Preeclampsia is a serious health condition that can develop during pregnancy, usually after the 20th week, and sometimes even shortly after childbirth. It happens when you have high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. If not treated, it can lead to seizures, strokes, organ damage, or even death for the mother […]
UPDATE: New PCMCH Resources on RSV Prevention for Infants and High-Risk ChildrenPCMCH is pleased to share two new fact sheets on the prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in infants and high-risk children. These resources provide essential information and guidance for both parents and healthcare providers, supporting the launch of the expanded RSV prevention program
Respiratory Viruses and Immunizations Read More »
In March 2023, PCMCH completed the evaluation of the Safe Administration of Oxytocin project in Ontario. A multi-pronged approach was used to determine the degree of uptake, effectiveness and utility of the Safe Administration of Oxytocin recommendations and tools. This included input from birthing hospitals, maternal-child health regional networks and data from Ontario’s Better Outcomes
Safe Administration of Oxytocin – Evaluation Findings in Brief Read More »
The perinatal period uniquely impacts the mental health and wellbeing of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Previous or anticipated experiences of discrimination and invisibility, in addition to system-level inequities, can affect trust in perinatal healthcare providers and the broader healthcare system. These barriers can also impact equitable access to timely, quality healthcare, thereby contributing to poor physical and
2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusivity in Perinatal Care Read More »
Nearly one in eight pregnancies in Ontario are to people with a disability; however, pregnancy care is not often structured to address their needs. In 2022, PCMCH collaborated with researchers from the University of Toronto to develop evidence-based resources to support healthy pregnancies, birthing experiences and postpartum outcomes for people with disabilities. In 2023, PCMCH
Disability and Pregnancy Read More »
Please note: The Jaundice and Hyperbilirubinemia Screening section of the Standards of Postnatal Care Report was removed in April 2025 as new guidelines have been released by the Canadian Pediatric Society; all other sections reflect information from May 2018. Healthcare providers and the public may want to consult additional resources that may be more up to
Standards of Postnatal Care Read More »
The Safe Administration of Oxytocin guideline report, developed by PCMCH in 2019, outlines best practice recommendations for the safe management of pregnant patients whose labour is induced or augmented with the medication oxytocin. The objective of the report is to reduce the risk of misuse and/or mismanagement of oxytocin by addressing risk factors that have contributed to
Safe Administration of Oxytocin Read More »
Maintaining mental health is important to the well-being of pregnant and postpartum individuals. PCMCH’s Care Pathway for the Management of Perinatal Mental Health (July 2021) and accompanying Guidance Document (July 2021), support healthcare providers in identifying pregnant or postpartum patients who may be experiencing mental health issues, assess the severity of their symptoms, determine appropriate care
Perinatal Mental Health Read More »
The Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC) Quality Standard provides information about caring for people who have had a Caesarean birth and are planning their next birth. PCMCH and Health Quality Ontario collaborated on the development of these standards. Read the VBAC Quality Standard (updated 2024) The VBAC quality standard outlines the following opportunities to improve care
Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Quality Standard Read More »
Please note: The content on this webpage may contain outdated information and was accurate at the time it was published. Healthcare providers are encouraged to consult current evidence and resources on the topic. Substance use during pregnancy is a risk factor for negative pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Infants at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Read More »
