There’s a lot to think about during pregnancy — and plenty to arrange before your baby arrives. What you need to do depends on your personal situation, but here are some general recommendations and useful tips.
From 5 weeks
- Register with our practice. Your first appointment will usually take place around 7-8 weeks.
- Not taking folic acid yet? Start today!
- Sign up for the (online) Early Information Session (in Dutch). This session is designed for all expectant parents expecting their first child. It takes place early in pregnancy (around 5–7 weeks) and covers topics such as lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and early pregnancy symptoms. It also provides information about blood tests, ultrasounds, and prenatal screening options. The session takes place before your first appointment with us (usually around 8–10 weeks).
Around 11 weeks
- Make sure you know when to call us during pregnancy.
- Decide whether you would like prenatal testing for chromosomal conditions. This can be done through the NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test). More information is available at www.pns.nl.
- Decide whether you would like a 13-week ultrasound scan. If so, schedule an appointment at an ultrasound centre.
- Register with a maternity care organisation (kraamzorg).
Between 12 and 16 weeks
- Planning childcare after your baby’s birth? Start visiting daycare centres and put your name on waiting lists early.
- Inform your GP and pharmacy about your pregnancy. This helps prevent the prescription of medications that are unsafe during pregnancy, especially in emergencies.
Between 16 and 26 weeks
- Decide whether you want the 20-week ultrasound scan. If so, schedule this at an ultrasound centre.
- If you’re not married or in a registered partnership, the baby must be legally acknowledged by the father or co-parent at the city district office before birth. Waiting times can be up to 3 months, so plan this early.
- After 22 weeks, make an appointment with the child health clinic for the whooping cough vaccination (and possibly the flu vaccine). This protects your baby immediately after birth.
- Sign up for pregnancy exercise or yoga classes.
- If you’d like, start ordering furniture and a stroller for your baby’s room. Delivery times of 10 weeks are quite common!
- Make sure you know when to call us during pregnancy. We're repeating it here because we truly think it's important!
Around 27 weeks
- Read our article about feeling your baby move. It explains what’s normal and what to do if movements change or decrease.
- Start thinking about your maternity leave.
If you're employed, read our article: Pregnant and employed.
If you're self-employed, check out: Pregnant and self employed.
And if you're receiving benefits, the article Pregnant while on benefits explains your rights and responsibilities. Official institutions may ask you for a 'pregnancy declaration'. We can provide this for you – just ask during your next check-up with us.
From 30 weeks
- Watch our online information session about labour and birth.
- Read about the heel prick blood test and newborn hearing test, RSV injection which take place during the first week after birth.
- After watching the online session, you may want to write a birth plan.
- Join an online session about breastfeeding (often available through your maternity care organisation).
- Start thinking about birth announcements or baby cards.
Around 37 weeks
- Make sure you know when to call us once labour starts. We're repeating it here because we truly think it's important!
- Order bed risers (via home care services) to raise your bed to the required height. These are mandatory at the time of birth, even if you plan to give birth in hospital.
- Check whether you’ve received your maternity care package (kraampakket). If not, you can buy one at a pharmacy, drugstore, or home care shop.
- Read the When to call us – instruction card, – so you’ll know when to call us after the birth.
After 40 weeks
- Read our article 41 weeks pregnant and still waiting for labour. At 41 weeks, you can continue to wait for labour to start naturally, but there are also options for induction.
After your baby’s birth
- Someone who was present at the birth must register the birth at the city district office within 3 working days after delivery.
- Register your baby with your health insurance provider within 1 week after birth.
Nationality
If one or both parents have a foreign nationality, there may be additional legal requirements for registering your baby. Contact your embassy or consulate early in pregnancy, as some procedures can take several months.