I am pregnant
You’re pregnant! It’s exciting when you visit the midwife for the first time. That’s why here’s some explanation about what to expect.
You can expect your first appointment between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. The first appointment usually consists of an ultrasound and/or an intake interview. It’s a good idea to bring your ID with you to the first check-up. Sometimes, we will ask if we can review the details of any previous pregnancies and births. The assistant will record basic information about you during the intake. Then, you will meet with the midwife for a conversation.
During this conversation, you will have an initial introduction, and a screening of your health will be done. Additionally, the midwife will inform you – if you wish – about the various tests you can undergo during pregnancy. These tests are called prenatal screenings, and they are not mandatory but a personal choice.
- Screening for Down, Edwards, and Patau syndromes. This test is called the NIPT and can be done from week 10 of pregnancy
- 13-week ultrasound, where early on, it is checked whether the baby has any physical abnormalities. It’s essentially an early 20-week ultrasound.
- 20-week ultrasound, where it is checked whether the baby has any physical abnormalities.
You can have different types of ultrasounds during your pregnancy. Read all about ultrasounds on the ultrasound page!
- From 7 weeks of pregnancy, you can have an early ultrasound.
- Around 10 weeks of pregnancy, you will have a dating ultrasound. This is to determine exactly how far along you are. Based on this ultrasound, you will be given your due date.
- Around 13 weeks of pregnancy, you can choose to have a 13-week ultrasound (ETSEO), where it is checked early on if the baby has any physical abnormalities. Please note: the 13-week ultrasound is performed as part of a study. If you choose to have the 13-week ultrasound, you will automatically participate in the study.
- Around 20 weeks of pregnancy, you will have a 20-week ultrasound (SEO) (if you choose to). During this scan, your baby will be examined from head to toe for any congenital abnormalities.
Good to know
When you’re pregnant, your first ultrasound is usually the dating ultrasound. Typically, a dating ultrasound is done through the abdomen. However, if you are less than 10 weeks pregnant or if your uterus is positioned deeply in the abdomen, an internal ultrasound is performed through the vagina. An internal ultrasound is not painful and is not harmful to the pregnancy. For an abdominal ultrasound, it’s helpful if your bladder is slightly full.
The early and dating ultrasounds are covered by your health insurance. The 13 and 20-week ultrasounds are paid for by the government. You can come to our practice for all ultrasounds.
If the midwife sees a reason to perform additional ultrasounds (for example, if she has concerns about the growth of your belly), more ultrasounds can be done. These will also be covered by your health insurance.
You can also come to us if you wish to have one or more ultrasounds without a medical indication, such as discovering the gender or having a 3D ultrasound. However, you will need to pay for these ultrasounds.
After the intake, it is advisable to register for maternity care. The maternity caregiver will visit every day during the first week after your delivery to check if everything is going well with you and your baby, and to teach you a lot about caring for your baby. Visit our page ‘All about maternity care’ for more information!
The next check-ups
During the subsequent check-ups, you will meet the other midwives. Your partner or another loved one is, of course, always welcome, but it is certainly not required to come along. It’s up to you to decide what feels most comfortable.
The midwife will ask how you are doing and answer any questions you may have. She will also provide information relevant to the stage of your pregnancy. During each check-up, the midwife will feel your belly to check if the uterus and your baby are growing well, and she will listen to your baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler. If you’re further along in your pregnancy, she will also check the position of your baby.
Blood tests during pregnancy
- Blood type (A, B, AB or O)
- Rhesusfactor (D and c)
- Other antibodies against red bloodcells
- Hemoblobin levels (Iron levels)
- Infectious diseases (Hepatitis B, syfilis and HIV).
- Vitamin D
- If necessary, additional tests will be conducted, such as an extra glucose check or antibodies for chickenpox.
Around 30 weeks of pregnancy (or 28 weeks if you are rhesus D or C negative), blood will be taken again from every pregnant woman to check the iron levels and iron stores in the blood for a second time. If there is an indication, such as if you are pregnant again within a year after the birth of your baby, your iron levels will be checked again around 20 weeks.
Blood tests will be deducted from your own contribution to the insurance.
Parenthood
Like all other parents, you naturally want to be the best parent for your child. Caring for a baby is not just about the best food, cutest clothes, and most comfortable diapers. It’s also about love, connection, and learning to understand each other. Babies are very social, and by observing them closely, you can better understand what they are trying to tell you (whether they are looking, restless, or crying). On the Babykennis Academie website, you will be supported in growing into your role as a parent and in connecting with your baby. This can start during pregnancy. You can find more information on the Babykennis Academie website.