Pregnancy

As soon as you know that you are pregnant, you should make an appointment with the midwife or obstetrician as soon. He or she will inform your GP.

Your midwife or obstetrician will monitor the course of your pregnancy at regular intervals. Usually, you will be invited for a check-up every four weeks during the first half of the pregnancy. The frequency then increases to weekly appointments as the due date approaches. However, this is only a general indication: more or fewer appointments may be scheduled depending on your personal situation. 

You can find more information on rivm.nl the website of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

  • It is very important for your baby to have the heel prick test. During the first week of life, some blood will be taken from your baby’s heel and sent to the laboratory. It is then tested for a number of rare, serious diseases. Your baby’s hearing will be tested shortly after birth, usually at home between four and seven days after birth. 

    If you are at home in the first few days after birth, the midwife and maternity nurse will provide the necessary care. After that, your local child healthcare centre will assume responsibility for providing all necessary care for your baby. No action is required on your part: someone from the centre will contact you for an introductory visit.