Check-ups

Your first check-up

The first check-up takes place at approximately 8 weeks of pregnancy. During this first check-up, you will mainly be asked many questions to determine the risks (if any) for the pregnancy and your baby. The midwife will enquire about your medical history, current health, medication use, work and lifestyle and the health of your immediate family. In addition, previous pregnancies and / or deliveries will be discussed.

Furthermore, some questions will be asked about the current pregnancy. We would like to know when the first day of your last period was, or if you had a regular cycle. We will also ask about previously used contraception (e.g. pill, coil or condom) and the dates of positive pregnancy tests.

In addition to the already large amount of information we want to receive from you, we will also conduct some examinations. We measure your blood pressure and weight and take your blood. Your blood type and rhesus factor will be determined with the blood sample taken, and your blood will also be tested for potentially contagious diseases such as lues (syphilis), HIV (AIDS virus) and hepatitis B. Your iron level will also be determined to assess whether you may have anemia.

During this first check it is still too early to listen to your baby’s heartbeat. This is possible from approximately 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Finally, you will receive information from us about the possibilities of prenatal screening. We will also inform you about various rules that are important not to forget during your pregnancy. There is of course also the opportunity to ask questions. After completing the first check-up, follow-up appointments will be scheduled for the ultrasound and next check-up.

What to take with you

• ID or a copy of your ID.
• Your health insurance card.
• Medicines that you may use.
• Date of the first day of your last period.
• Date of your positive pregnancy test.
• Possibly a list of questions.

Follow-up check-ups

In our practice we offer two different forms of pregnancy check-ups. You can opt for short checks (approx. 12 appointments of 10-15 mins each) or you can choose to participate in Centering Pregnancy (8 group sessions of 2 hours each). You can choose what suits you best.

The second check-up usually takes place at approximately 14 weeks of gestation. From now on, we will feel your belly to assess the growth of your child and we can also listen to the baby’s heartbeat. The position of your child can be felt from about 30-32 weeks.
It is standard procedure to measure your blood pressure and weight every check-up appointment. We are very curious to hear from you how everything goes and if there are any questions or concerns. If necessary, we will answer your questions and give advice in case of complaints.

During your pregnancy you will have a check-up about 10-12 times in total. The further your pregnancy progresses, the more often you will visit us. Check-ups take place every 5 weeks at the beginning and every week from the 37th week. Depending on the course of your pregnancy, we may ask you to come for a check-up more often.

Refer here for our opening hours of the practice.

Deciding together starts with 3 good questions

There are many choices during pregnancy and delivery. Examples include: do I give birth at home or in hospital? What pain relief can I choose? If you go to the midwife or gynecologist, you always have several options from which to choose. Which treatment or which care suits you best depends on a number of things, e.g. your home situation and your preferences.

It is important to discuss these matters together with your midwife or obstetrician. You can do this by asking 3 good questions:

1. What are my options?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these options?
3. What does that mean in my situation?

These questions encourage your midwife or gynecologist to provide good information and to have an open conversation with you. You can then decide together with him or her which treatment or care is best for you.