Prenatal Care in Canada: What to Expect at Each Trimester

Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy. In Canada, most prenatal care is covered by provincial health insurance. Understanding the typical schedule helps you prepare. First trimester (weeks 1 to 12): initial appointment with your physician or midwife (usually around weeks 8 to 10), blood tests (blood type, Rh factor, CBC, STI screening, glucose), genetic screening options discussed (e.g., first-trimester combined screening), and dating ultrasound to confirm gestational age. Second trimester (weeks 13 to 27): appointments every 4 weeks, anatomy ultrasound (typically at 18 to 20 weeks), gestational diabetes screening (glucose tolerance test at 24 to 28 weeks), and discussion of prenatal vitamins, nutrition, and weight gain. Third trimester (weeks 28 to 40+): appointments every 2 weeks, then weekly from week 36, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening at 35 to 37 weeks, fetal position assessment, and birth plan discussion and labour preparation. In Canada, prenatal care can be provided by family physicians, obstetricians, or registered midwives. Midwifery care is publicly funded in all provinces and includes home birth options. Some prenatal appointments can be conducted via telehealth - particularly routine check-ins, results reviews, and mental health assessments. Physical examinations require in-person visits. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.