BURNABY
MATERNITY
CLINIC
Patient Resources
Curated local resources to support and inform you throughout your whole pregnancy journey, from prenatal to newborn care.​
The amount of information online about pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care can be overwhelming.
Many of our patients have found this selection of resources helpful. We encourage you to explore them as you progress through your pregnancy and to speak to our team of doctors if you have any questions.
We suggest beginning with Baby’s Best Chance, a handbook that provides health and well-being tips for you and your baby, covering pregnancy up to six months postpartum. It is a provincial resource available for download in multiple languages.
If you live in Burnaby or other communities in the Fraser Health region, we encourage you to register for Best Beginnings. The Best Beginnings program provides public health services to pregnant individuals, new parents, babies and children to age 2.
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For more resources, you can browse the collection below by type of support as well as by the stage you are at in your journey.
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Pre-Pregnancy
Fertility Clinics
These fertility clinics have locations in the lower mainland and are participating in BC’s Publicly Funded IVF Program: ​
Your Health Prior to Pregnancy
Immunizations Prior to Pregnancy
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your unborn baby is to make sure your immunizations are up to date before pregnancy. For most vaccines, it is even safe to get them while pregnant.
Check your records and talk to your doctor, pharmacist or local public health unit about the vaccines at this link.
Pregnancy & Labour
Deliver at Burnaby Hospital – Burnaby Maternity Clinic
604-431-2822
3935 Kincaid Street, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 2X6
The Burnaby Matenity Clinic is a group of family physicians with extensive obstetrical experience that will follow you through your pregnancy, birth and newborn care. We strive to provide every family with a personalized, holistic and quality maternity experience.
Our physicians work closely together to ensure that patients have 24-hour access to seamless care. The Burnaby Maternity Clinic also works as a team with multiple health care providers, including specialist obstetricians, dietitians, social workers and interpreters which can be arranged for your visits.
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The Burnaby Maternity Clinic is proud to offer care to anyone wishing to deliver their child at Burnaby Hospital. Patients can obtain a referral from their family physician, or can self-refer to our clinic simply by calling and booking an intake appointment.
First and Second Trimester
Due Date
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Your due date is important as it guides the management of your pregnancy. We determine your due date using the first ultrasound performed after 7 weeks gestational age.
Prior to visiting the Burnaby Maternity Clinic, we recommend you speak with your doctor or a walk-in clinic in order to have a dating ultrasound scheduled or performed.
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Baby’s Best Chance
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Parents’ and caregivers’ handbook of pregnancy and baby care. Baby’s Best Chance is intended to offer general information about pregnancy and parenting, with a focus on ensuring the health and well-being of you and your baby. It also provides guidance on how you can access additional support, should you need it.
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Fraser Health: Best Beginnings
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Best Beginnings program provides public health services to pregnant individuals, new parents, babies and children to age 2. All pregnant individuals who live in Fraser Health are encouraged to register for the Best Beginnings program early in pregnancy.
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BC Prenatal Genetic Screening Program
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Prenatal genetic screening can tell a pregnant person their chance of having a baby with Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or an open neural tube defect. It is offered free of charge as a choice to all pregnant people with MSP coverage in BC.
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Learn More About Genetic Screening
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Prenatal Classes
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Prenatal educational programming in the lower mainland, with in-person and virtual options:
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Douglas College Prenatal Classes (in-person and online available)
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Burnaby Family Life Prenatal Program (specific programs are available for young parents age 24 and under, and birthing parents with a history of substance use)
SmartParent
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Sign up early to get two texts per week with good, trusted information throughout pregnancy and your first year of parenting.
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Food and Weight Gain During Pregnancy
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Information on nutrition, food safety, and anticipated weight gain:
Exercise and Physical Therapy
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Resources for staying active and preparing your body for childbirth:
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Burnaby Parks and Recreation (search for pre & postnatal yoga classes)
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Swimming is excellent exercise in pregnancy. Even just being in the pool; not necessarily doing laps. Find pool locations on the City of Burnaby website.
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Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (book early if you have coverage)
Back Pain During Pregnancy
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Resources for preventing and managing back pain, as well as when to call your doctor.
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Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
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Leg cramps — painful involuntary muscle contractions that typically affect the calf, foot or both — are common during pregnancy, often striking at night during the second and third trimesters.
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Sleep Problems During Pregnancy
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Sleep problems are common during pregnancy. Hormonal changes plus the discomforts of later pregnancy can break up the sleep cycle. Try to get the best sleep possible. These tips might help.
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Guide to Sex During Pregnancy
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Wondering how to keep your sex life fun and safe during pregnancy? Here's everything you need to know.
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Is it Safe to Fly During Pregnancy?
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Travel during pregnancy generally is safe if you're healthy and not at risk for problems. Check with your doctor before you travel. Ask your doctor which
vaccines you may need before travelling.
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Gestational Diabetes
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Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that first occurs during pregnancy. High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby. But with treatment, most pregnant people can control their blood sugar and have healthy babies. Blood sugar levels usually go back to normal after the baby is born.
Every pregnant person is encouraged to test for gestational diabetes between 24-28 weeks pregnant. Your doctor will provide you with a requisition.
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Read More About Gestational Diabetes
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Heart Burn/Acid Reflux
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Heart burn, also known as acid reflux or GERD, is a common problem in pregnancy. Several over-the-counter medicines can help and are safe in pregnancy. Your pharmacist and doctor can help guide you regarding your best options.
For most people, we recommend first trying TUMS or Gaviscon. If these options are not effective, we recommend trying Pepcid AC (famotidine). If none of these options settle your symptoms, please speak to your doctor about prescription medications for heart burn.
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Fetal Movements (usually start by 20-22 weeks)
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Once you feel your baby's movements regularly, get to know the normal pattern of their movements. If you are greater than 26 weeks pregnant and your baby's movements are reduced from normal, please call Burnaby Hospital Labour & Delivery (604-412-6293).
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Third Trimester
Third Trimester Immunizations
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There are three vaccines that we recommend all pregnant people receive during their third trimester:
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More About Vaccines During Pregnancy
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Perineal Massage
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Consider starting perineal massage at 34 weeks to reduce tearing.
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Preeclampsia Signs & Symptoms
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Preeclampsia is a common and concerning condition that develops in the 3rd trimester or postpartum. We recommend every pregnant person learn about the symptoms to watch out for, and to inform your doctor right away if these symptoms develop.
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Your Blood Pressure
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Monitoring your blood pressure is an important part of managing your pregnancy. We will check your blood pressure at every visit. For women at an elevated risk of high blood pressure, we recommend checking your blood pressure every day at home in between visits. Your blood pressure should remain below 135/85 at home, and below 140/90 in the office.
If your blood pressure is above these cutoffs, you should call the Burnaby Maternity Clinic to arrange an urgent appointment. If your blood pressure is over 160/105, you should call Labour and Delivery (604-412-6293) and come to the hospital immediately.
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Leaking & Discharge
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Leaking water or fluid from the vagina is not normal at any time in your pregnancy. If this occurs, please put on a pad and call Labour and Delivery (604-412-6293). Vaginal discharge, however, is normal, and protective for your pregnancy, but it should not be watery/wet.
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Collecting Colostrum Before Delivery
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Colostrum, a nutrient rich early form of breastmilk, can be collected before your baby is born. It can then be stored in the freezer and given to your newborn during their first days of life as you learn to breastfeed. We recommend that everyone attempt to collect colostrum from 36-37 weeks until the delivery of your baby.
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Learn More​
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Video: Attaching Your Baby at the Breast
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Breastfeeding is hard! Most birthing parents and their newborns will learn to breastfeed successfully, but it takes practice. Our nurses and doctors will help you learn to breastfeed after you deliver your baby. This video is a helpful start, and we recommend watching it before you're 37 weeks pregnant.
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MOSAIC: Preparing to Breastfeed
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Pre-birth information session — an online workshop designed to help you feel more confident and prepared for your breastfeeding journey. This session will cover key information and offer supportive guidance for soon-to-be parents.
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​​​​Register for a Session​​​​​
Postpartum & Newborn
Primary Care
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After delivering at Burnaby Hospital, we will care for you and your newborn in-hospital, then we will connect you back with your family doctor. If you do not have a family doctor, we will seamlessly connect you with a postpartum and newborn care provider such as the MOSAIC Community Clinic or a postpartum midwife.
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MOSAIC Community Clinic
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The MOSAIC Community Clinic has partnered with the Burnaby Maternity Clinic to provide primary care to new parents and babies who do not have a family physician. The MOSAIC clinic will also help attach these patients to a new family doctor for ongoing care. Services are provided by family doctors, midwives, nurses, lactation consultants, and dietitians. Educational programs and group sessions are also available.
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Child's Health Passport
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Record important health information about your child – everything from height and weight to vaccinations, allergies and illnesses.
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Download Passport ​​
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Breastfeeding and Chestfeeding
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Breastfeeding or chestfeeding is a skill that takes practice. Find advice on latching, positions, and more.
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Safer Sleep for My Baby
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Information about how to help make your baby’s sleep environment as safe as possible — so every sleep is a safer sleep.
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Perinatal Services BC: Newborn Screening Program
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Newborn screening is a simple blood test to identify babies who may have one of over 25 treatable disorders. A newborn baby can look healthy but have one of these rare disorders. All newborns will be offered screening prior to being discharged from hospital after birth.
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Perinatal Services BC: Biliary Atresia Home Screening Program
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Biliary atresia is a rare but serious liver disease that begins to affect newborns in the first month of life. It is the most common reason why children need a liver transplant, and it is life-threatening if it is not treated.
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Burnaby Family Life Postnatal Baby & Me
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For new parents who may be experiencing challenges (health, social, emotional, or financial). A weekly support group for parents and infants 0-6 months offering education, support, and resources.
Programs are for residents of Burnaby and New Westminster. Specific programs are available for young parents (24 and under) and those with a history of substance use.
Find Classes​​
Mental Health
Fraser Health: Reproductive Mental Health
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Offers individual counseling, group counseling, as well as assessment and treatment by a psychiatrist with expertise in pregnancy and postpartum mental health. Speak to your doctor if you would like a referral.
Learn About Fraser Health Services​​​​​
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Pacific Postpartum Support Society
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Are you feeling sad, overwhelmed, or anxious during pregnancy or after the birth or adoption of a child? Pacific Postpartum Support Society offers phone and text support and peer support groups.
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BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services
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Mental health and substance use (MHSU) programs for people across British Columbia who live with severe mental health and substance use issues and need an integrated, whole-person treatment approach.
Learn About MHSU Services​​​​​
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Postpartum Support International
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Perinatal Mental Health conditions are the number one complication of childbearing and affect not only the pregnant person but also other family members, including dads and partners. Find a list of PSI Services that may be helpful to you, or contact the PSI HelpLine to connect with support and resources.
Find Support​​​​
Pregnancy Options & Abortion Services
Find resources to learn about your choices and local services to support you:
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Additional Supports
Looking for more? These additional sources are maintained by trustworthy local health care providers and organizations: