Prepare for your first visit 

Welcome to the 'Prepare for your first visit' page of GMF La Cigogne. We are here to support you throughout your pregnancy and offer you the best possible care from the start. Discover below the essential information to know before your first prenatal care appointment.

Prenatal vitamins

It is recommended to start taking prenatal multivitamins containing folic acid 3 months before pregnancy.

Do you have nausea and vomiting?

These are common symptoms of pregnancy. If these symptoms are too bothersome, you can contact your pharmacist for advice or a prescription for Diclectin, a safe medication to reduce nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy. You can also sign up for the walk-in clinic for more help.

Genetic screening

If you, the father of the unborn child or your families are from the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Charlevoix or Haute-Côte-Nord regions, you may be eligible for Carrier Testing for 4 recessive hereditary diseases. Read the description of carrier tests for 4 recessive hereditary diseases on the Government of Quebec website. If you are eligible and interested, follow the steps to apply for testing.

Medications and pregnancy

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe
  • Avoid anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil, Motrin).
  • You can consult the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Pocket Guide to learn about treating common conditions and advices on frequently used products
  • If you are taking other medications, please contact your pharmacist to inform them of your pregnancy.
  • Prepare a complete list with the name and dosage of each medication for your first appointment.

For a Safe Maternity Experience Program

If your job involves risks for your pregnancy, you can complete the CSST “For Safe Maternity Experience” program form during your first appointment with the doctor. 

If your job requires an immediate stoppage, we will then give you an appointment with a nurse as quickly as possible.  It is not necessary to consult at the walk-in clinic to complete this form. The secretaries will tell you the procedure.

Don't forget to read our section on screening for Down syndrome and complete your medical history form