Pregnancy consults

The screening interview takes place at approximately 8 weeks of pregnancy and is designed to educate you about the options available around prenatal examination. During this meeting the midwife will give you information about the possible tests and together we will look at what the considerations may be for the use or non-use of these tests. It is good to read up on the following beforehand the possibilities so that we can answer any questions you may have. It is important to know that this interview is not intended to give you advice on whether or not to test, but only to provide you with all the information you need to make a well-considered choice.
In combination with this screening interview you will be offered an early ultrasound scan. This is an ultrasound to see whether the baby's heart is beating, how far the pregnancy has progressed and whether it is in the right place in the uterus. The cost of this ultrasound is not covered by insurance and is €40.00.

The intake interview with us takes place at about 10 weeks of pregnancy. During this first check-up you will first have an ultrasound. In total, the intake takes about 1.5 hours.

• The first pregnancy checkup begins with an ultrasound. The ultrasound shows whether your baby's heart is beating and we determine what your due date will be based on the baby's growth.
• After the ultrasound, you will have a conversation with the midwife. We inquire about your medical history, the health of your partner and of both families. We also inquire about your social situation and any previous pregnancies, deliveries, miscarriages and/or abortions.
• After the intake interview, the midwife will give some advice on nutrition and lifestyle during pregnancy.
• Blood pressure is measured.
• Furthermore, there is, of course, room to ask all your questions.
• Finally, we will give you a laboratory form to have your blood tested for three infectious diseases: Lues, Hepatitis B and HIV. We will also check what blood type you have, iron levels, glucose and whether you have antibodies in your blood that don't belong there.
• If you wish, we can then also give you a laboratory form to take blood for the combination test or NIPT.

When you combine the screening interview and intake with the ultrasound, these will always take place at either the IJburg or van Swinden location.

During the pregnancy you will have about eleven more follow-up checkups. You will come for these at the location closest to your home. The follow-up appointments last 15 minutes. In the beginning you will have your check-ups every six weeks, but as the pregnancy progresses, they will become more frequent. During the check-ups we will address your questions and discuss your experiences and wishes. In addition, we can give you tips and advice for pregnancy complaints.

Good to know: it is always possible to make an appointment for an extra check-up or reserve extra time if your personal situation requires it. You can indicate this to the midwife during your check-up or call the assistant to schedule it.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is measured at every check-up. Low blood pressure during pregnancy is quite normal, but can sometimes cause some unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. High blood pressure may be a reason for additional examination.

Assessing pregnancy growth and development

At each check-up, we feel for the growth of the uterus. This is how we check if your child is growing enough. From the third month we listen to your baby's heart sounds with the help of the so-called doptone. In the last months of the pregnancy we examine the position of your child and feel for the descent of the baby in the pelvis.

Blood test

If indicated, we will test sugar levels in the second half of pregnancy, at 24 weeks. At 30 weeks of pregnancy, we will test blood iron levels in everyone.

Echo examination

In addition to the term ultrasound, possibly the combination test or NIPT and the 20-week ultrasound, additional ultrasound examinations will take place on indication. If you would like to have additional ultrasound scans yourself, this can be done at your own expense at a pretech center.