First Trimester in the Netherlands
The first trimester in the Netherlands can feel surprisingly calm.
If you’re used to Nigeria’s frequent scans and early hospital visits, the Dutch system may initially feel “too relaxed.” But there’s a method to it. Let’s walk through what actually happens.
Weeks 4-6: Positive Test. What Next?
In the Netherlands, you do NOT go to the hospital first.
Instead, you call a local midwife practice (verloskundige) and book your first appointment, which usually happens around week 8-10. You do not need a GP referral. Midwives are independent medical professionals here, and they manage your entire pregnancy as long as it remains low-risk.
Weeks 8-10: The Intake Appointment
This is your first official pregnancy visit, and it’s thorough. Expect:
- A full medical history discussion
- Blood pressure check
- Blood tests (blood type, Rhesus factor, HIV, Hepatitis B, iron levels, and more)
- Urine test
- A dating ultrasound (to confirm your due date)
This appointment is detailed but calm. It usually lasts about an hour.
Prenatal Testing (Optional)
Around weeks 10-13, you may be offered:
- NIPT test — a blood test that screens for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. This is now free for all pregnant women in the Netherlands (funded by the government since April 2023).
- 13-week structural scan — an early ultrasound that checks your baby’s physical development.
Both are optional. The Netherlands emphasizes informed decision-making, so your midwife will explain your options and let you choose.
Common Symptoms and the Dutch GP Culture
You may experience nausea, fatigue, food aversions, and smell sensitivity. The Dutch approach to these symptoms is minimal medication unless necessary. You’ll often hear: “Rest. Hydrate. Paracetamol if needed.”
This is normal here. It does not mean your concerns are being dismissed.
Important First Trimester To-Do List
- Register for kraamzorg (do this around week 12 at the latest)
- Start prenatal vitamins (folic acid is essential from early on)
- Review your health insurance coverage
- Discuss birth preferences early with your midwife
- Inform your employer when you’re ready
- If you and your partner are not married or in a registered partnership, arrange erkenning (acknowledgement of paternity) at the gemeente before the birth
Adjusting as a Nigerian Expat
You may find yourself thinking: “Why am I not being scanned every week?” or “Why are they so relaxed about this?”
The Dutch system is evidence-based and outcome-focused. Low intervention does not mean low care. The Netherlands consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world for maternal and newborn health. Trust the process, but always ask questions and communicate your concerns.
Hospital vs Home Birth in the Netherlands
This is one of the biggest culture shifts for Nigerian families. In the Netherlands, home birth is not an alternative — it’s a medically integrated option within the healthcare system.
Home Birth
Who qualifies: Low-risk pregnancies only, supervised by a certified midwife.
What to know:
- You deliver in your own comfortable environment
- Lower rates of medical intervention
- Fully covered by insurance — you pay nothing
- You must live within reasonable distance of a hospital in case a transfer is needed
- Not suitable for high-risk pregnancies
Hospital Birth Without Medical Need (Poliklinische Bevalling)
You can choose to deliver in the hospital even if your pregnancy is low-risk. This is called a poliklinische bevalling.
Important: this comes with a personal contribution of €580.51 (2025 rate). Your basic insurance reimburses €261, and you pay the remainder. Check your additional (aanvullende) insurance — many policies cover this fully.
Hospital Birth With Medical Need
If you are referred by your midwife or gynecologist due to complications such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, previous complications, need for induction, or an epidural request, your hospital birth is fully covered by basic insurance.
Pain Relief Options
- Home birth: natural pain relief methods (breathing techniques, warm water, movement)
- Hospital birth: epidural, remifentanil, and other medical pain relief options
You must discuss your preferences with your midwife in advance. If you know you want an epidural, make this clear early — it affects your birth plan.
Cultural Reality
In Nigeria, hospital birth is the standard. In the Netherlands, home birth is a normal, respected option. You are NOT forced to deliver at home. You choose based on your risk profile and comfort level.
Printable Pregnancy Checklist for Expats
First Trimester:
- Call a midwife practice and register (ideally before week 8)
- Attend your intake appointment
- Start folic acid supplements
- Register for kraamzorg
- Inform your employer when ready
- Review your insurance coverage
- Arrange erkenning at the gemeente if not married
Second Trimester:
- 20-week anatomy scan (covered by basic insurance)
- Choose your birth location (home, birth centre, or hospital)
- Attend prenatal classes (optional but recommended)
- Research childcare options (waiting lists are long)
- Begin maternity leave planning
Third Trimester:
- Finalise your birth plan with your midwife
- Pack your hospital bag by week 37 (even if planning a home birth)
- Install your baby car seat
- Confirm kraamzorg dates
- Arrange maternity leave start date
- Pick up kraamhulpmiddelen from the Thuiszorgwinkel (bed raisers, bedpan, back support)
After Delivery:
- Register your baby at the gemeente within 3 working days
- Add baby to your health insurance policy (within 4 months — coverage is retroactive from birth)
- The SVB will contact you about Kinderbijslag (child benefit) after registration — check your post and respond promptly
- Inform your employer about your return date
Final Diaspora Advice
Pregnancy care in the Netherlands is calm, structured, evidence-based, and low-intervention. It may feel very different from what you’re used to, but the outcomes are strong.
Ask questions. Communicate your preferences clearly. Advocate for yourself respectfully. And remember: the system is designed to support you, even when it doesn’t look like what you expected.
Rooting for you
Team myNigeria.NL
