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The No Bull-Shit Guide to Pregnancy
Real-life, evidence-based pregnancy information.
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Pre-conception Counselling
Pre-conception counselling gives a woman or couple the opportunity to meet with a pregnancy specialist prior to conceiving. Dr. Cooper will review your medical history and medications, and provide options to optimize outcomes for both the mother and baby. This is recommended for women with complex medical conditions, as well as women with prior pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or preterm birth.
Prenatal Consultation
Prenatal consultation is offered as part of collaborative pregnancy care. A midwife, family physician or obstetrician can refer a pregnant woman to discuss any concerns, underlying conditions or risk factors. The specialist will provide the woman and referring team with evidence-based recommendations and choices to support optimal outcomes for the mother and baby.
Prenatal Care
Ongoing prenatal care at our clinic is available to women with underlying medical conditions, fetal differences or diagnoses, multiples or prior pregnancy complications. Regular visits are scheduled throughout pregnancy to ensure that both mother and baby are well. We offer comprehensive collaborative care with medical and allied-health professionals while providing a supportive and caring environment in which a woman's choices and decisions are respected.
Hurray! You are pregnant- now what?
Stay tuned, friends. I'm working on it!
Frequently Asked Questions from My Moms
How many ultrasounds do I need during my pregnancy?
This depends on your personal health, past pregnancy history and if a complication such as unexpected bleeding occurs or high blood pressure is diagnosed. https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/your-pregnancy/routine-tests/ultrasound/
Our national pregnancy organization recommends 2 ultrasounds for low risk moms; a late first trimester ultrasound and the 'detailed' ultrasound at 18-20 weeks gestation
What is the best position for sleeping during pregnancy?
For most women, ANY position that allows restful sleep is fine. However, when pregnant moms lie flat on their backs, the heavy uterus may reduce blood return from the lower body veins to the heart. This can make a woman feel nauseated or light-headed, which will disrupt sleep. Sleeping on your front will likely be uncomfortable after the first trimester. Side sleeping is therefore the way to go- with whatever pillows you need to get comfortable.
Why would a woman need a C.Section?
There are many reasons that your doctor may recommend a Cesarean delivery; this is a good question to ask during a prenatal visit. Common reasons to plan a C.Section include prior C.Section (although a trial of labour is an option for most women with one prior C.Section), a baby that is not in a head first position or a placenta that is covering or too close to the cervix. An emergency C.Section may be recommended in labour if a heart rate pattern suggests the baby is not tolerating the contractions or the labour is not progressing as expected. Prenatal classes are a good way to learn more about delivery options.
Will an epidural slow down labour?
There is no evidence that an epidural will slow down the 'first stage' of active labour; that means the part where there are strong regular contractions and the cervix is opening. In the second stage of labour, when the cervix is 10 cm dilated and pushing starts, a heavy epidural may reduce some of the sensations that promote effective pushing. Experienced anesthesiologists aim to provide the perfect balance of pain reduction while maintaining pelvic floor awareness and pushing strength.
An epidural is a personal choice and does not make a woman's birth experience any less empowering, impactful or beautiful.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
This is a tricky question and it may depend on where your live, the comfort level or your care providers, and local guidelines. Risk assessment should be individualized and pregnancy care providers can work together to identify and manage potential complications.
Obstetricians- Gynecologists are specialists with a minimum of 5 years of training after becoming doctors. This training includes extra experience and learning for pregnancy and women's health; women's surgery, medical conditions impacting pregnancy, obstetrical complications such as pre-eclampsia or pre-term birth, obstetrical ultrasound, infertility and women's cancers.
Some Ob-Gyns will obtain additional training and certification in one of these areas.
Obstetrical care is generally recommended for women with underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease), multiples, or prior pregnancy complications.
I need more info! Where do I go?
Be cautious when obtaining information from the internet or even from friends or family. There is a lot of 'fake news' out there which can causes unnecessary stress and anxiety.
I suggest the excellent resources from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, or hospital/heath care system- based websites
Dr. Stephanie Cooper
Dr. Stephanie Cooper
Dr. Stephanie Cooper
Dr. Stephanie Cooper
Dr. Stephanie Cooper
Dr. Stephanie Cooper is a Calgary trained Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with Alberta Health Services. She has over 10 years of experience caring for pregnancies with complications as well as overseeing the delivery of numerous beautiful babies at the Foothills Hospital.
Her passion is providing empathetic
Dr. Stephanie Cooper is a Calgary trained Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with Alberta Health Services. She has over 10 years of experience caring for pregnancies with complications as well as overseeing the delivery of numerous beautiful babies at the Foothills Hospital.
Her passion is providing empathetic comprehensive, evidence based care that is individualized to each family, and supports autonomy, collaboration and respect.