You or your family doctor can refer to one of our FPMS doctors as soon as you find out that your are pregnant. We welcome later referrals if you prefer that your family doctor provides your initial prenatal care.
FAQs
How do I get an appointment with an FPMS doctor?
Anyone who is pregnant who wishes to see an FPMS doctor can do so. Usually you must be a resident of Vancouver but certain exceptions apply.
You can be referred by your family doctor or you can refer yourself.
How often do I meet with the FPMS doctor?
After the first visit in early pregnancy, you will meet with your doctor once a month. Later in pregnancy, you will see the doctor more often. In the last month, visits occur every week.
Do I see my regular family doctor during my pregnancy?
Your FPMS doctor usually provides all your pregnancy-related care. For other health concerns, we encourage you to see your regular family doctor. After the birth, we will help you return to your family doctor with your baby. If you don’t have a family doctor, we will help you to find one.
What happens if I need to see an FPMS doctor urgently?
One of our doctors is always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The FPMS doctor on call will answer your phone call promptly, and will see you in hospital if necessary.
What if I need extra care by an obstetrician?
Family doctors provide comprehensive, evidence based maternity care. If you require additional care, your FPMS doctor will arrange for you to see an obstetrician or other specialists. If a specialist becomes involved in your care, the FPMS doctor will continue to see you.
How do the doctors feel about doulas?
Doulas are trained labour support professionals and their presence has been shown to shorten labour and to increase mothers’ satisfaction with their birth. We consider them valuable team members. We welcome your friends, family members, and doulas at all visits and during labour and birth.
I have a lot of questions about pregnancy, labour, birth, and baby care. Where can I get information?
We welcome questions and discussion during your doctor visits and Connecting Pregnancy groups. At Meet the Doctors Night, we will share information to help you prepare for labour and birth. Prenatal classes are an excellent source of information and an opportunity to meet other pregnant women. See our resources for books and websites.
Which doctor might be present at my birth?
You will have the same doctor for most of your clinic visits. For labour, birth, and urgent care, the FPMS doctors take turns being on call at the hospital in order to provide safe, personal and attentive care. This doctor is available to you at any time of day or night.
Will I get a chance to meet all of the doctors?
Yes. You are invited to Meet the Doctors Night where you can meet all the doctors who are on your team for labour and birth. Topics are discussed that help you prepare for labour and birth, and there is plenty of time to visit, ask questions, and listen to stories of other births.
Can others come with me to the hospital for appointments and for labour and birth?
We welcome any family members or support people you wish to have with you during appointments, labour, birth, and the newborn period.
What is Connecting Pregnancy?
Connecting Pregnancy is an innovative program that combines medical care and prenatal education in a group setting. It combines the health checks with education, to empower women to take care of themselves, and to encourage women to learn from each other. It’s “one-stop shopping” for your prenatal care and learning. Click here for more information.
What is the difference between a doctor and a midwife? Should I see both?
In B.C. you can choose either a doctor or a midwife for your pregnancy care, but not both. Feel free to discuss this with your doctor if you need more information.