PREGNANCY CARE
At the IHCH we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to maternity care. Our pregnancy care consists of visits with a midwife as well as a gynaecologist, to provide you with comprehensive care that may better suit the needs and expectations of those used to care abroad.
Have you recently found out you’re pregnant? Congratulations! Please call us so we can book you your first pregnancy check. The best time for the first appointment is from 7-8 weeks of pregnancy.
To book an appointment with us call us directly on 070 306 5126.
For more information email us at: ihchgyne@ezorg.nl (please state your full name and date of birth in your email)
Being pregnant in the Netherlands
When you are an expat and living away from your home country, having a baby can be an overwhelming experience.
Here in the Netherlands you will find that the healthcare system provides well organised care, though many practices may differ from your home country. In the Netherlands, it is possible that throughout your pregnancy, birth and after having your baby you may go home without seeing a gynaecologist.
For most women with uncomplicated pregnancies and no previous relevant health issues, they are cared for by midwives. Home births with assistance from a midwife and a maternity nurse are also possible. In general, there is a natural, non-interventionist approach to medical and maternity care in the Netherlands.
Prenatal Screening
In the Netherlands you are offered two types of prenatal screening tests and examinations to determine whether your unborn child has a chromosomal or physical abnormality. The first is the NIPT test (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) that screens for Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, and Patau Syndrome. Additionally you are offered two specialist ultrasound scans called the 13-week ultrasound and the 20-week ultrasound. These look for physical abnormalities in the unborn child. These tests are completely optional. If you are interested in doing any these prenatal screening tests or would like to know more about them we will organize an appointment to discuss these in detail with you.
For more information about prenatal screening visit www.pns.nl/prenatal-and-newborn-screening/prenatal-screening
Preconception in the Netherlands, and at the IHCH
Preconception care is an opportunity for you and your partner to improve your health before you start trying for a baby. A healthcare professional can help you to assess your health, fitness and lifestyle, to identify areas that you may want to improve.
Preconception care may be useful if you’re having trouble conceiving or if you’re worried about whether certain health conditions may affect a future pregnancy. Allow plenty of time for preconception planning and care before you start to try for a baby.
You will increase your chances of getting pregnant if both you and your partner are in good health. A bad diet, being overweight or obese, smoking, drinking and unhealthy working conditions can affect the quality of sperm and stop you getting pregnant. You should both try to make your lifestyle as healthy as possible before you try to conceive.
If you need advice about preconception care before trying for a baby, our GP, gynaecologist or midwife can give you more information.
Useful links:
Appointments – Please call (070) 306 5126 (8:00 to 16:00).
Email: ihchgyne@ezorg.nl (please state your full name and date of birth when emailing us).
*If you have Dutch health insurance, a referral letter is needed from your GP first.