Prenatal care in Canada: who you will see and what happens when
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
In Canada, a family doctor, a registered midwife, an obstetrician or a nurse practitioner can provide your prenatal care, covered by your provincial health plan. The SOGC recommends two ultrasounds, at 11 to 14 weeks and 18 to 20 weeks, offers gestational diabetes screening at 24 to 28 weeks, and a group B strep swab at 35 to 37 weeks.
Who can look after your pregnancy
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) states that obstetricians, family doctors, midwives and nurse practitioners are all qualified to provide prenatal care, sometimes as a team.
| Provider | In the SOGC's words | Often a good fit when |
|---|---|---|
| Family physician | Many are skilled in obstetrics, labour and birth, and postpartum and newborn care; can care for you through birth and then care for your baby | Your pregnancy is lower risk and you already have a family doctor |
| Registered midwife | Primary care in pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum, with continuous care for low-risk pregnancies; attends births in hospital, at home and in birth centres | You want the same small team throughout, or an out-of-hospital birth |
| Obstetrician | Manages more complicated pregnancies, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or twins; may share care | Your pregnancy has a complication, or you are referred |
| Nurse practitioner | May provide prenatal care together with family doctors | Your clinic uses a team model |
How to find a provider, in order
- Your family doctor, if you have one: ask whether they follow pregnancies.
- A midwifery practice: in most provinces you can call directly. Call early.
- A walk-in clinic: can confirm the pregnancy, order first tests and refer you.
- Your provincial health line: 8-1-1 in British Columbia; 811 in Québec, where option 3 is reserved for people without a family doctor.
The tests and scans, by week
| Weeks | What the SOGC describes |
|---|---|
| 7 to 12 | An early ultrasound is the most accurate way to date a pregnancy, generally within 5 days |
| 10 to 13 | Chorionic villus sampling, only if you choose diagnostic testing; it carries a small risk of miscarriage |
| 11 to 14 | Dating ultrasound, recommended for all pregnant women |
| 18 to 22 | Anatomy ultrasound (the SOGC recommendation is 18 to 20 weeks); you can ask for the baby's sex if it is seen |
| 24 to 28 | Gestational diabetes screening offered to all: a non-fasting glucose challenge, with a second test only if the first is high |
| 35 to 37 | Group B streptococcus swab, even before a planned caesarean |
Blood and urine tests and blood pressure checks are part of routine care throughout. Your provider adapts this plan to you.
Gestational diabetes in perspective. The SOGC states that about 7% of women have it, and that most women diagnosed have normal deliveries and healthy babies.
What is covered
Under the Canada Health Act, medically necessary hospital and physician services are insured. For people covered by their provincial plan, prenatal visits and a hospital birth are not billed. Check with your plan or workplace insurance for: prescriptions outside hospital, a private room, physiotherapy, doulas and lactation consultants. If you are new to Canada, see health coverage for newcomers.
Where you can give birth
Most births in Canada happen in hospital. Depending on where you live, a birth centre or a home birth with a registered midwife may be possible for a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy. The SOGC notes that low-risk women planning a home birth with a registered midwife in an integrated health system may have fewer interventions, with no increase in neonatal mortality.
Vaccines
Ask your provider which vaccines are recommended in pregnancy. For your baby, the Public Health Agency of Canada publishes the routine schedule of every province and territory on one page, showing which vaccines are publicly funded where you live (updated July 2026).
When to call
Call your provider or go to hospital right away for vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking, a headache that won't go away, changes in your vision, extreme swelling of your hands or face, severe belly pain, a fever, or fewer movements from your baby. In an emergency, call 911.
For a US and UK comparison of appointment rhythms, see prenatal appointments week by week.
Questions parents ask
Do I need a referral to see a midwife in Canada?
In most provinces you can contact a midwifery practice directly. Demand is high in many cities, so get in touch early in pregnancy. Your provincial midwives' association or college lists practices.
How many ultrasounds will I have?
The SOGC recommends two for all pregnant women: a dating ultrasound at 11 to 14 weeks and an anatomy ultrasound at 18 to 20 weeks. More may be offered if there is a medical reason.
Is prenatal care free in Canada?
Medically necessary physician and hospital services are insured under your provincial plan, so prenatal visits and a hospital birth are not billed to people who are covered. Some extras, like a private room or prescriptions, may not be.
Can I give birth at home in Canada?
Depending on where you live, a home birth or birth centre birth with a registered midwife may be possible if your pregnancy is normal and uncomplicated, according to the SOGC.
Sources
- SOGC (pregnancyinfo.ca) — Choosing a health care provider checked October 13, 2026
- SOGC (pregnancyinfo.ca) — Ultrasound checked October 13, 2026
- SOGC (pregnancyinfo.ca) — Glucose testing checked October 13, 2026
- SOGC (pregnancyinfo.ca) — Group B streptococcus screening checked October 13, 2026
- SOGC (pregnancyinfo.ca) — Out-of-hospital birth checked October 13, 2026
- Canada Health Act (Justice Laws), insured health services checked October 13, 2026
- Public Health Agency of Canada — Provincial and territorial routine vaccination schedules for infants and children checked October 13, 2026
- CDC Hear Her — Urgent maternal warning signs checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.