What to arrange during your pregnancy

A handy checklist

Once you are pregnant, there are all sorts of things to arrange. Nice things like the baby’s room and the first baby clothes, but also very practical things. Like insurance, childcare and of course your midwife. We have listed the things you need to do and when to do them.

Before you are pregnant

Do you want to have children but are not yet pregnant? Then it is a good idea to prepare your body as well as possible. Start taking folic acid and multivitamins. Do you smoke? Then this is the time to stop. We also advise you to reduce or even better stop drinking alcohol. After all, you don’t know exactly when you’ll get pregnant. And during the first weeks of your pregnancy you may not be aware of it either. Hence, it is better to make these preparations in time, that is, before you are pregnant.

Checklist from 4 to 12 weeks of pregnancy

As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test, you can already start making arrangements. Such as:

• Make an appointment with a midwife; between 6 and 9 weeks of pregnancy you will have your first check-up there and the term ultrasound will be scheduled.
• Do you want to take your baby to daycare or do you want another form of childcare? Then make arrangements for that right now, too. There are often long waiting lists, so the sooner you are on them, the better.
• Hadn’t you stopped smoking and/or drinking alcohol yet? Do that now.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle and eliminate some foods from your menu. You can read an overview of what it is better not to eat right now or to eat very little here on our site. You can also sign up for the workshop “Nutrition during your pregnancy” that we organize at our practice. Take a quick look here to read more about this workshop and to sign up.
• Try to stay fit and get some exercise. In fact, you can continue to exercise just fine, as long as you listen to your body and of course do not do contact sports.
• Not taking any supplements yet? Start taking them as soon as possible. At least take folic acid and vitamin D or a multivitamin for pregnant women daily.

Checklist from 12 to 24 weeks of pregnancy

You are now through the first trimester of your pregnancy. You are probably announcing the big news now and your pregnancy will also begin to show sometime in the next few weeks. During this time, it is a good idea to make the following arrangements:

• Arrange for maternity care. You have free choice in who you want as your maternity caregiver but know that they are often hired early. So if you have a very specific wish, make arrangements as soon as possible. Look here for an up-to-date list of different freelancers who provide maternity care in Amsterdam-Zuid.
• Sign up for a pregnancy course. On our site you will find an extensive overview of very diverse pregnancy courses in Amsterdam.
• Arrange to have your baby recognized if you are not married.
• Register your pregnancy with your health insurance company, preferably before you are 5 months pregnant.
• Want to know if you are having a boy or a girl? From about 16 weeks of pregnancy you can have a pretecho done.
• Report your pregnancy to your employer. You will often need a statement from your midwife so your employer can determine your maternity leave.
• This period is ideal for preparing the baby’s room; you probably still have enough energy to go out for it and you will (hopefully) also have enough time if the delivery time is longer than expected. It’s also good to make a start now on “baby essentials” such as a diaper bag and clothes.

Checklist from 24 weeks of pregnancy to delivery

The last period of your pregnancy can make everything seem heavier and heavier. You may have less energy or suffer from discomforts. Therefore, try to have done everything you were able to arrange before this. You can then take enough time for yourself in this last trimester. In any case, what you still need to arrange during this period is:

• The delivery suitcase; a so-called “flight suitcase” that should be ready in case you suddenly have to go to the hospital for labor. You also put this suitcase ready if you plan to give birth at home, because you never know for sure how the delivery will go.
• Get all the supplies you need for a home birth. Again, it’s a good idea to arrange this even if you plan to give birth in the hospital. You won’t be the first person to suddenly decide to stay home during labor.
• A maternity package; in some cases you can get this through your insurance company. Do you have any leftovers? Then we would like to receive it. We use the leftover items to make complete maternity packages for people who cannot afford them themselves.
• If you want, you can write down your ideas and wishes for the birth of your child. We have this form (In Dutch). Completing this is not mandatory but if you have specific wishes, this is an easy way to make sure others know about them.
• The birth announcement cards and of course names for your baby.
• Still going on vacation? Then arrange a pregnancy declaration with your midwife if you are going by plane.

During one of the first consultations, all of our clients receive our Care Plan. This contains exactly what should be in the delivery kit, what you should have in your home for a home birth and for that first period at home, the maternity week.

After childbirth

Immediately after the birth, let the maternity office or the maternity nurse know that you have given birth. Within 3 working days your baby must be registered with your municipality and within 4 months you must register the baby with your health insurance company. We have listed more practical matters for the postpartum period here.

Midwives Amsterdam Zuid, also for all questions during your pregnancy

During your pregnancy you will have regular consultations with your midwife. If you come to Midwives Amsterdam Zuid, we will always discuss with you what needs to be arranged and answer any questions you may have. Would you like to meet us, or register with us for your pregnancy? Then contact us, we would love to get to know you!