1. Home  
  2. Health  
  3. Advice and prevention  
  4. Accidents, injuries and diseases prevention  
  5. Preventing health problems  
  6. Preventing health problems during pregnancy and early childhood

Preventing health problems

Preventing health problems during pregnancy and early childhood

Folic acid and a multivitamin

Before and during pregnancy, a healthy diet along with a multivitamin will ensure the optimal development of the baby. It helps prevent certain congenital malformations (present at birth), especially in the nervous system, limbs, heart, palate and lips, as well as the urinary tract.

It is recommended to consume foods high in folic acid such as legumes (peas and beans), green vegetables, fortified flour, eggs and citrus fruits (oranges), as well as foods high in choline, such as meat and egg yolks.

In addition to a healthy diet, experts recommend taking a daily multivitamin that contains folic acid and iron. If you are planning to get pregnant, start taking the multivitamin three months before you conceive. If you are not planning to get pregnant but it is a possibility or if you are pregnant, a multivitamin is also recommended. In all these situations, consult a pharmacist who will advise you on the appropriate dose for your needs. Indeed, some people, because of their personal or family history, may need a higher dose of folic acid from three months before conception until the 12th week of pregnancy. However, do not take more than 1 mg of folic acid per day after the 12th week. The multivitamin must be taken throughout pregnancy, up to four to six weeks after giving birth (if not breastfeeding) or until breastfeeding ends.

For further information:

Alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding

This section is under review.

Alcohol consumption can affect fetal development, particularly of the brain.

It is recommended to avoid all alcohol throughout the trimesters of pregnancy, and while breastfeeding, given that no safe level of drinking alcohol has been established.

For further information:

Breastfeeding

The scientific community recommends feeding babies only breast milk for the first six months of life (exclusive breastfeeding). Then, when the child starts to eat, they recommend continuing to breastfeed for as long as the mother and her baby want until the baby is at least two years old.

During the entire breastfeeding period, whether exclusive or not, it is recommended that the infant be given a vitamin D supplement.

Breastfeeding has many benefits, both for the child's and the mother’s health.

  • For the child, breastfeeding helps promote the emotional bond with the mother. The antibodies in breast milk also protect the child from several diseases. In addition, it has a protective effect against the onset of obesity later in life. Breast milk contains all the nutrients essential to the baby's development. It is easy to digest and constantly adapts to the child's needs.
  • For the mother, breastfeeding can help her return to her pre-pregnancy weight more quickly. It lowers the risk of weight gain, maternal depression, type 2 diabetes and breast and ovarian cancer.

Breast milk is always available at the right temperature. Breastfeeding is an economical, ecological, convenient and safe feeding method. 

You can attend free prenatal group meetings or breastfeeding preparation meetings (for example, at your local community services centre [CLSC] or at a community breastfeeding organization). These meetings will provide you and your family members with support in preparing for, starting and continuing breastfeeding.

You can talk to a health professional about your use of tobacco, vaping products or nicotine pouches. Using alcohol, cannabis or other psychoactive substances can be harmful to you and your child. A health professional will also be able to check if your activities during pregnancy or breastfeeding pose a risk to you and your child.

Video (in French with available English subtitles)

Watch the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.

For further information:

Newborn blood screening

Since April 28, 2025, screening for rare diseases is carried out exclusively by taking a blood sample from the baby’s heel at birth. Urine screening by collecting urine on blotting paper in the diaper is no longer done.

Blood screening in newborns is done to detect certain rare diseases as early as possible, some of which are not yet apparent at birth. These diseases must be treated quickly to prevent serious or permanent consequences which, in some cases, can be life threatening. Early treatment will help improve the health and quality of life of most children.

Blood screening is offered to all babies born in Quebec. A nurse or midwife will do the test on your baby's heel between 24 and 48 hours of life. You must give your verbal consent when the sample is taken. If you would like more information about the test, talk to a health professional, who will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of participating or not with you.

If you decide to participate in screening and the sample has been collected, you will only be contacted if:

  • the sample is unusable and another sample has to be taken
  • another sample is necessary to confirm a questionable result
  • your baby’s result is positive, suggesting they may have one of the diseases screened for

For further information:

Newborn hearing screening

Deafness, i.e. the inability to hear sounds, can be present from birth or appear throughout life. Newborn screening can detect deafness present at birth as early as possible (within the first month). This condition can adversely affect the child's knowledge and language development, social integration, and quality of life.

Screening for deafness in newborns enables the cause to be rapidly identified and, if possible, treated. Deaf children can sometimes benefit from surgery, hearing aids (devices), or rehabilitation interventions that can reduce the severity of hearing problems or their consequences.

Hearing screening is offered to all babies eligible for the Québec health insurance plan. Participation in the program is recommended but is voluntary. If you're not sure whether to take part in the program, talk to a doctor, nurse, or midwife, who will discuss the advantages and disadvantages with you.

For further information:

Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections during pregnancy

Most of the time, people with a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) do not have any particular signs or symptoms. However, STBBIs can have significant consequences on the course of pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, there is a potential risk of contaminating the fetus during pregnancy or birth.

In order to reduce the risks associated with STBBIs, a health professional will assess your sexual health during your prenatal care and determine if any risk factors are present. They will inform you about safe behaviours and screening for certain STBBIs and may recommend vaccines. If necessary, they will offer you preventive treatment if you have been exposed to an STBBI.

For further information:

Prevention of neonatal conjunctivitis

Some sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) can be transmitted during childbirth and sometimes cause serious infections in the baby, such as neonatal conjunctivitis (infection of the membrane on the surface of the newborn's eye).

To prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, an antibiotic ointment is applied to babies' eyes within the first few hours after birth.

For further information:

Protection against ultraviolet rays during pregnancy and early childhood

Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause permanent damage to the skin and eyes. Exposure to UV radiation at an early age has a greater effect than at any other age. In particular, it increases the risk of skin cancer and skin aging.

Children and adults with the following characteristics are more sensitive to UV rays:

  • pale skin that reddens quickly in the sun
  • freckles
  • blue, green or grey eyes
  • blonde or red hair

Even for dark‑skinned people, protection is recommended to prevent abnormal pigmentation.

It is recommended to limit sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and to check the UV index when planning outings. This can be done using the World Health Organization (WHO) SunSmart Global UV app or by consulting local weather forecasts. You must apply sunscreen as soon as the UV index is higher than 3. Clouds and water block only a portion of UV rays. In addition, UV rays are reflected by snow, sand and water.

Using physical methods against UV rays is recommended. For example:

  • stay in the shade or under an umbrella
  • wear a wide‑brimmed hat
  • wear a long‑sleeved tightly‑woven top
  • wear long, light‑coloured clothing
  • wear sunglasses marked “100% UV protection” or “UV 400”

In addition to physical methods, using sunscreen is recommended. It must:

  • have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and be water resistant
  • be approved by the Canadian Dermatology Association
  • be applied 30 minutes before going out in the sun
  • be applied in the following amounts for an adult:
    • 1 teaspoon for the face and neck
    • 2 to 3 tablespoons for the rest of the body. The amount must be adjusted depending on the child’s size
  • be reapplied every two hours, or after swimming or strenuous physical activity
  • contain mineral UV filters: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are considered the safest during pregnancy

When you use it for the first time, test the sunscreen on a small area of skin on the forearm for the time recommended in the instructions on your product to detect a possible allergic reaction.

Avoid sun tanning or artificial tanning.

If a child or a person who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant is taking medication or using cosmetics, they must consult a pharmacist to find out if these products can increase the skin’s reaction to the sun.

For babies under 6 months of age

Do not sit a child under 6 months of age facing the sun because of the risks to the eyes, especially in sand, water or snow.

Do not put sunscreen on babies under 6 months of age. It could cause an allergic reaction.

For further information

Oral health during pregnancy and early childhood

Tooth decay is caused by sugars in food and bacteria in the mouth. It affects most of the population. Preventing tooth decay is important during pregnancy or for a person who is planning to get pregnant and for children under 2 years of age.

An examination by a dentist is recommended before or at the beginning of pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

To promote the proper development of the newborn's face and mouth, choose breastfeeding as the feeding method from birth. Clean their gums and the inside of their mouth every day with a clean, damp cloth wrapped around your finger.

The first teeth usually appear at around 6 months of age. However, they can appear earlier or later, even up to 12 months of age.

As soon as the first tooth appears:

  • brush your child's teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride makes teeth stronger and reduces the action of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Keep toothpaste out of the reach of children. It must be applied by an adult
  • the recommended amount of toothpaste is the size of a grain of rice. This amount of toothpaste is safe for health even if swallowed

Amount of toothpaste that is the size of a grain of rice.

  • choose a toothbrush that is appropriate for your child’s age. It must have soft bristles so as not to injure the gums and a small rounded head to reach all the teeth
  • brush your child's teeth yourself
  • lay the child in a stable position to make it easier to brush their teeth
  • do not ask your child to rinse their mouth after brushing: this way, the protection against tooth decay will last longer

Once a month, check your child's teeth for early signs of decay using the “Lift the lip” method.

Dents en santé

Healthy teeth

Dents avec début de carie indiqué par les lignes blanchâtres le long de la gencive

Teeth with onset of decay indicated by whitish areas along the gum

Dents cariées avec taches brunâtres ou petits trous

Decayed teeth with brownish stains or small holes

When your child is teething:

  • given them a clean, moist, cold washcloth to chew on
  • if you use a teething ring, make sure it is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) free and approved by Health Canada. Put the ring in the refrigerator if you want, but do not freeze it, your child could injure their mouth
  • rub the gums with a clean finger
  • give acetaminophen, a pain medication, as needed

Schedule an examination with a dentist at 1 year of age (about 6 months after the first teeth appear) and then at least once a year or as recommended by the dentist.

Promote the adoption of healthy eating habits to prevent tooth decay:

  • between meals, make water their drink of choice
  • Prefer low-sugar snacks that do not stick to the teeth (for example, fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, yogurt, milk, egg, hummus, tofu spread)
  • If sugary or sticky foods are eaten, serve them at mealtimes and not as a snack

If a bottle is used:

  • Do not let your child sleep with it
  • Eliminate its use around 1 year of age

If a pacifier is used:

  • Limit its use
  • Do not dip it in honey, corn syrup or any other sweet product

For further information:

Smoking and vaping during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Consumption of smoked tobacco, vaping products or other products that contain nicotine (e.g., nicotine pouches) as well as exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke or vaping aerosols can pose a significant health risk to:

  • people who are pregnant, who are planning to get pregnant or who are breastfeeding
  • the unborn child
  • other family members

In people who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding, smoking or exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke can cause 16 types of cancer and 21 chronic diseases. Smoking can reduce people’s duration and quality of life. The health effects of vaping products or nicotine pouches are concerning, but studies on the subject are insufficient. Smoking increases the risk of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or preterm birth. In addition, the nicotine in tobacco smoke, vaping products or pouches can be highly addictive. By quitting these products, people can increase their duration and quality of life significantly.

For the unborn child, smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight or sudden infant death. Later in life, the child is more likely to have learning difficulties, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, asthma, to be obese or to become a smoker.

For other family members, second-hand tobacco smoke from the mother or other people who smoke also increases the risk of developing many health problems.

A health professional can inform you about the various types of quit smoking support services and programs; they are free and confidential and are presented on the Tobacco-Free Québec website:

Some people may need medication to help them get through the nicotine withdrawal period. A health professional can advise you and help you obtain safe, approved medication, and inform you about possible reimbursement by the public drug insurance plan or private plans.

For pregnant people who do not have any obstetric care planned, a health professional will refer you to the Ma grossesse service where you will be provided with the services you need related to smoking and vaping.

Video (in French only with English subtitles available)

Watch the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.

For further information:

Vaccination during pregnancy and early childhood

A person who is planning to get pregnant, who is pregnant, as well as the unborn baby and young children are more vulnerable to certain infectious diseases, including whooping cough, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, measles, rubella and mumps. Many of these diseases can be prevented by vaccination, which protects both mother and baby, but also limits the transmission of these diseases in the family and community.

People who are pregnant or who are planning to get pregnant should have all the doses of the recommended vaccines. They can consult the Immunization in pregnancy page for information and to make an appointment.

People who are breastfeeding can have all the recommended vaccines, which are safe for them and their infant. Consult the Québec Immunization Program page for information and to make an appointment.

Children age 0 to 1 year should have all the doses of the vaccines recommended on the immunization schedule Breastfed children can have all the recommended vaccines. Consult the Québec Immunization Program page for information and to make an appointment.

Encourage loved ones to update their vaccination

Other vaccines may be necessary depending on health conditions, lifestyle habits or exposure to certain risk factors, such as travel. In addition, anyone who has not had any vaccines, whose vaccination is not up to date or who is in doubt about it should consult a health professional to find out which vaccines are recommended and to help them make an informed decision.

For further information:

Last update: September 16, 2025

Page evaluation
Form submission successful Your feedback has been submitted. Thank you for helping us make Québec.ca better.
Please complete the reCAPTCHA verification.

Was the information on this page helpful?

Report a problem
Form submission successful Your feedback has been submitted. Thank you for helping us make Québec.ca better.

Why was this information unhelpful?
You must select an option

What issue are you experiencing?
You must select an option

Why was the information useful?
Please describe the problem
Gouvernement du Québec

Footer navigation | Québec.ca