Prenatal Care in Mississauga
Pregnancy is one of the most important health journeys you will take. Dr. Saldanha provides the family medicine component of shared prenatal care — supporting you from the first positive test through to postpartum follow-up — coordinated with your obstetrician or midwife for a comprehensive, connected pregnancy experience.
Shared Prenatal Care — How It Works
In Ontario, prenatal care is typically shared between a family physician and an obstetrician or midwife. Dr. Saldanha manages the routine prenatal visits — bloodwork, monitoring, referrals, and ongoing health support — while your OB/GYN or midwife provides delivery care and specialist-level oversight.
This model gives you the advantage of continuity: the same physician who knows your complete health history is guiding your pregnancy. Dr. Saldanha remains your primary contact for questions between appointments, medication concerns, and coordination with specialists.
To book your first prenatal appointment, call (905) 890-2757 as early in your pregnancy as possible.
Your First Prenatal Visit
The first visit covers a comprehensive foundation for your pregnancy. Dr. Saldanha will:
- • Confirm the pregnancy and calculate your estimated due date (EDD)
- • Order prenatal bloodwork: blood type and Rh factor, CBC, rubella immunity, syphilis, hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV, STI screening (chlamydia/gonorrhea), and thyroid function (TSH)
- • Discuss and refer for first trimester screening: NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) and nuchal translucency ultrasound (at 11–14 weeks)
- • Initiate referral to an obstetrician or midwife for delivery care
- • Review prenatal vitamins: folic acid 0.4–1.0 mg daily (ideally started 3 months before conception), prenatal multivitamin
- • Provide lifestyle counselling: nutrition, safe exercise, substances to avoid, and work or environmental exposures
Prenatal Visit Schedule
Up to 28 weeks
Every 4 weeks
Routine monitoring, bloodwork reviews, ultrasound referrals
28–36 weeks
Every 2 weeks
Increased monitoring, gestational diabetes screening, Tdap vaccine
36–40 weeks
Weekly
Group B Strep screening at 35–37 weeks, birth plan discussion, fetal positioning
Key Prenatal Screenings & Interventions
NIPT & Nuchal Translucency
First trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities (Down syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13) via blood test and ultrasound at 11–14 weeks.
Gestational Diabetes (OGTT)
Oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks. GDM affects 10–15% of pregnancies and requires dietary management to protect both mother and baby.
Group B Strep (GBS)
Vaginal/rectal swab at 35–37 weeks. GBS positivity requires IV antibiotics during labour to protect the newborn.
Tdap in Third Trimester
Whooping cough (pertussis) booster recommended in each pregnancy, ideally at 27–32 weeks, to pass protective antibodies to the newborn before birth.
Prenatal Vitamins
Folic acid reduces neural tube defect risk significantly. Start 3 months before conception if possible. Continue a prenatal multivitamin throughout pregnancy.
Rhesus (Rh) Factor
Rh-negative patients require Rh immunoglobulin (WinRho) at 28 weeks and after delivery to prevent sensitization affecting future pregnancies.
Travel During Pregnancy
International travel in pregnancy requires careful planning. The second trimester (14–27 weeks) is generally the safest window for travel, and most airlines allow flying up to 36 weeks with a physician's letter. However, destination-specific risks must be carefully evaluated:
- • Zika virus — active Zika destinations are contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of fetal microcephaly
- • Malaria — some antimalarials are not safe in pregnancy; destination risk must be weighed carefully
- • Live vaccines — many travel vaccines (e.g., yellow fever, oral typhoid) are contraindicated in pregnancy
- • Food and water safety — gastroenteritis risk and dehydration are more significant during pregnancy
For pre-travel consultation during pregnancy, Dr. Saldanha provides travel medicine advice through Peel Travel Clinic — the family medicine and travel medicine practices share the same location at 550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 107, Mississauga.
Postpartum Follow-Up
A 6-week postpartum visit with Dr. Saldanha is recommended after delivery. This visit addresses maternal recovery, mental health (screening for postpartum depression), contraception discussion, breastfeeding support, thyroid function check, and registration of the newborn for ongoing well child care.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my first prenatal appointment?
Book as early as possible — ideally within the first 6–8 weeks of pregnancy, or as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test. The first prenatal visit covers a great deal of ground: confirming the pregnancy, estimating your due date, ordering prenatal bloodwork, discussing first trimester screening, starting prenatal vitamins, and planning your overall care. Earlier is always better.
What happens at the first prenatal visit with Dr. Saldanha?
Your first prenatal visit at Saldanha Health Centre includes: confirmation of pregnancy and estimated due date calculation, prenatal bloodwork orders (blood type, Rh factor, CBC, rubella immunity, syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydia/gonorrhea screening, and thyroid function), referral to an obstetrician or midwife for delivery care, discussion of first trimester screening (NIPT and nuchal translucency ultrasound), prenatal vitamin guidance, and lifestyle counselling. It is a comprehensive foundation for the months ahead.
Do I still need an OB/GYN if Dr. Saldanha is managing my prenatal care?
Dr. Saldanha provides the family medicine component of shared prenatal care — routine visits, bloodwork, monitoring, and coordination. For delivery, you will need either a midwife or an obstetrician (OB/GYN). Dr. Saldanha will provide the referral. For low-risk pregnancies, midwifery care is an excellent option. Higher-risk pregnancies or those with complications will be co-managed with an OB. The two providers complement each other.
Is travel safe during pregnancy?
Travel is generally considered safe during the second trimester (14–27 weeks) for uncomplicated pregnancies. Most airlines allow travel up to 36 weeks with documentation. However, destination-specific risks — including Zika virus, malaria, food and water safety, and altitude — must be carefully assessed before travel. Some vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy. Dr. Saldanha recommends a pre-travel consultation through Peel Travel Clinic for any international travel during pregnancy.
Book Your First Prenatal Visit
550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 107, Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8
Call (905) 890-2757Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Prenatal care recommendations vary based on individual risk factors, gestational age, and clinical findings. Please consult Dr. Saldanha or your obstetric provider for advice specific to your pregnancy.