Early Pregnancy

Congratulations your pregnancy test is positive!

We will now monitor the pregnancy and order some blood tests to see how the pregnancy hormone level is behaving and if it is rising appropriately. The doctor will also order an obstetrical ultrasound that is typically done between 6 to 8 weeks of gestation (sometimes earlier). Your doctor will also discuss first-trimester genetic screening.

If the pregnancy is healthy and viable, you will “graduate” from the clinic toward the end of the first trimester.

Your ongoing obstetric care and necessary medical records will be transferred to either an obstetrician, midwife, or family doctor.

After your obstetrical visit with one of our doctors you will get an email with requisitions for tests. Please watch this video to help you understand the tests as well as where and when to do them.

Early Pregnancy

Other Resources

  • Enhanced First Trimester Screening (eFTS)*
    The goal of this screening is to evaluate your risk of having a baby with either trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) or trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome).
  • Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)*
    This method is more accurate than other screening methods for determining the risk that the fetus will be born with specific genetic abnormalities. This test is only covered by OHIP in certain situations.
  • Mother to Baby
    Offers evidence-based information on the safety of medications and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
  • More educational resources are available here.

*Please note that prenatal screening is not a diagnostic test.