A unique program in Ottawa is changing the outcome for pregnant teens and their babies. It brings a full obstetrics clinic right to the moms in a teen-friendly center. It’s the only one of its kind in Canada.  The Teen Obstetrics Clinic looks like any other hospital obstetrics clinic but this one is unique in Canada. Rather than the patients coming to see the doctor, the doctor comes to the young moms at St. Mary’s Home in Vanier.  Alex Carter is 21 weeks along; pregnant with her second baby.  Dr. Nathalie Fleming is examining Alex, trying to listen to the baby’s heart beat

“I love it,” says Alex of the Teen Obstetrics Clinic, “because when I got pregnant with Aiden, I thought I was one of the only teens in Ottawa that got pregnant.” 

That public embarrassment has meant many pregnant teens haven't been seeking medical help early enough in their pregnancies.  Their babies were being born too early or too small. 

Dr. Nathalie Fleming is an obstetrician and gynecologist with the Ottawa Hospital, “Traditionally they seek care in the second or third trimester or even coming to the hospital not even knowing they were pregnant.”

Dr. Nathalie Fleming knew if she could bring a medical team to the teens; instead of the other way around, they could change those outcomes.

She teamed up with St. Mary's Home which has provided programs and services to young pregnant women and their babies for many years in Ottawa.

"It was as if a light bulb went off,” says the Executive Director of St. Mary’s Home, Nancy MacNider, “and we looked at each other and said let's try it and see what happens.”

Funded through Ottawa Hospital, in partnership with CHEO, the Catholic School Board, the Ottawa Food Bank, Ottawa Public Health, Rideauwood and several other groups, the program has been a huge success.  17 year old Tina Emond gave birth to a baby boy 6 weeks ago.

"They told me about the vitamins I needed to make the baby a lot of healthier,” says Emond, “what foods to eat and how much water to drink.”  She says her baby is “healthy and happy hopefully.”

Two weeks ago, Fleming won a prestigious provincial award for the program.  She was awarded the inaugural Minister’s Medal Honoring Excellence in Health Quality and Safety from Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews.

Now, they are hoping to take this unique model beyond the walls of St. Mary's; across Ontario and perhaps Canada.

"It's a model of service bringing health care to where the people are,” says Nancy MacNider, “It's a model of service that does need to be duplicated.”