I’m Pregnant! Now What? A Collingwood Mom’s Guide to the First Steps

Finding out you’re pregnant is a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, a touch of "wait, what now?", and a sudden urge to Google everything. If you’re in the South Georgian Bay area, you’re in the right place. From our local hospital to the tight-knit community of birth workers, Collingwood has an incredible support system for your journey.

Here is your step-by-step guide on what to do first when you see those two lines.

Expecting a Baby Guide to Pregnancy in Collingwood Ontario

1. Take a Deep Breath (and a Vitamin)

Before you dive into the logistics, take a moment for yourself. Once the news has settled, start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 0.4mg of folic acid if you aren’t already. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your baby’s early development.

2. Choose Your Care Provider

In Ontario, you have three main options for prenatal care. In Collingwood, these providers all work closely with the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH):

  • Midwives: Midwives Nottawasaga is the local go-to for low-risk pregnancy. They provide primary care throughout pregnancy, birth, and six weeks postpartum. Pro tip: Call them immediately—midwifery spots in our region fill up very fast!

  • Family Doctors: Many local physicians provide prenatal care. If your doctor doesn't attend births, they will typically care for you until around 20–28 weeks before referring you to an OBGYN.

  • Obstetricians (OBGYNs): Collingwood has a fantastic team of OBGYNs (located at the Collingwood Women’s Health Clinic) who specialize in both routine and high-risk pregnancies. Click here for our guide to Collingwood’s OBGYNs.

3. Register for Local Resources

Collingwood is unique because of its collaborative community. Don't wait until your third trimester to look into these:

  • Collingwood Well Baby Clinic: Located on Beachwood Road, they offer incredible workshops, breastfeeding support, and mental health groups.

  • Prenatal Classes: The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) offers free virtual and in-person classes. CGMH also hosts a free virtual "Labour and Delivery" info session on the last Monday of every month. Doula by the Bay offers in-home, private childbirth workshops to prepare for birth at CGMH, homebirth or waterbirth.

  • The Doula Advantage: While your medical team focuses on health and safety, a doula focuses on you. At Doula by the Bay, we provide the emotional and physical continuity that helps families navigate the local system with confidence.

  • Maternity & Newborn Photography: Pregnancy is a special time that many families want to remember with in-home, film-style photography by Doula by the Bay. Professional labour & birth photography is also available at CGMH or in home! Pro tip: book your maternity and newborn photoshoot at the same time for a discount!

4. Map Out Your Birth Environment

If you are planning a hospital birth, you’ll likely be heading to CGMH on Hume Street.

Local Insight: CGMH is a Level 1 unit, meaning they are experts in routine deliveries. Their "same-room" maternity care model is a local favorite—you’ll stay in one large, private room for labour, delivery, and your recovery stay. Click here for our guide to giving birth at CGHM.

5. Listen to Your Body

The first trimester can be exhausting. Between the "morning" sickness (which we all know can be an all-day affair) and the fatigue, your body is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

  • Stay Hydrated: Our local tap water is great, but some sparkling water with ginger from Loblaws or Sobeys can be a lifesaver for nausea.

  • Move Gently: We are lucky to have the Georgian Trail and Sunset Point. Fresh air and a gentle walk can do wonders for your mental health.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, the transition into parenthood is a major milestone. Having a local support system makes all the difference. At Doula by the Bay, we’re here to ensure you feel empowered from your first ultrasound to your first night home.

Wellness Services and Guide to Pregnancy in Collingwood Ontario

Your Collingwood Wellness Team: Other Essential Resources

One of the best parts about being pregnant in South Georgian Bay is the access to specialized holistic care. Here are a few local experts we recommend connecting with early in your journey:

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Don’t wait until you have "leaks" to see a pelvic floor physio. In Collingwood, we are lucky to have Collingwood Pelvic Health (on Hurontario St.). Their team (including Vanessa, Lisa, and Jessica) helps you prep your body for birth and guides your recovery.

Doula Tip: If you deliver at CGMH, the Collingwood Well Baby Clinic also offers a fantastic pelvic floor screening program around three weeks postpartum.

Acupuncture with Dr. Montgomery

For everything from morning sickness in the first trimester to "induction acupuncture" in the third trimester, Dr. Kaleb Montgomery (Collingwood Acupuncture) is a local treasure. His clinic recently moved to a bright new space on First Street, where he specializes in fertility and pregnancy support.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care: Melissa at Thrive

Maintaining pelvic alignment is key to a comfortable pregnancy. Dr. Melissa Longo at Thrive Chiropractic & Holistic Care (on Hume St.) has been caring for Collingwood families for over 20 years. She is an expert in helping your body adapt to the physical changes of pregnancy in a gentle, supportive way. Bonus: she also offers chiropractic care for infants!

The "New Arrival" Essentials: Wild Baby

Once you’re ready to start browsing (or if you just need some retail therapy for the "morning" sickness blues), head over to Wild Baby on Simcoe Street. This mother-daughter-owned shop is the heart of Collingwood’s baby scene, offering sustainable, organic, and ethically sourced clothing and gear that you won't find in the big-box stores.

Looking for additional guidance and support navigating your pregnancy journey? Reach out to Doula by the Bay for a free consultation.

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