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Pregnancy Procedure

indianinnl
- 76 posts
April 15, 2012 4:38:02 PM CEST

Dear all,

I am 9 wks preg.

I was with Gynae and now she has suggested to register with Midwife. I have the address, so will be giving the midwife a call soon.

I was just wondering how the procedure for registering day care, midwife etc. Works here in NL.

This is my 1st preg. , so I am not aware of the procedures.

Is there anything else that I would need to do?

Plz share your experience.

Thanks.

This post was edited by indianinnl at April 15, 2012 4:41:37 PM CEST
lilachoneybee
- 17 posts
April 17, 2012 12:28:16 PM CEST

I am a stay at home mom, so I am not sure about day care, but I did deliver my daughter here. Most of my pregnancy was in another country, but we moved here before she was born.

Read a lot about the different stages of pregnancy and childbirth ahead of time. The midwife should be able to guide you/explain, if they speak English fairly well. My midwives spoke English but most of the medical terms they were unable to translate, so I relied on my own research on pregnancy and delivery.

I opted for a hospital birth, but home births are very common here. If you have a preference, let them know early on. If you want an epidural, you need to request it in advance, as there is no one on staff 24/7 at the hospital for this. I didn't get one, but the midwife told me it would be hard to get someone there if you decide to get one while in labor. They generally don't keep you in the hospital unless there is a complication. I was home 5 hours after delivery!

You should be able to get recommendations from the midwife, but you need to find a kraamzorg in your area. It is basically a nurse that comes to your home after you have given birth, anywhere from 5-10 days I think. She checks on you and teaches you how to do basic baby care. She will also cook/clean some if your insurance covers enough hours for it.

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions..

Congratulations!
rachelvicki
- 3 posts
April 17, 2012 1:31:41 PM CEST

Hi there and congratulations on your pregnancy! I had my baby girl here last October and experienced the entire pregnancy in the Netherlands.

My experience was fairly straight forward since I have been here for a long time, speak Dutch, have a Dutch partner and live in the city. I would be happy to answer any specific questions you may have. I am a working mama so have also arranged daycare.

One of the things you might not be aware of is you are eligible as a resident and tax payer to receive 2 different subsidies from the government in this country; one for having a child and another one for childcare.

Where in the country do you live?

Here is a link to get you started: http://www.expatguideholland.com/themes/personal___social_needs/health_care/pregnancy/
indianinnl
- 76 posts
April 24, 2012 8:52:04 PM CEST

Dear Rachel and Lila,

Thanks a lot for your response.

http://www.expatguideholland.com/themes/personal___social_needs/health_care/pregnancy/ This link is very helpful.

I have applied for Kraamzorg (lady who will help me after child's birth for 1 or 2 weeks).

What is an epidural....is it a Dula (in dutch)?

Rachel, what is the procedure to apply for the subsidies?

I had my 1st appointment with the midwife. Now I am going to have a "Risk Test", where they will check if there is a risk for the baby to have a thick neck. Did you also have that test?

Now I am 10 wks and 5 days preg., when did you start buying all the stuff for the baby? Cant w8 to buy, but I guess its too early now.

This post was edited by indianinnl at April 24, 2012 9:00:28 PM CEST
lilachoneybee
- 17 posts
April 24, 2012 8:58:42 PM CEST

An epidural is explained here http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/epidural.html

I had a scan to check the baby's neck when I was still living in Ireland. This is very common and nothing to be concerned about.

Most things can be bought later in the pregnancy, but if you are very excited there is nothing wrong with picking up a few small things once and awhile! I bought a blanket and some clothing early in my pregnancy because I was so excited :)
indianinnl
- 76 posts
April 25, 2012 9:08:19 AM CEST

Hey, thanks for your post.

One question, I have continuous body pain, is it normal in 10 wks?
lilachoneybee
- 17 posts
April 25, 2012 9:47:21 AM CEST

It depends on where the pain is located, and how severe. Feeling a bit uncomfortable and achey in your lower abdomen is common, because your uterus is expanding and the ligaments are stretching. I would recommend talking to your midwife about ANY pain you are having, so she can tell you what is normal and what is not.