There are many changes in your body that could mean you’re pregnant. The best way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are for sale at most pharmacies and free at sexual health clinics.

Not everyone feels the same about being pregnant. For some, the news will be exciting, for others the pregnancy may be unplanned or unwanted. When you discover you’re pregnant, you have options:

Deciding which option is best for you can be overwhelming.

The decision is yours, but there is help if you have questions or need support making your choice.

If you have decided to continue your pregnancy, it’s important visit a health care provider as soon as possible to access prenatal care. To keep you and your baby healthy during your pregnancy, you’ll need prenatal care, nutritious food, rest, exercise, and support people. Smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol, and taking drugs are all harmful to your pregnancy and your baby.

Urinary incontinence (leaking urine) and vaginal prolapse are very common conditions. These pelvic floor disorders are not life-threatening, but they may affect your quality of life. Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and ask about treatment options or a referral to the Saskatchewan Pelvic Floor Pathway.

Other helpful resources for pregnancy and parenting:

• Moms & Kids Health Saskatchewan

• Midwives Association of Saskatchewan

• Prenatal Classes (Saskatoon)

• Breastfeeding Support Centre Saskatoon

• New Parent Programs (Regina)

• HIV & Pregnancy (SK HIV Collaborative)

• Pregnancy, Parenting and the Workplace . . . What employees and Employers Need to Know

• Saskatchewan Maternity, Parental and Adoption leaves (Gov’t of Saskatchewan)

• Canadian EI Maternity & Parental Benefits

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in its early stages, most often because the fetus was not developing normally. Not all vaginal bleeding in pregnancy results in a miscarriage, but any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should be taken seriously. Consult your health care provider right away. If you have had one or more miscarriages, your chance of having a healthy pregnancy in the future may still be very good. Consult your health care provider if you plan to get pregnant again.

You may decide to continue your pregnancy, but for your own reasons, aren’t able to parent the child. There are two types of adoption available in Saskatchewan.

For more information about adoption in Saskatchewan or help accessing adoption services . . 

If you decided to terminate your pregnancy (to have an abortion), it is important to get the process started right away since this option is only available up to a certain point in the pregnancy.

Medical terminations, also called pharmaceutical termination, uses medication (either pills or pills and an injection) to end the pregnancy. Surgical termination is safe and effective an does not prevent you from getting pregnant in the future.

In Saskatchewan, medical termination is available up to 9 weeks of pregnancy through some sexual health clinics, family physicians and OBYGNs. Medical termination is safe, effective and does not prevent you from becoming pregnant in the future. Typically, a medical termination occurs over several days, requiring a couple visits to the physician’s office and an ultrasound to confirm the number of weeks of the pregnancy, but no hospital admission. The cost for medical termination medication is covered by Saskatchewan Health, but you still need a prescription and may need to pick up the medication at a pharmacy.

If you’re choosing a medical termination, contact your family physician or OBGYN to find out if they provide this care. If you don’t have a physician or if your physician does not provide this care, find out where you can access medical termination by contacting:

A surgical Termination, also known as a D&C (dilation and curettage) is a procedure to remove the uterine lining, ending the pregnancy. Surgical termination is safe and effective an does not prevent you from getting pregnant in the future.

The surgical termination process occurs in multiple steps. After a consultation visit, blood work, and an ultrasound to confirm the number of weeks of the pregnancy, the procedure will usually be done in one day at a hospital or specialized clinic. The cost of surgical termination is covered by Saskatchewan Health, but travel is not covered.

In Saskatchewan, Surgical Termination (abortion) is available in Saskatoon and Regina.

In Saskatchewan, no parental or partner consent is required for a pregnant person to end their pregnancy through medical or surgical termination. Any pregnant person can access termination (abortion) as long as it is clear they understand their choice and it is early enough in the pregnancy for a termination to be performed.

People who have an abortion may experience a variety of feelings like relief, happiness, sadness, and confusion about the decision. This is completely normal and common. Having a strong support system around you like family, friends, or a partner can help to make the process easier.

If you need support or want more information on termination (abortion) contact: