TALK
I’m hearing too many different things.
What to do
- Talk to someone you trust who has real experience.
- Check information about cost, care, and status before making any decisions.
Pregnancy can come with a lot of advice, opinions, and pressures. Family, friends, WhatsApp groups, Facebook groups, clinic staff, community workers, and people online may all say different things.
Some of this can be helpful, but some information may be wrong, outdated, or not fit your situation. Before you act on advice about cost, OHIP, midwifery, abortion, hospital care, privacy, or immigration status, try to double-check the information with a trusted clinic, community worker, midwife, nurse, or organization.
You do not need to tell everyone right away. Start with one person or one place that helps you feel clearer, not more rushed or afraid.
Questions people ask
Who should I talk to first?
Start with one person who understands pregnancy care in Ontario.
This could be someone who recently went through pregnancy care here, a community worker, a midwife, a nurse, a sexual health clinic, or a clinic that sees people without OHIP.
Try to choose someone who can help you check information, not just give an opinion. A useful person should be able to say, “I’m not sure, but let’s find out,” instead of pushing you to decide quickly.
What if I do not want to tell my family yet?
You can ask for help without telling the whole story.
You might only need help with one part, like calling a clinic, finding an address, or understanding what someone told you. If you are worried that someone will pressure you, judge you, or share your information, let them know you are not ready to talk about everything yet.
What should I ask when I talk to someone?
Start with the questions that matter most for your situation.
- What care can I get without OHIP?
- Can I get care if my status is expired or uncertain?
- Is midwifery an option for me?
- What might cost money?
- Who can help me compare my options without pressure?
Some people feel they should ask less because they do not have OHIP, or because they are getting help for free. Do not be afraid to ask all the questions you have.
If you feel safe with the provider, try to explain your real situation. This can include not having OHIP, not having ID, having expired status, being unsure about your status, or being worried about cost. This helps them give you answers that fit your life.
Do I need OHIP to get pregnancy care?
No. Pregnancy care is available without OHIP, but it might cost money.
Midwifery care can be an important option for people without OHIP. Some community health centres and sexual health clinics may also help, depending on the clinic and your situation.
Other parts of care may still cost money. This can include hospital fees, some lab tests, ultrasounds, medications, or specialist visits.
What is midwifery?
In Ontario, midwives are trained health care providers who care for people during pregnancy, birth, and the weeks after birth.
Midwives can:
- Confirm and follow a pregnancy
- Order bloodwork and ultrasounds
- Monitor your health and the baby’s health
- Talk through tests and choices
- Support labour and birth
- Provide care after birth for you and the baby
- Refer to hospital or specialist care when needed
For many people without OHIP, midwifery can be one of the safest first places to call.
Do midwives only help with home births?
No. Midwives can support births at home, in hospital, or at a birth centre, depending on your situation and what is available.
Choosing a midwife does not mean you cannot go to the hospital. If problems come up, midwives can involve other providers or arrange a transfer of care when needed.
How do I know if advice is safe to follow?
People may share stories, opinions, or warnings when you tell them you are pregnant. Some advice may be helpful, but some may be outdated, incorrect, or not right for your situation.
Before you act on advice, ask:
- Who is this information for?
- Where did it come from?
- Is it still true in Ontario?
- Does it fit my situation?
If the advice could affect your privacy, your care, or your money, check it with another person first.
Where this leads
The right support person does not need to know your whole story. They need to help you check what is true, understand what applies to you, and take the next step without pressure.
ASK has more on what to ask during a healthcare visit.
Need to go back? You can return to CALL, or skip ahead to ASK.
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.