I never imagined my 4th pregnancy would be my first without a family doctor

Navigating a pregnancy without a family doctor is a challenge that many women in Prince Edward Island face due to the shortage of healthcare providers on the island. Maggie Campbell, a mother of three boys, found herself in this exact situation when she discovered she was expecting her fourth child.

The journey began with the excitement of hearing her daughter’s heartbeat through an at-home fetal doppler, surrounded by her three sons and husband. However, this joy was quickly overshadowed by worry as Maggie realized she didn’t have a family doctor to guide her through the pregnancy.

In P.E.I., patients typically see their family doctor for the majority of their pregnancy, but with her family doctor retired and no new one in place, Maggie was left scrambling to figure out where to turn for care. The provincial patient registry became her lifeline, directing her to the right resources and finally connecting her with a family doctor after days of uncertainty.

As if the lack of a family doctor wasn’t challenging enough, Maggie also had to navigate her pregnancy without her ADHD medication, which she had to stop taking due to potential risks to the baby. Managing her ADHD symptoms while pregnant added an extra layer of difficulty, making the wait for her first appointment even more mentally taxing.

The first appointment with a family doctor was a blur of tests and monitoring, with concerns about high blood pressure adding to Maggie’s anxiety. As her blood pressure continued to rise, she found herself classified as high risk for pre-eclampsia and in need of specialized care.

Despite the struggles and uncertainties, Maggie found solace in the medical professionals who stepped in to provide the care she needed. With a plan in place for the remainder of her pregnancy and the reassurance of familiar faces guiding her through, Maggie is hopeful for a safe delivery in July.

Looking ahead, Maggie’s worries now shift to postpartum care and managing her ADHD without a dedicated family doctor. The challenges of accessing consistent medical care in P.E.I. are a reality that many Islanders face, but Maggie’s story is a testament to the resilience and strength of mothers navigating pregnancy in less than ideal circumstances.