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Giving Birth at IWK Health is a two-minute video that follows a birthing patient on a journey through admitting, Early Labour and Assessment Unit (ELAU), Birthing Unit (BU), Operating Room (OR), Family Newborn Care Unit (FNCU) through to being discharged from the hospital. Funding was provided for this project from...

Miscarriage is a very common form of pregnancy loss. Any loss under 20 weeks gestation is considered a miscarriage. It occurs in approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies, and usually within the first 3 months. Not all bleeding in pregnancy is related to pregnancy loss, but it is good to discuss...

Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that implants in the wrong place, outside the uterus (womb). The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is in the fallopian tube. The uterus is designed to expand with a growing pregnancy, but the fallopian tubes aren't. This means an ectopic...

Molar Pregnancy Molar pregnancy is a rare condition characterized by abnormal and rapid growth in part or all of the placenta. This results in an unusually large placenta with multiple cysts or fluid-filled sacs. Typically, molar pregnancies result in miscarriage within the first trimester. Patients with a molar pregnancy will...

Stillbirth A stillbirth happens with the death of a fetus over 20 weeks gestational age. It is often discovered when no fetal heartbeat is found during an exam, and often confirmed by ultrasound. The experience of stillbirth can be a very emotional and traumatic time for a birthing individual and...

You may be offered a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) if tests or ultrasounds show that your baby is not developing as expected. This may be due to a serious genetic or structural condition or may be offered if pregnancy complications put you or your baby's life at risk. Our...

Regular prenatal visits with your provider are a way to ensure that both you and your baby are healthy and growing as expected. During your prenatal visit, your provider will assess how you are feeling, and may take some measurements like your blood pressure, weight, and count baby's heartbeat. Your...

Nausea and vomiting (commonly known as morning sickness) can be a common, and sometimes first symptom of pregnancy. Rising levels of pregnancy hormones may contribute to those feelings, but often resolve as pregnancy enters into the second trimester. Unfortunately some individuals may be more sensitive to those pregnancy hormones, and...

The health of a developing baby is compromised when mothers smoke, consume excessive alcohol, or use drugs. These substances can have a direct impact on fetal development, leading to a range of developmental issues. It is never too late to quit using substances, and there are many resources in the...