You’re now in the final weeks of your pregnancy – exciting, and maybe a bit surreal.
Our advice? Don’t just prepare for the birth, but also for what comes after.
The first days after birth—the kraamweek or postpartum week—can be intense, special, and at times overwhelming. And that’s only the beginning of real parenthood. In our experience: after the birth, reading tends to fall by the wayside. No time. No headspace. (Blame the baby 😉)
So do yourself a favour and take time now to go through the articles in this module. You don’t need to memorise anything, but a bit of prior knowledge will make a big difference later.
In this module:
- How you and your baby are changing
- Partner: Your role during this period
- What we will do for you
- Checklist: your to-do’s
How You and Your Baby Are Changing
What’s happening with your baby?
In these final weeks, your baby is mainly getting heavier and stronger. Fat reserves are building up, lungs are maturing, and the nervous system is making its final big developments. By the end of week 37, your baby is considered full term—from that point, birth is no longer premature. Most babies are around 47 cm long and weigh between 2.8 and 3.5 kilos at this stage.
Most babies are head-down now. Some even begin to “drop” into the pelvis, preparing for birth. This might relieve pressure at the top of your belly but increase pressure on your pelvic floor.
Every day in these weeks counts toward your baby’s final development. That’s why we prefer to wait for labour to start on its own—when the time is right, your baby will know what to do.
What’s changing in your body?
You're in the final stretch—and you probably feel it. Your belly is full, your nights may be getting shorter, and your body is starting to prepare for labour. More Braxton Hicks contractions, pelvic pressure, or mild pre-labour cramps—these are all signs that your body is getting ready.
You may find yourself peeing more often, feeling less hungry—or unusually hungry. Your digestion may change. You might feel a dull ache in your lower back or experience a period-like feeling. Not every symptom is a “sign”—sometimes a lot happens, sometimes it’s quiet… until it’s not.
Mentally, these weeks can be challenging. You’re counting down, but the actual end date is flexible—which can be frustrating. You might feel impatient, nervous, or even a little down. Please talk to us if you’re struggling. It’s totally normal to feel this way at the end.
A good preparation can help. Think about:
- Reviewing or updating your birth plan
- Scheduling regular rest moments
- Packing your hospital or birth centre bag
- Sorting out logistics: childcare for older kids, transport, emergency contacts
Trust your body. You've spent nine months growing this baby—now comes the moment where everything comes together. We’re here for you, no matter how things unfold.
Partner: Your role during this period
This final stretch can feel like a waiting game – exciting, intense, and often a little chaotic. Your partner might have mood swings, a strong need to finish things, or be physically uncomfortable. You can help by keeping things calm and practical: is the hospital bag packed? When do you call when labour starts? What do you need to feel ready?
We’ll invite you to a longer birth plan appointment (40 minutes) in this period – and it's really important that you join. Before this appointment, make sure to watch our Birth Preparation Video. It covers the basics of labour, pain relief options, your role, and what to expect – so we can use our time together to go deeper into your personal wishes and questions.
Think ahead about your own role: what are your questions, your concerns, your boundaries? Want to be actively involved? Prefer to support from the sidelines? All choices are valid – and this is the time to talk about them.
Also, let’s name something that doesn’t get said enough: these final weeks can be mentally tough for partners. You might still be working, not knowing if you’ll get “the call” halfway through your day. Colleagues keep asking, “Still no baby?” You can’t plan much and may feel stuck between anticipation and uncertainty. Unfortunately, even we don’t know when the baby will arrive – but we do understand the stress. You’re not alone in this.
And here’s a crucial point: many parents tell us they felt unprepared for the time after the birth. Take their advice seriously. Start reading up now – also Module 6, where we cover what newborns need, what to expect in the first weeks, and how you can support your partner and yourself. Preparation helps. A lot.
Lastly, take time to reflect on your own needs for the postpartum period. Do you want family help, or would that be too much? What helps you recharge? How do you communicate if you're feeling overwhelmed? Fill in the postpartum plan together – not just for logistics, but to create clarity and prevent tension.
You’re not on the sidelines – you’re part of this. You’re becoming a parent too.
What We Will Do
- Have we already discussed your birth preferences? If not, this is the time to schedule your extended 40-minute appointment to go over your wishes. Please watch our online birth information session before this appointment—it’s required preparation.
- In these final weeks, we’ll usually see you every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how you and your baby are doing. We’ll check things like your blood pressure, baby’s growth, and any specific concerns.
- Haven’t met all of our midwives yet? Now’s a great time to schedule an appointment with someone you haven’t seen before—so when the moment comes, you’ll recognise the face beside you.
- Head-down scan: Around 37 weeks of pregnancy, we’ll do a quick ultrasound to check your baby’s position in the womb.
- Around 40 weeks, we’ll talk about what you’d prefer if labour hasn’t started yet: wait a little longer or consider induction after 41 weeks. Please read the article: 41 weeks pregnant and still no labour before that check-up.
Checklist – Your To-Do’s
- Read the articles in Modules 6 & 7
- Order bed risers (klossen) from your home care provider to raise your bed to at least 70 cm. They must be in place at the time of birth—even if you plan to give birth in a hospital
- Have you received your kraampakket (postpartum/ maternity kit)? Many insurance companies send one automatically, or you can purchase one yourself. Read more in the article: Buying a maternity kit.
- Read the leaflet Mother and Baby in the First 24 Hours so you know when to call us after the birth
- Note this in your post-birth calendar:
- Someone who was present at the birth must register the baby at the city district office within 3 working days
- Register your baby with your health insurer within the first week
- If one or both parents have non-Dutch nationality, additional paperwork may be needed. Contact your own embassy or consulate for information
Want to know what else is coming up? Check the full Pregnancy Checklist.