Dutch prenatal care

The Dutch believe that childbirth is a normal, bodily process and not a disease. Typically, a verloskundige provides prenatal care (midwife). In the Netherlands, the function of the doctor or gynecologist in a typical pregnancy is minimal, and they typically play no part at all unless there are difficulties. Finding a midwife is therefore of utmost importance. The earliest you can register with your midwife is between weeks 8 and 10, or as soon as you land in the Netherlands.

Talk to your huisarts (GP), who can send you the correct way, or look up “verloskundigenpraktijk” in the online “Yellow Pages” (available only in Dutch).

In addition, you ought to think about the following:

• Make sure you are aware of what is covered by your health insurance.
• Before week 12 of your pregnancy, if possible, register with a kraamzorg (postnatal maternity care) organization. Your midwife can point you in the direction of organizations they collaborate with, and your health insurance company must be contacted to confirm that the “so-called” kraamcentrum you have selected is recognized by them.
• Choose the location for the delivery of your child. Make it clear if you wish to give birth in a hospital since the Dutch strongly support home births. If you want to have a home birth, you have the liberty to change your mind at the last minute.

The midwife will also provide you with informational booklets covering dietary recommendations, the anticipated due date, and other pertinent details, as well as a calendar for upcoming appointments.

Regular check-ins with your midwife are scheduled throughout the course of your pregnancy. They start out every four weeks and increase to every two weeks as your due date approaches. You also get a booklet that details the course of your pregnancy. The information in the brochure is especially helpful for women who want to give birth at home because it will be very helpful to the midwife who will be assisting with the delivery.

Scans, tests, and checks

In the Netherlands, prenatal testing and genetic screening are not common practices. However, a woman will undoubtedly be examined for chromosomal problems if she is older than 36, has previously given birth to a child with a congenital defect, or if there is a family history of these defects. The best course of action will typically be suggested by your midwife. If necessary, you can also speak with a gynecologist. If you want your insurance to pay for the appointment, be sure to obtain a reference from your doctor.

The midwife will offer you an optional blood test at your first appointment to identify your blood type, Rhesus D and C blood types, whether you have antibodies to other blood types in your blood, and whether you have ever been exposed to syphilis, hepatitis B, or HIV. In accordance with the outcomes, the midwife will suggest a course of action.

Two scans are conducted by the midwife during low-risk pregnancies. For determining a due date, the first one is in the first trimester. At about 20 weeks, the second scan looks for irregularities. You can be referred to a primary care facility even if the midwife frequently does them in her own practice. A medical cause is required for additional scans.

Between nine and thirteen weeks of pregnancy, a blood sample will be taken to check for genetic abnormalities. Between eleven and fourteen weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound will check for Down’s, Edward’s, or Patau’s syndromes. You’ll be given the option to do the NIPT test if it’s likely that your child will be born with Down’s Syndrome. Typically, these tests are not covered by basic insurance. The ministry of public health, welfare, and sport have a booklet with more details.

prenatal course

Prenatal classes are designed to instruct expectant mothers and their partners in the process of preparing for labor. They provide information on how to handle labor pain, the best postures for giving birth, how to recuperate after giving birth, and how to become a mother. They typically last four to eight weeks, and a postpartum session is frequently held afterward. It is advised to enroll by week 16 because classes frequently fill up rapidly.

Prenatal classes provide you the chance to socialize with other expectant parents or couples, but the class you enroll in and how useful it is once labor begins may depend on your language skills (courses will be available mainly in Dutch but also in English). Consequently, choosing a prenatal care provider is crucial.

You must be at least 26 weeks pregnant and in your third trimester in order to participate in the course.

How can I find a native English-speaking midwife?

The majority of midwives in the Netherlands are fluent in English. Please don’t be afraid to seek your GP for a recommendation or referral for an English-speaking midwife. Your GP should be able to provide you with one. Additionally, we advise you to consult the website of the Royal Netherlands Organisation of Midwives in English.