ASK
They’re explaining things, but I don’t understand what it means for me.
What to do
- Ask what this visit is for
- Ask what happens next and when
- Ask for an interpreter if you need one
Pregnancy care can often feel confusing because one visit can lead to many next steps: bloodwork, ultrasounds, referrals, another appointment, or a conversation about bills and how to pay them.
You may see more than one person or be sent to more than one place. For example, a doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife may order a test, but the test may happen at a lab, ultrasound or x-ray clinic, specialist office, or hospital.
It may not always be clear where your results will go, who will explain them, or who will call you to follow up. You may also be asked about OHIP, IFHP, private insurance, or immigration status. Some tests may cost money, while some may be covered or partly covered.
This page can help you ask clear questions during your visit, so you understand what is necessary and what to do next.
Questions people ask
What should I ask during the visit?
Before the visit ends, make sure you know what you need to do next, where you need to go, and who will follow up with you.
Ask:
- What is this visit for today?Was it to confirm the pregnancy, check a symptom, review a result, or plan the next step?
- What am I being sent for?Is it bloodwork, a urine test, an ultrasound, a specialist, a vaccine, the hospital, or another appointment?
- Where do I go?Ask for the name, address, phone number, and whether you need to book it yourself.
- Where will the results go?Ask if the results will be sent back to the doctor, nurse practitioner, midwife, or clinic that ordered them.
- Who will explain the results to me?Ask who will call you, how long it may take, and what to do if no one contacts you.
- Will this cost money?Ask what is covered, what you may need to pay for, and whether the test is optional or needed for your care.
Can I ask for an interpreter?
Yes. Some clinics, hospitals, and community health centres can offer an interpreter, but it may not happen right away.
Ask early, before the visit goes too far. You have the right to understand what is being said before you agree to a test, referral, treatment, or decision.
“Can we use an interpreter before we continue?”
“I do not understand enough to make a decision yet.”
“Can you write down what I need to do next?”
What should I ask in early pregnancy or the first trimester?
Try to get care early if you think you are pregnant, especially if you have pain, bleeding, severe nausea, health problems, or are unsure how many weeks pregnant you are.
The first trimester is weeks 1 to 13. Early care may help confirm the pregnancy, estimate your due date, check for health concerns, and plan the next steps.
At the first visit, a provider may ask about your last period, past pregnancies, medications, allergies, health conditions, symptoms, and whether you have OHIP, IFHP, private insurance, or no coverage.
Care may include:
- bloodwork
- urine testing
- STI testing
- ultrasound
Some people are offered genetic screening around 11 to 13 weeks. NIPT may also be discussed. NIPT is a blood test, but it is not always covered and may cost extra.
“What tests are being ordered today?”
“Are these tests routine, urgent, or optional?”
“Will any of this cost money if I do not have OHIP?”
What usually happens in the second trimester?
The second trimester is weeks 14 to 27. Appointments are often about every 4 weeks, but this can change depending on your pregnancy and where you are getting care.
Care may include:
- blood pressure checks
- checking the baby’s heartbeat
- an anatomy ultrasound around 18 to 22 weeks
- a glucose test around 24 to 28 weeks
- more bloodwork if needed
“Where do I book the ultrasound?”
“Where will the results go?”
“Who will explain the results to me?”
What usually happens in the third trimester?
The third trimester starts around week 28. Appointments usually happen more often. Many people are seen every 2 weeks from about 28 to 36 weeks, and then every week after 36 weeks.
Care may include:
- blood pressure checks
- checking the baby’s heartbeat
- checking the baby’s position
- asking about the baby’s movement
- more bloodwork if needed
- Tdap vaccine
- Group B Strep swab near the end of pregnancy
- talking about labour, birth plans, and where to go
“What symptoms mean I should call right away?”
“Where do I go if labour starts?”
“What should I do if the baby is moving less?”
What should I ask if labour does not start by my due date?
Near the end of pregnancy, your provider may talk with you about what to do if labour does not start by your due date. This may include waiting a little longer, checking the baby more often, or helping labour start.
“What happens if the baby does not come by my due date?”
“What are my options?”
“What are you recommending, and why?”
“What happens if I wait?”
“How much time do I have to decide?”
If you or your baby are in danger right now
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Hospitals must treat emergencies, with or without OHIP.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself: call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline, 24/7). Indigenous women: Talk4Healing, 1-855-554-4325 (24/7, 14 languages). If a partner is hurting you: Assaulted Women's Helpline, 1-866-863-0511 (24/7, multilingual).
For health questions that are not an emergency but cannot wait, call 811. It is Ontario's free health line, 24/7, with interpretation.