LibGuides: Pregnancy and Newborn Care: Pregnancy Resources

Prenatal Care

Self-Referring for Prenatal Care
IWK Health
Public Health Pregnancy Supports
Public Health’s Early Years program offers supports and services for pregnant people. Contact your local Public Health office, your health care provider, or a community organization like a Family Resource Centre (see below) for more information.
Family Resource Centres in Nova Scotia
These centres offer programs, services, and supports like parenting classes, drop-in group programs for families, and more. Contact a centre near you to learn about programs in your area.

Pregnancy Resources

There are many supports available for pregnant people in Nova Scotia, including medical care, Public Health programs, and resources for all stages of pregnancy and childbirth. The resources below can help you access the care, education, and resources you need for a healthy pregnancy.

Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Public Health Agency of Canada
Learn how to plan for a healthy pregnancy, including prenatal nutrition, how alcohol, physical activity, and smoking can affect pregnancy, oral health, and emotional health. Includes a calendar to track your pregnancy.
PregnancyInfo.ca
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Information on topics like fertility and human reproduction, health and nutrition before pregnancy, what to expect during pregnancy, labour, and delivery, and caring for yourself and your newborn.
OMama
Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN Ontario)
Links and resources from across the country on topics like the stages of pregnancy, labour and birth, what to expect after giving birth, and caring for your newborn. You can also download the free OMama app.
Public Health Pregnancy Supports
The Early Years program offers supports and services for pregnant people. Contact your local Public Health office, your health care provider, or a community organization like a Family Resource Centre for more information.
ROSE Clinic (Reproductive Options and Services)
Nova Scotia Health is committed to providing safe abortions and other reproductive care services. The ROSE Clinic provides procedural and medical abortions in Halifax.
Screening for Diabetes During Pregnancy
This pamphlet gives information about screening for diabetes during pregnancy, including why it is important, what to expect after a normal result for an early screening test, and what to do if you were not screened early in your pregnancy (also available in French, Arabic and Mi’kmaw).
I Have Diabetes and I Can Have a Healthy Baby! Pregnancy Information for Individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
This pamphlet gives pregnancy information for people with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) (also available in French, Arabic and Mi’kmaw).
Prenatal Screening
Prenatal screening is a way to find out if your baby is at a higher risk for a genetic condition (like Down syndrome).
FASD Prevention in Atlantic Canada
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) describes the effects on the brains and bodies of people exposed to alcohol in the womb. This website includes resources on FASD prevention and awareness.
Risks of Cannabis on Fertility, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Parenting
Download a free PDF version of this booklet (also available in French).

SmartParent

SmartParent offers text messages from pregnancy and child health experts to guide pregnant people in Nova Scotia through pregnancy and the first year of their child's life.

You will receive 3 evidence-based text messages a week about your baby's stage of development.

To sign up, text 'Baby' to 12323.

Learn more about SmartParent and the supports they offer:

SmartParent program