FAQs

Who is the clinic for?

Cowichan Maternity Clinic accepts any pregnant woman living in the Cowichan region, including those with no family physician and those whose doctor does not provide maternity care.

How can I become a patient of the clinic?

We welcome new patients. You can contact us directly to make an appointment or have your family doctor refer you.

We offer flexible appointment scheduling, including same-day appointments.

Where is the maternity clinic located?

The clinic is conveniently located in the Cowichan District Hospital, right beside the Maternity Ward.

Who will I see in the clinic?

Our team includes local family doctors experienced in obstetric care, a Registered Nurse, a Registered Dietitian, and Medical Office Assistants.

We have several doctors at the clinic and we will try to book you in with the same doctor as much as possible for continuity of care. If our/your schedule does not allow for this (or you need to come in for a same-day appointment), then we will book you with the doctor on-call that day. Near the end of pregnancy, patients need to come in more frequently. This is often when you would meet more of the doctors. We usually have the same nurse working, and she will see you at each appointment before you see the doctor.

Which doctor will deliver my baby?

When you come to the hospital in labour, our on-call doctor will assist you with your delivery. We work hard to communicate your hopes, needs, and desires to our team members so that even if you are meeting your delivering doctor for the first time, they will be able to offer you exceptional care.

When should I book my first appointment?

We will book your first appointment at 8-9 weeks gestation by LMP (the first day of your last menstrual period). Your due date will be confirmed at your first ultrasound.

How often can I expect to come in for prenatal appointments?

You will have your first appointment around eight weeks gestation. Your physical is booked 2-4 weeks after the first appointment. Then, you will come in every four weeks until you are 28 weeks, every two weeks until you are 36 weeks, and then every week until you deliver your baby, unless otherwise directed by the doctor.

How often can I expect to come in for postpartum/baby appointments?

We will see both you and your baby about a week after you leave the hospital. We will see your baby at 2 and 4 weeks of age and you 6 weeks after you give birth. We are always happy to see you and your baby if there are any concerns or questions between appointments.

If I have a pregnancy-related concern, what should I do?

If it is during office hours, then please call the clinic. We will book you in for a drop-in appointment or have the nurse call you back to answer your questions.

If it is not during office hours and you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, please contact the Cowichan District Hospital at 250-737-2030 and ask for the 2 North Maternity Nursing Unit or come into the Maternity Unit. If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant after hours, please go to the Emergency Room.

When will my routine ultrasounds be booked?

There are two routine ultrasounds during pregnancy: a dating scan (8-13 weeks) and a detailed scan (18-22 weeks). If medically required, your doctor may decide to order more ultrasounds to follow your pregnancy.

At your first appointment, we will order your dating ultrasound, which usually gets booked within 2-4 weeks. After we receive the result, we will order your detailed ultrasound for 18-22 weeks.

After I have bloodwork and/or ultrasounds done, should I book an appointment for the results immediately afterward?

If you have an ultrasound and the Radiology team tells you to come to the clinic straight away, then please come right up. We will make space in our clinic so that we can discuss your results with you. Otherwise, you can head home, and we will discuss the results at your next prenatal appointment. If you have concerns and do not want to wait, then please call the clinic and we will either book you in for a drop-in appointment or have the nurse call you back with the results.

If you want to know the gender of your baby, we can tell you on the phone or make up a gender reveal envelope for you! Just know that when gender is reported on ultrasounds, it is only “probably male” or “probably female”; the radiologists never say 100% either way. Please call the day after your ultrasound, and we should have the results for you.

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

As soon as you find out that you are pregnant. If you are First Nations, you do not need a prescription for prenatal vitamins to be covered. Just head to your pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist.

Can I take cold medication?

Not all medications you would commonly take are safe to use in pregnancy. Plain Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safe pain medication to use in pregnancy for the management of cold symptoms. If you are wondering about other medications, it’s best to ask us, your pharmacist.

Is it OK to bring my children along to appointments?

Yes, of course! We have books and snacks to keep them occupied while you are here.