Pregnancy and Childbirth in Canada

Many women new to Canada are concerned about pregnancy care and childbirth. This article covers how the process works, how it differs from other countries, and what it costs.

Two Options for Pregnancy Care

In Canada, women have two main options for pregnancy care: an obstetrician-gynecologist or a midwife. While most countries rely on OB-GYNs, midwives are becoming increasingly popular in Canada.

Midwives can order tests, perform ultrasounds, and examine women. They can also make home visits if clinic visits are inconvenient. This option is ideal for those preferring a less medical approach with more personalized care.

However, many women still choose OB-GYNs, especially for safety and expertise. Some worry that midwives may lack experience, often because they can be younger or have less experience than doctors, particularly with rare or complex cases.

It's worth noting that Canadian midwives are licensed healthcare professionals who undergo rigorous training and accreditation. Their education includes a bachelor's degree and years of practical experience. Licensed midwives can manage low-risk pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum care. They also work with doctors and can refer patients to specialists if complications arise.

It's important to carefully choose a practitioner and consider their qualifications.

Home Births, Birth Centers, and Hospital Maternity Wards

Canadian women have several birthing options. First, home births with licensed midwives are available in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.

Second, birth centers offer a more homelike atmosphere with personalized care. However, costs can range from $3,500 to $16,000 CAD, including anesthesia and other services.

The third and most common option is hospital births. Hospital maternity wards provide full medical supervision, and most women choose this option for access to skilled medical care in case of complications. Hospital births are typically fully covered by public health insurance, making this the most affordable option for most families.

Partner-Assisted Births

Partner-assisted births are common in Canada. A partner's presence helps the woman feel more confident, reduces stress, and can promote a more natural birth process. Many hospitals offer courses for partners, teaching them support techniques. Partner-assisted births involve active participation in an important family moment.

Mental Health Support

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can involve various emotional challenges, including postpartum depression or anxiety. Canada offers a wide range of mental health support programs for pregnant and new mothers. Many midwives and doctors can refer women to specialized support services where they can receive help from psychologists and psychotherapists specializing in perinatal health.

Pregnancy Care Nuances

In Canada, pregnancy isn't treated as an illness, and all medical procedures follow a set schedule. A recent important development is the widespread use of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for genetic anomalies. This test may be recommended for women, especially those over 35, and costs about $500-$800 CAD.

Additionally, Canada supports natural births after cesarean sections when there are no contraindications.

Pregnancy Preservation

Canadian doctors believe that if a pregnancy isn't developing healthily, it shouldn't be maintained at all costs. In such cases, women are given supportive therapy and necessary procedures to maintain their health.

However, starting in 2023, some provinces are implementing new recommendations for women at risk of miscarriage. Medical professionals are more frequently using gentle medicinal methods to support pregnancy when possible.

Working Women's Rights

Canadian law provides working women with maternity leave, including up to 15 weeks of paid pregnancy and childbirth leave. This benefit is paid through the Employment Insurance (EI) system. Women are also entitled to parental leave, which can last up to 61 weeks for one parent or 69 weeks if shared between both parents. These payments are up to 55% of average earnings, but not exceeding a certain amount (about $650 CAD per week as of 2024).

To receive benefits, women must apply through Service Canada no later than four weeks after starting leave.

After Birth

In the absence of complications, mother and baby stay in the hospital for two days of observation before being discharged. Some birth centers offer longer stays for those wanting more time under medical supervision.

Documents for Newborns

Any child born in Canada automatically receives citizenship under birthright citizenship. This gives them the right to study and live in the country. However, the child's parents don't receive any privileges regarding their status — they still need to go through standard immigration procedures to obtain permanent residency. The possibility of children obtaining Canadian citizenship attracts some families for birth tourism.

Expected Costs

Although Canada's healthcare system covers most medical services, be prepared for possible additional expenses, especially if pregnancy and childbirth aren't covered by public insurance.

The average cost of pregnancy care and delivery in a private clinic or birth center ranges from $3,500 to $16,000 CAD. Home births with midwife support can cost $3,000-$9,000 CAD, depending on the region. For multiple pregnancies, costs may increase by 30-40%.

Advice for Future Parents

For a smooth pregnancy period, it's important to:

• Decide who will manage the pregnancy: an OB-GYN or midwife, and find a suitable practitioner. It's important to have a contract specifying where and when the practitioner can arrive if needed.
• Choose a birthplace: hospital, birth center, or home birth.
• Follow healthcare providers' recommendations, complete all tests and screenings.
• Use available mental health support programs and benefits for working women.

The key is to carefully choose a practitioner whom the woman trusts with her health and her future baby's health. Research reviews, recommendations, and qualifications of doctors and midwives to choose the best option.