You’re Pregnant… Now What? A Friendly Guide to All Your Options & Next Steps 🤝

Written By Teale Edwards | Banff's Birth + Postpartum Doula | Yoga + Meditation Teacher

So… the test is positive.

Whether you were hoping for this or it’s a total shock, you might be thinking:

“Okay… I’m pregnant. Now what the heck do I do?”

Take a breath. Grab a glass of water (or ginger ale if you’re feeling queasy).
Let’s talk through your options — no judgment, just real talk.

Let’s Start with the Big Stuff:
What are Your Options?

In Alberta, you’ve got three legal options if you’re pregnant:

✅ Continue the pregnancy and become a parent.
✅ Continue the pregnancy and explore adoption.
✅ End the pregnancy (abortion).

And whichever one you’re leaning toward, you deserve to have support and good information.
Let’s go through each…

👉🏼 Option 1: Continuing Your Pregnancy

If you decide to continue your pregnancy, you’ll want to start prenatal care.
That means choosing who’ll look after you and baby along the way — doctors, midwives, maybe a doula? (Scroll down for more on this!)


👉🏼 Option 2: Adoption

Adoption can be an option if parenting isn’t the right fit, but you still want to carry the pregnancy.

In Alberta, you can choose open adoption (where you stay connected with the child and adoptive family), semi-open, or closed adoption (no contact).

Here are some places to start if you’re considering adoption:

👉🏼 Option 3: Abortion

Abortion is legal and publicly funded in Alberta — and you do not need a referral from a doctor (though some people prefer to see their family doctor first).

If you live in The Bow Valley or nearby, here’s how you can access care:

Early Abortion (Medication)

  • Medication abortion (the abortion pill) is usually available from your Doctor up to about 9 weeks. You’ll take pills to end the pregnancy at home or under a doctor’s care.

  • Many family doctors can prescribe this, or you can contact specialized clinics.

Surgical Abortion

  • Surgical abortion is available at clinics in Calgary.

  • Procedures vary depending on how far along you are.

📍 Clinics Near You (Presuming you live in the Bow Valley)

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, the folks at these clinics are kind, discreet, and used to helping people navigate choices.





Decided to Keep the Pregnancy?
Here’s What’s Next…

Okay — and if you’re planning to continue your pregnancy, here’s your
“newly pregnant to-do list.”

🤰🏻1. Find a Prenatal Care Provider

Your first step is booking prenatal care.
In the Bow Valley you have options:

  • Family doctors — some provide maternity care the whole way through, others partially. In the Bow Valley the majority of physician led care is through Mountain Maternity.

  • Obstetricians (OB/GYNs) — specialize in pregnancy, birth, and high-risk situations - Canmore OBGYN

  • Midwives — provide low-risk maternity care with a more holistic approach (covered by Alberta Health).

Midwifery clinics to check out:

Shifra Centre - Cochrane

Aurora Midwifery - Calgary

If you’re interested in midwifery care, apply as early as you can.
Local midwifery practices fill up quickly, if you are Bow Valley based I would reach out to Shifra (Cochrane Community Midwives) the moment you get that positive test result.
That said, it is never too late to reach out, I’ve had mamas switch to midwifery care at 36 weeks - so reach out if you are curious.

💊2. Start Taking a Prenatal Vitamin

If you haven’t already, grab a prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
Helps reduce certain birth defects and is good insurance for growing a tiny human.
You can more about choosing a prenatal that is right for you, here.

💭3. Start Dreaming About Birth

I know it might feel early, but it’s never too soon to ask yourself:

  • How do you picture your birth unfolding?

  • What environment do you picture your birth in? A hospital, a birth centre, your home, out in the woods under a tree?

  • How do you feel about pain relief — epidurals, opioid medications, laughing gas, hydrotherapy, massage?

  • Who do you want in the room? Your partner, your bestie, your Mum, a Doula?

  • Are there cultural or spiritual traditions you want included?

Even if your plans change later, knowing your values helps you feel more in control.
Begin building a beautiful image of your birth and then take time to get informed.


🧠4. Check Your Birth Biases

This is a big one.

We’ve all absorbed stories — scary birth scenes in movies, dramatic TV shows, or birth horror stories from that one coworker.

Ask yourself:

“What do I believe about birth — and is it actually true?”

Learning about how birth works physiologically can replace fear with confidence. Consider signing up for a prenatal yoga class or working with a doula to get real, evidence-based info.

🔌 Shameless plug - during the 6 week Prenatal Yoga Series that I run at Flow State Yoga Studio in Banff, we spend one week looking at our Birth Biases and reframing our mindset around birth, you should join us!

🗣️5. Chat with Your Partner

If you’re sharing this journey with a partner, it’s good to talk early:

  • What’s their image of birth?

  • Do they have any big worries or fears?

  • How do they imagine supporting you in labour?

These convos can feel vulnerable, but they make a huge difference in feeling like a team.
If you are navigating this season of life as your own life partner, I highly encourage calling in additional support, a sister, a bestie or a Doula (or all 3!) and have these conversations with those in your circle, build this vision of your birth with them!

✨6. Start Building Your Dream Team

Pregnancy and birth aren’t solo adventures (unless you want them to be!).
Your team might include:

  • Midwife, Doctor or OBGYN — for medical care

  • Doula — for emotional and physical support

  • Childbirth educator — for birth prep classes

  • Therapist or counsellor — if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed

Start chatting with potential providers to see who feels like the right fit.
Trust your gut vibes — it matters!

👟7. Take Care of Your Body and Mind

This is a wild season. Be gentle with yourself:

  • Rest when you can

  • Eat food that feels good

  • Move your body gently (walks, stretching, yoga)

  • Find pockets of joy — music, nature, art, laughter

Here’s the bottom line,

Whether this pregnancy was planned or a surprise, you have options.
You deserve respect, good care, and choices that fit you.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk it out.
There are people ready to help you navigate whichever path you choose — from local clinics to midwives, doulas, and community support groups. 🙋🏻‍♀️

Remember: This is your body, your pregnancy, and your choice. You’re not alone.

If you want to get coffee and chat more with me about your options, what you see for yourself, or you just want a friendly ear, let’s chat…

teale x

Teale Edwards | Banff's Birth + Postpartum Doula | Yoga + Meditation Teacher https://bowvalleydoula.ca
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