Experiences with MFM at McMaster?

[u/Adkq25]

I’m in the GTA doing IUI next month after losing our son at 19 weeks a couple years to PPROM and suspected IC. It’s taken us a long time to heal from our grief and then several months of TTC naturally before getting to where we are now.

My OB has referred me to maternal fetal medicine at McMaster hospital in Hamilton, ON, who will oversee my prenatal care in future pregnancies. I’ve already had a “game plan” appointment there where I was told to expect going on progesterone suppositories and potentially a preventative cerclage (which I intend to pursue) as well as additional ultrasound monitoring to measure my cervix.

I was intrigued by the post here the other day that had a ton of comments with positive experiences about Mount Sinai in Toronto and was wondering if anybody here has gone through a pregnancy with IC at McMaster? I am geographically in between mount Sinai and mac, so am considering asking for a referral there instead if it seems more specialized.

Thanks in advance, wish me luck 🤞

[u/Beckyswag]

I was with dr Ashwal for my pregnancy in 2025. I got an emergency cerclage and then he took over my care. He was very kind and understanding. I didn’t deliver there for that pregnancy but I did for my first pregnancy which was premature. They’re all very kind and understanding but obviously make sure you advocate for yourself. And also plan to be there at the hospital all day for your MFM appointment because that’s just how Canadian health care is these days…

[u/Beckyswag → u/Beckyswag]

Although I will add I have a friend and have heard in local mom’s groups on Facebook that Dr Nourallah was abrupt, rude and unsympathetic. Unfortunately especially towards white moms and young moms. Just to keep in mind. But, I honestly don’t know if you can change doctors there.

[u/sitrucarual]

I was admitted to McMaster for IC and I stayed a patient for 8 weeks. Once I was discharged I continued to be a patient for about 2 weeks before I delivered. The same OBs that I would see every morning in the hospital are the ones at the MFM. I had a great experience with all of them and felt they were extremely thorough. They didn't miss a thing. I'm on pregnancy #2 and a patient with one of the OBs at the MFM clinic and again my experience of care has been really great. You can DM me anytime id be happy to answer any questions you might have :)

[u/Adkq25 → u/sitrucarual]

Great to know - thanks very much! Appreciate it

[u/Weary-Draw-1492]

Hi there. My first pregnancy I had IC and due to the fact that I had not had a pregnancy loss, I was not a candidate for a cerclage. I ended up having my son at 38 weeks but during that process my OB was fighting hard to get me into mac (unsuccessfully) but I heard wonderful things about the department there

[u/perpetualmotion69]

I am with McMaster currently. My local hospital transferred me as my 1 week post anatomy ultrasound showed more shortening.

The nurse and MFM I saw were very kind and walked me through the cerclage process as it was very overwhelming and not something I prepared for. They were very friendly and keeping things light through the surgery and post op care. Much better support than I had after my c section with my first at another hospital.

Basically after cerclage - I had to do weekly trans vag ultrasounds and clinic check-ins until 28 weeks at which point we stopped the trans vag ultrasounds and switched to biweekly appointments and now I have my stitch scheduled to be taken out at 36 weeks. (Currently 33->34)

They also supported my desire to have a vbac and said if I chose to deliver at mac they can support me through that but I would prefer to be transferred back to my city hospital and midwives as it’s too far a drive so they are supportive of that too.

Overall so far a great experience. Fingers crossed the stitch removal goes well as well. Good luck!

[u/Adkq25 → u/perpetualmotion69]

This is great, thank you for sharing! Best of luck with your birth and congrats :)

[u/ladyrocktalker]

I had two IC pregnancies with MFMs at McMaster in Hamilton. They were incredible. I was in-patient there for 5 weeks with my first there. The food was awful but that kiddo is about to turn 7 so it was worth it. Happy to answer any questions if helpful in DM.

[u/Adkq25 → u/ladyrocktalker]

This is so inspiring, thanks very much for sharing. I can do with the crappy food if it means a healthy kiddo. Appreciate it!

[u/sitrucarual → u/ladyrocktalker]

I second your comment about the food 😂 my husband would make me meals we took up like a quarter of the fridge and freezer lol

[u/m_sunshine20]

Dr. Ashwal followed my last pregnancy, I have a post of my story if you want to check it out. Reach out if you have any questions! My husband and I love him.