Pregnancy in the Netherlands
Pregnancy care in the Netherlands is organised differently from care in Poland. This guide explains the usual roles of the midwife, huisarts and gynaecologist, and the main tests and screening options. Your care provider adapts care to your circumstances.
Who should you contact first?
After a positive pregnancy test, you can normally contact a midwifery practice directly without a referral from your huisarts. At your first appointment the midwife asks about your health, previous pregnancies, long-term conditions, medication, family history and lifestyle.
In an uncomplicated pregnancy, the midwife usually coordinates routine checks, discusses screening, prepares you for birth and refers you when needed. Your huisarts remains involved in general health problems. A gynaecologist provides specialist care when risks, conditions, abnormal results or complications require it; routine hospital specialist care is not necessary for every pregnancy.
Routine checks
Appointments may cover how you feel, blood pressure, growth, the baby's heartbeat, investigation results, movements and preparation for birth. Visits generally become more frequent later in pregnancy. Their timing and content depend on your situation.
Blood tests early in pregnancy
The Dutch PSIE programme offers screening for blood group ABO, RhD and Rhc, red-cell antibodies, HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis. You receive information and decide whether to participate. Haemoglobin and other tests may also be requested. Glucose testing is not itself part of the core PSIE screening panel.
Prenatal screening: your choice
Screening is voluntary. You can accept or decline after counselling and ask what a result could mean for you.
NIPT
NIPT can be performed from 10 weeks and screens for certain chromosomal conditions. It is a screening test, not a definite diagnosis or a guarantee that the baby has no condition. Further diagnostic testing may be offered after an abnormal result.
The 13-week ultrasound
This examination looks for certain physical abnormalities early in pregnancy. It takes place between 12 weeks and 3 days and 14 weeks and 3 days. Current Dutch programme information describes participation within the IMITAS study, with separate study information and consent. It does not replace the 20-week ultrasound.
The 20-week ultrasound
This examination assesses physical development and looks for certain abnormalities, usually between 18 and 21 weeks. It complements chromosomal screening; neither examination can detect every condition.
Support and information
Your midwife can explain nutrition, healthy habits, stress, practical support and how care is organised. Dutch public information is also available in Polish through the RIVM and maternity-care information services, including CPZ resources. Ask your care provider when something is unclear.
When is specialist care needed?
The midwife may refer you to a gynaecologist if your history, symptoms or results suggest a need for hospital assessment or specialist monitoring.
An additional consultation in Polish
A private consultation can help you discuss questions, previous results, symptoms or possible additional ultrasound and understand the care plan. It complements the care provided by your midwife or hospital and does not replace regular pregnancy monitoring.
Gynaecologist's profile · Consultation information
Where can you give birth?
Depending on the course of pregnancy, medical circumstances, local arrangements and your preferences, options may include home, a birth centre or hospital. Discuss the choices and when a hospital birth is advised with your midwife.
Insurance and costs
Obstetric care and public prenatal screening have specific Dutch funding rules. Reimbursement depends on the type of care, medical indication, provider and policy. Ordinary obstetric care and programme screening are generally exempt from the mandatory deductible (eigen risico). Maternity assistance at home (kraamzorg) may involve a statutory co-payment even though the deductible does not apply to that care. Medicines, transport or laboratory work outside the programme may follow different rules. Check your insurer before arranging additional private services.
Private payment and reimbursement · Fees
After birth: kraamzorg
Maternity assistance supports you during the first days after birth, observes mother and baby, helps with feeding and offers practical guidance. Arrange this during pregnancy with advice from your midwife and insurer.
Questions?
The appointments team is available Monday to Saturday, 09.00–18.00. For urgent pregnancy symptoms, contact your treating maternity-care provider directly; in a life-threatening emergency call 112.
This general information does not replace personal advice. Official reference organisations: RIVM/PNS, CPZ and Zorginstituut Nederland.