Every community has different resources. Some have specialized clinics for pregnant patients who don't have a family doctor.
Many of these clinics ask for a referral, and a walk-in clinic can provide one. Some clinics don't need one, so call and ask if you can book directly.
Register with Health Care Connect
Register with Health Care Connect if you haven't already. When you register, tell them you are pregnant. Pregnancy is a medically important time, so it can move you up the line and speed up your match with a family doctor. It doesn't guarantee a match, as we explain in does Health Care Connect guarantee a family doctor?
If something comes up
If you are unsure about something, call 811 at any time and talk to a nurse.
If you have a more urgent concern, the emergency room is an option. Go for things like significant pain, new bleeding, or a bad headache. Call 911 if it is an emergency. When in doubt, reach out and talk to a health professional.
Plan ahead for your baby
After the baby is born, they need to be seen within the first few days after leaving the hospital, and then often after that. Ideally, you will be connected to a family doctor or a pediatrician before you leave the hospital.
That makes it more important to look for a family doctor for yourself while you are pregnant. Our Find a Family Doctor page lists the ways to search, and how to find a family doctor in Ontario explains them step by step.