Gonorrhea (“gah-nuh-REE-uh”) and chlamydia (“kluh-MID-ee-uh”) are common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Gonorrhea and chlamydia are caused by bacteria. The bacteria can be passed from an infected pregnant person to their baby during birth. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can both cause eye infections in newborns. Newborn eye infections caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia are rare, but they are serious. They must be treated quickly to avoid long-term complications. This pamphlet explains how you …
Iron helps your blood carry oxygen through your body. When your iron levels are too low, you can develop a condition called iron deficiency anemia. This can lead to serious health issues. A person who is pregnant needs more iron to support the growth of their baby. During pregnancy, you need about one third (1/3) more iron. This pamphlet explains how much iron you need each day, how you can make sure you get enough iron, and how you will know if you are getting enough iron. Space is included fo…
High blood pressure in pregnancy (also called gestational hypertension) is a blood pressure (BP) that stays higher than 140/90 (140 over 90). For most people, a normal blood pressure is 140/90 or less. After week 20 of your pregnancy, high blood pressure can be linked to pre-eclampsia. This is a more serious condition that includes high blood pressure and protein in the urine (pee). Because pre-eclampsia can be dangerous to you and your baby, we ask you to monitor your blood pressure and sympto…
This pamphlet gives information on common issues, like sleep troubles and intrusive thoughts (strange thoughts or mental images that seem to pop into your head and cause stress), anxiety and mood disorders, and postpartum psychosis (rare). Topics include what to do if you had a mental disorder before you became pregnant, what Baby Blues are and how to get ready for them, and what to do if you still feel overwhelmed, irritable, stressed, or sad after 2 to 4 weeks. Information on how to get help …
You have been prescribed a steroid ointment. This medication helps to lower inflammation (redness, swelling, pain) caused by a skin condition on your vulva. This 1-page sheet explains how to apply (put) your steroid ointment on your vulva. A diagram shows exactly where to apply the ointment. Tips to remember are included. The French version of this pamphlet 2111, "Comment appliquer votre onguent stéroïde", is also available.
Une hystérectomie laparoscopique est une chirurgie qui permet d’enlever l’utérus et le col de l’utérus en passant par le vagin. Les ovaires et les trompes de Fallope sont souvent enlevés en même temps. Après la chirurgie, vous aurez une intraveineuse (IV), un cathéter (tube) pour vider la vessie de son urine et un pansement sur l’abdomen (le ventre). La présente brochure traite de la respiration, du traitement de la douleur, des saignements vaginaux, des soins des incisions, des caillots de san…
Induction of labour is when a method or medication is used to start labour before it starts on its own. The goal of induction is to have a vaginal birth. This pamphlet explains why you are being offered induction, how it is done, how long it takes, and what will happen when you come to the hospital. What to do if your induction is postponed is also discussed. The French version of this pamphlet 1813, "Déclenchement artificiel du travail", is also available.
A balloon catheter is a soft tube with a small balloon on the end. The balloon catheter helps to get your cervix ready for labour (cervical ripening). This pamphlet explains what will happen when the balloon catheter is inserted (put in), possible complications of a balloon catheter, and when you should call or return to the hospital. The French version of this pamphlet 1814, "Déclenchement artificiel du travail et maturation cervicale au moyen d’un cathéter à ballonnet", is also available.
Cervidil® is a thin, flat insert, like a tampon. It contains medication called dinoprostone. Dinoprostone is like a natural substance made by your body. It softens your cervix to get it ready for labour. This pamphlet explains what to expect when you get Cervidil®, possible complications of Cervidil®, and when you should call or return to the hospital. The French version of this pamphlet 1815, "Déclenchement artificiel du travail et maturation cervicale au moyen d’une insertion vaginale de dino…
Misoprostol is a pill that contains a medication called prostaglandin E1. Prostaglandin E1 softens the cervix to get it ready for labour and to cause labour contractions. Cytotec® is the brand name of this medication. This pamphlet explains what to expect when you get misoprostol, possible complications of misoprostol, and when you should notify a member of your health care team. The French version of this pamphlet 1816, "Déclenchement artificiel du travail et maturation cervicale au moyen de c…
This pamphlets provides information for patients receiving radiation therapy to the pelvis. Answers common questions like: what will happen during your treatment, how long are the treatments, and what are the possible side effects of radiation therapy.
Pendant votre chirurgie, vous avez reçu un médicament qui diminue l’efficacité de certaines méthodes de contraception hormonale. Le sugammadex (Bridion) a été utilisé pour inverser les effets du relaxant musculaire qu’on vous a administré pendant votre chirurgie. Il peut réduire l’efficacité des contraceptifs hormonaux pendant 7 jours (une semaine). Vous devez donc utiliser une méthode de contraception additionnelle pendant 7 jours après votre chirurgie. ; This pamphlet is a French translation …
Condoms are birth control devices that prevent semen (the fluid that contains sperm) from entering a vagina or anus. When semen is released inside a vagina, it may reach an egg and fertilize it, causing pregnancy. Condoms also help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, if used properly. There are 2 types of condoms: internal (worn on the inside of the vagina or anus) and external (worn on the outside of an erect penis). This pamphlet explains what internal…
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb) and cervix through your vagina. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are often taken out at the same time. After surgery you will have an intravenous (IV), a catheter (tube) to drain urine from your bladder, and a dressing on your abdomen (stomach area). Topics in this pamphlet include breathing, managing pain, vaginal bleeding, incision care, blood clots and your menstrual cycle. Information on care at home and sex after surge…
Lichen sclerosus is a life-long condition that creates patchy white areas of the skin. It may affect any part of the body, but it most often involves the skin of the vulva (opening to the vagina) and around the anus. This pamphlet explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and contact information for the Colposcopy Clinic.
ProstinMD est un gel. Il contient un médicament appelé dinoprostone (prostaglandine E2). La dinoprostone PGE2 (ou gel ProstinMD) est comme une substance naturelle produite par votre corps. Elle assouplit le col de l’utérus pour le préparer au travail. Le présent dépliant explique à quoi vous attendre comme suite à l’utilisation du gel ProstinMD, les complications possibles et quand appeler l’hôpital ou y retourner. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of "Cervical Ripening with Dinoprostone …
This pamphlet explains what a medical abortion is, who can get a medical abortion, what happens during a medical abortion, and possible risks and side effects. Instructions for taking the medication Mifegymiso to cause a medical abortion, and who to contact for further information are included. The French version of this pamphlet 1861, "Avortement par médicaments", is also available.
This pamphlet explains how to take the medication Mifegymiso to cause an abortion. It lists the supplies you will need, how to take the medications, and symptoms that require you to call the Nova Scotia Choice Clinic Nursing Line. Information about sex and birth control after taking Mifegymiso, and follow-up care is provided. The French version of this pamphlet 1886, "Directives pour un avortement par médicaments (Mifegymiso)," is also available.
A molar pregnancy is a rare condition that can happen during pregnancy. It is part of a number of conditions that together are called gestation trophoblastic disease (GTD). This pamphlet explains what causes a molar pregnancy, who can get it, diagnosis, treatment, test results, as well as answering questions you may have about getting pregnant again after experiencing a molar pregnancy. If you have any questions, a contact number is provided.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) happens when a baby withdraws from medication that you have been taking during your pregnancy. This pamphlet explains the common symptoms of NAS, what your health care team will do to help your baby, what you can do to help your baby, what will happen if your baby needs medication, and when your baby can go home. The French version of this pamphlet 2203, "Syndrome de sevrage néonatal," is also available.