Prenatal care
In the Netherlands, prenatal care is usually provided by a midwife. You can contact a midwifery practice directly to register for care; a referral from your general practitioner (GP) is not required. If medical complications arise during pregnancy, the midwife may refer you to an obstetrician or gynaecologist in the hospital when needed. In some situations, care may also be shared between the midwife and the hospital-based specialist. This is known as shared care.
The Midwife
A midwife is an independent healthcare professional specialised in the care and guidance of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Throughout your pregnancy, the midwife will provide regular check-ups and closely monitor the health and wellbeing of both you and your baby. You will also receive information and advice tailored to your individual situation and stage of pregnancy.
In the Netherlands, you are free to choose your own midwifery practice. You may select a practice:
- based on recommendations from family, friends, or colleagues;
- through your GP if desired;
- find a midwife nearby through the website of The Royal Dutch Organisation of Midwives (KNOV), by simply entering your home town (Voer uw woonplaats in).
Registering for Care
It is recommended to contact a midwifery practice as soon as you receive a positive pregnancy test. This allows sufficient time to schedule your intake appointment and first ultrasound examinations.
The first appointment usually takes place during the first trimester. During this intake consultation, the midwife will make an initial screening to confirm the pregnancy, discuss your health, medical history, and any factors that may influence your pregnancy.
As the pregnancy progresses, there will be opportunities to discuss your preferences and wishes regarding labour and birth, including the option of a home birth or hospital birth. Be sure to check with your insurance provider if your choice might involve extra costs.
Ultrasounds and Prenatal Screening
During pregnancy, several ultrasound examinations may be offered to check the health and development of the baby that you are carrying. In addition to an early dating scan, two standard prenatal screening ultrasounds are available in the Netherlands:
- the 13-week anomaly scan;
- the 20-week anomaly scan.
The 13-week anomaly scan is an early ultrasound examination that assesses the physical development of the baby and may identify certain structural abnormalities at an early stage of pregnancy. The 20-week anomaly scan provides a more detailed assessment of the baby’s anatomy and development.
You may also choose to have a NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test). This is a blood test performed during pregnancy to screen for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). The NIPT does not pose any risk to the baby. Your midwife will provide information about the available screening options and support you in making an informed choice. Please find here more information on prenatal screening tests.
If there is a medical indication, additional examinations or tests may be recommended.
Specialism and shared care
If complications occur during pregnancy, you may be referred to an obstetrician or gynaecologist in the hospital. Depending on your situation, care may either be fully transferred to the hospital or shared between your midwife and the hospital specialist. In a shared care arrangement, both healthcare professionals work together to provide appropriate care throughout your pregnancy and birth.
Prenatal courses
Prenatal courses are organised to help pregnant women and their partners in the preparation for labour and parenthood. They usually last between 4 to 8 weeks. If you want to join a prenatal course, it is advised to register by week 16, as the classes can often fill up very quickly. In larger Dutch cities, you can find prenatal courses offered especially for internationals. In The Hague, our partner ACCESS offers prenatal courses especially for the international community.