In this article you can read about everything you need to think about during your pregnancy. Read here which people you need to contact, which things you need to arrange and which items you need to buy.
Prior to
Try to check whether you have been vaccinated against the Rubella (Rubella). Preferably do this three months before fertilization. Preferably start taking folic acid and vitamins for at least four weeks. Stop smoking!
Weeks 1 to 12
Week 5
In week 5 you can take a pregnancy test. And with a positive result you can start a pregnancy diary from that week onwards. Furthermore, you can enjoy your pregnancy, unless you suffer from morning sickness and other pregnancy ailments. It is important to stop everything that is bad for the child, including drinking alcohol, smoking and drug use. Check your medications for safety for your unborn child. Read the package leaflet or contact your pharmacist, GP and/or midwife. Also start with the things that are good, including getting enough sleep, taking rest periods, eating healthy (be careful with raw meat and raw milk products) and continuing to take folic acid (up to 10 weeks of pregnancy).
Week 6
If you are around 6 weeks pregnant, you can look for a midwife. You make an appointment with him/her for the first pregnancy check, which you plan around 9-12 weeks of pregnancy. During each check-up, the following matters are examined: weight, blood pressure, blood tests, urine tests, uterine position, listening to heart sounds and making an ultrasound scan. Your GP and pharmacy must be informed so that they can take your pregnancy into account when prescribing medication. The dentist must also be informed. Just like the insurance company, this also to inquire about the application for a maternity package. And inquire with your health insurance company about the agreements regarding maternity care. And go out to arrange maternity care.
Week 9
Make an appointment for your first ultrasound to determine the duration of the pregnancy and possible multiple births.
Week 10
Stop taking folic acid and register for a pregnancy course. There are many courses that can prepare you for childbirth. You will hear, among other things, how childbirth works and what you can do to cope with contractions. You can opt for a pregnancy gym and/or pregnancy yoga course, where you will learn, among other things, how to relieve your back and how to stay fit during your pregnancy. And if you want to start breastfeeding, it might be a good idea to take an information course about it.
Until week 11
In the first 4 months of your pregnancy, your body produces a lot of the hormone hCG. This hormone largely disappears through your urine. By collecting your urine during the first four months you can indirectly help other women get pregnant. Mothers for Mothers collects the urine and ensures that it ends up at a pharmaceutical company, they conduct research for the benefit of future mothers. You can participate from the moment you are overdue until week 11 of your pregnancy at the latest.
Weeks 12 to 16
Think about the combination of work and baby. If childcare needs to be arranged, do this in a timely manner. You can register with most childcare organizations from the moment you are 3 months pregnant. Every woman who gives birth in the Netherlands is entitled to maternity care in the first period after giving birth.
Week 12
Everyone can be informed about the pregnancy with some certainty, the risk period is over. Your employer can also be informed. This week is probably the first appointment with the midwife. It is useful to purchase maternity bras now.
Weeks 16 to 24
If necessary, an amniocentesis can be done in week 16. Participation in the mothers-for-mothers initiative ends in week 17. If you and your partner are not married, but you want him to officially become the father of the child, he must acknowledge your child. Preferably do this during your pregnancy. Small tip: Applying for parental authority over your child is also important (if you are not married). But that is only possible once your child is born. Also go to the notary during these weeks to draw up a will. You can also start working in the baby’s room; the purchase of the baby furniture (take long delivery times into account); redecorating the room; double glass. Also do a little shopping for yourself; maternity clothes!
Perhaps you would like a souvenir of your pregnancy, for example a fun ultrasound scan, a plaster cast or a beautiful photo report? Arrange a pregnancy declaration for your employer. And arrange a date for maternity leave and paternity leave with your employer. Small tip: Are you self-employed? Then you can use the ZEZ scheme. You are then entitled to a maternity benefit.
Weeks 24 to 28
From the sixth month onwards it is time to think about the baby’s room. If you start around these weeks, you can be sure that it will all be finished on time. Because maybe you no longer have the energy for it in the last few weeks. If the child is being baptized, this is the time to contact the church. There are often a number of meetings with other expectant parents beforehand.
Weeks 28 to 32
Now you can look for baby items and items for the maternity list. Think of a stroller, baby bed/crib and a changing table. Sometimes there is a delivery time of 6 to 8 weeks. Check whether you receive a maternity package from your maternity care organization. Also think about the birth announcements that will be sent. And create an up-to-date address list.
Weeks 32 to 36
No details, perhaps further work on the room? Or sew nice baby clothes?
Weeks 36 to 40
You have probably thought about it before, but in this last month it must be known what the baby’s name will be. Write (or print stickers for) the envelopes for the birth announcements. Wash the baby clothes you purchased and prepare the bed or crib for use. Charge all batteries of your camera and/or video camera. Also ensure there is sufficient video storage space on memory cards for your camera and/or video camera. During these weeks you also decide whether you are going to give birth at home or in the hospital. If you want to give birth at home, make sure that the maternity bed is on blocks and you have everything at home. In any case, have an ‘escape suitcase’ ready in case you have to go to the hospital. Even if you give birth at home, you never know how things will turn out. Make a phone list of the people you want to call once you give birth. Get rusk and pink and/or blue mice. Get the baby clothes ready and freeze the breast pads. Make sure your partner is always available!
After
After birth, the child must be declared within 3 working days. This happens at the local town hall. Sometimes you can also report the baby to the hospital. The nurse at the hospital will be able to give you more information about this. To register the baby, you need proof of identity and (possibly) a marriage certificate or recognition papers. As soon as the baby has been declared, the information required to receive child benefit is automatically passed on. So you don’t have to arrange anything for this yourself. For more information: www.svb.nl. Of course, your baby must be insured for medical expenses. You must arrange this with your health insurer within 4 months after birth.
read more
- Alcohol, what is it and what are its consequences?
- Taking folic acid, when and why?
- Facts and Fiction about pregnancy
- Smoking, passive smoking and smoking before, during and after pregnancy
- What to eat/drink/do during your pregnancy