Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean
When you learn that you are pregnant, you must first choose a doctor who will monitor your pregnancy and contact their medical clinic to schedule an initial appointment. The first appointment will be normally between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. You must register on the government website Ma grossesse and complete the online form.
A representative will contact you.
From Tiny Tot to Toddler is a practical guide that offers scientifically supported information on pregnancy, childbirth and the first two years of a child’s life.
Most of the answers to your questions can be found in this guide. It is free and will be given to you during your first appointment with the nurse around 12 weeks of pregnancy.
You can also view it online: Mieux vivre avec notre enfant
«Naître et grandir» is a non-profit Quebec website and magazine aimed particularly at future parents and parents with children aged 0 to 8. A bit like «From Tiny Tot to Toddler», this website is full of information that will be useful to you throughout pregnancy as well as in your new life as parent(s).
The foods you eat during pregnancy contribute to the health of your baby. They provide it with the nutrients it needs to develop and to be born healthy.
Eating well also allows you to meet your own needs during pregnancy. The physical changes you are experiencing (see physical changes) increase your needs for fluids and many nutrients. And thanks to your diet, you accumulate the energy reserves necessary for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
From the second trimester of pregnancy, your baby’s development becomes more important, and you therefore need to eat a little more. One extra snack or small meal per day will usually help you meet your growing needs and those of your baby.
There are certain recommendations to avoid foodborne infections. For more information, see : Food safety for pregnant women
The lower part of the belt should sit below your stomach on your pelvis and should be always worn.
This helps distribute the impact force to the strongest parts of the body, namely the thorax and pelvis. In addition, the fetus is protected in a completely natural way by the person’s bones and muscles, and by the amniotic fluid.
Read more: Pregnant and securely attached
Pregnant or breastfeeding workers can benefit from the Safe maternity program if their job involves physical dangers for their health or that of their child.
These special benefits are intended for people eligible for the « Programme d’aide sociale ou au Programme de solidarité sociale du ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale ». You could benefit from a special pregnancy benefit of $55 per month. This amount is added to your monthly benefit until delivery to help purchase foods that promote good health during this period. You may also receive a benefit if you are breastfeeding a baby under one year old. Visit the Emploi Québec website for more information.
La Place 0-5 is a tool to register your child on the waiting list for a recognized childcare service in Quebec. You will be able to register your child in all childcare settings combined. It is important to register your future child at the beginning of your pregnancy.
You can do this directly on the La place 0-5 website.
Being physically active during pregnancy provides well-being, both physically and psychologically. Pregnant people who are active cope better with the physical changes of pregnancy, have more energy and are less out of breath. Regularly practicing a variety of physical activities is beneficial and safe throughout pregnancy.
Moving, even a little, already brings several benefits for pregnancy.
Using alcohol or drugs can harm your pregnancy and the development of your baby. It is recommended to avoid all consumption, even in small quantities.
If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol consumption and would like to receive help, contact your CLSC.
To learn more:
Since 1991, the Fondation Olo has collaborated with stakeholders who work with families living in a context of vulnerability by providing them with a range of foods (eggs, milk, frozen vegetables) and prenatal multivitamins as part of nutritional support aimed at reducing the number of low-birth-weight babies. Fondation Olo now offers tools and services aimed at encouraging parents to act so that they can help their children acquire healthy eating habits. By targeting the period from pregnancy to the child’s 2nd year of life, the Olo Foundation supports action on the ground by putting early action at the heart of its message, through three behaviors: eating well, cooking, eat with family.
Integrated Perinatal and Early Childhood Services (SIPPE) Les services intégrés en périnatalité et pour la petite enfance (SIPPE) is aimed at future parents and families living in a context of vulnerability. The aim is to provide the necessary support to families to promote the optimal development of children, to maximize the health potential and well-being from pregnancy onwards, as well as to improve living conditions.
If you would like to check your eligibility for these programs, please complete the form at : Magrossesse.ca
Prenatal meetings are a good opportunity to talk with others and find answers to questions about pregnancy and the first moments with your baby. They are not mandatory, but they are recommended during a first pregnancy. They will help you prepare for the arrival of your newborn.
When you register on Ma grossesse, a representative will contact you and analyze your needs. They will also register you for prenatal meetings. You and your partner are invited.
Here are the themes that will be presented:
Information sheet: Rencontres prénatales au Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (Octobre 2023)