Anyone can access pregnancy care with or without a family physician or nurse practitioner.

Maternity care is covered by British Columbia provincial health insurance (MSP)  if you have a valid BC Services Card.  If you do not have provincial health insurance, go to Maternity Care for New Immigrants for advice on how to access this service.

Maternity Care in qathet

Routine pregnancy care in qathet is provided by midwives and family doctors (FP-OB). An obstetrician (OBGYN) provides additional and high-risk support when needed. You can refer yourself or be referred by your primary care provider.

Photo: Your qathet team of midwives, physicians, and OB-GYNs.

I Do Not Have a Family Doctor

If you don’t have a primary care practitioner, inform your maternity care provider, and register as soon as possible on the provincial waitlist at the Health Connect Registry | BC. You can also self-refer to qathet Midwifery Care without a family physician or nurse practitioner.

High-Risk Pregnancies

If your pregnancy is or becomes higher risk (twins, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or other health concerns), your healthcare provider may involve an OBGYN physician. You will still receive your regular prenatal care from a low-risk provider, like a midwife or family doctor

Local Care Providers

  • Midwife: Registered Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and birth. They provide prenatal, birth and post-birth care for pregnant people and their babies. If necessary, they can refer to and consult with a specialist, such as an OB-GYN. Read more about midwives here: Care with a Midwife-MABC and qathet Midwifery Care here: qathet Midwifery Care.Book an appointment with a local midwife: Book an Appointment. Photo: qathet Midwives Team
  • Family Doctor (FP-OB): Some family physicians provide care in pregnancy, birth and post-partum. Ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner for a referral if you would like to receive care from an FP-OB.
  • OBGYN: An OB-GYN is a physician who specializes in the care of pregnancy, birth, and gynecology. In most communities in BC (including qathet/ Powell River), an OB-GYN does not provide regular or low-risk pregnancy care. The OB-GYN provides care for higher-risk patients alongside a patient’s family doctor or midwife.

The Pregnancy Journey: What to Expect

  • Schedule your first prenatal visit with your maternity care provider as soon as possible (ideally within 1–2 weeks after finding out you’re pregnant).
  • Be aware that you will have many appointments throughout your pregnancy (usually every 2–4 weeks, increasing towards the end of the pregnancy).
  • Consider registering for Babies Open New Doors Program (BOND) or the Healthy Care Pregnancy Program – LIFT (the latter supports pregnant people and new parents who have used or currently use substances)
  • Have a discussion with your care provider and your partner about prenatal screening and if it is right for you.
  • Around 8–12 weeks, get a dating ultrasound and bloodwork as directed by your care provider.
  • Around 20 weeks, go for your anatomic ultrasound.
  • Around 24–26 weeks, go for bloodwork as directed by your care provider.

Helpful Resources