Prenatal Information for Health Professionals

Seeking early and regular prenatal care from health care providers is important to assess maternal/fetal well-being, identify potential risk factors, and provide further management of health concerns. Individuals who receive early prenatal care/education have a better chance to modify their behaviour for optimal maternal health and birth outcomes.

  • There were 30,435 births to Toronto mothers recorded in the Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) in 2015.
  • In 2016, Toronto’s preterm birth rate was 8.7 per cent. This was higher than the rate for Ontario excluding Toronto (8.0 per cent).
  • The preterm birth rate ranged by neighbourhood from 3.2 per cent to 13.1 per cent
  • The preterm birth rate has remained relatively stable for the last 10 years in Toronto.
  • In 2016, the low birth weight (LBW) rate was 7.8 per cent. This was significantly higher than the LBW rate for Ontario excluding Toronto (6.6 per cent).

The use of the OPR can act as a guide for informed decision making through pregnancy, birth and the early newborn period.

Patients can register for these programs by calling Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 or by speaking with a Public Health Nurse through eChat.

Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)

Description

A weekly group program for pregnant individuals facing challenging life situations. This program may provide interpreters, healthy snacks, food certificates, prenatal vitamins, child care and/or TTC tokens.

Eligibility

The program is for pregnant individuals who are:

  • living in Toronto
  • facing challenging life situations, such as hunger during pregnancy, recent arrival to Canada, previous premature or low birth weight births, and difficulty accessing health care

Healthiest Babies Possible

Description

Healthiest Babies Possible is a free prenatal nutrition and support program available to eligible individuals. Registered dietitians provide nutrition counselling and education, grocery gift cards, and referrals to other services. Interpreters are available.

Eligibility

The program is for pregnant individuals living in Toronto, at any gestational age, who have one or more of the following nutritional risk factors:

  • 21 years old and under
  • pre-pregnancy underweight or BMI < 18.5
  • pre-pregnancy obesity or BMI ≥30
  • inadequate or excessive gestational weight gain
  • iron deficiency
  • vitamin B12 deficiency
  • diabetes (Type 1, 2, gestational)
  • pica
  • substance use
  • underhoused (e.g., transient, shelter, couch surfing)
  • Ontario Works (OW)/Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
  • food insecurity
  • less than Grade 9 education
  • cognitive impairment (suspected or reported)

Teen Prenatal Program

Description

A program that provides weekly group-based and individual support and education from Public Health Nurses and Registered Dietitians in collaboration with community partners. This program may provide interpreters, healthy snacks, food certificates, prenatal vitamins, child care and/or TTC tokens.

Eligibility

The program is for young, pregnant individuals who are:

  • teens to early 20s
  • living in Toronto

Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program

Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) is a long-term home visiting program provided by Public Health Nurses and Family Home Visitors.

Nurse-Family Partnership ®

Description

Nurse-Family Partnership ® is an evidence-based home visiting program provided by Public Health nurses for young, first-time pregnant individuals during their pregnancy and the first two years of their child’s life. The NFP program is being offered under the umbrella of HBHC Program.

Eligibility

The program is for young individuals who are:

  • less than 29 weeks pregnant
  • 24 years of age or under
  • living in Toronto
  • experiencing social and economic disadvantage

Patient Resources