The first appointment
This appointment is around 8 to 9 weeks and lasts about an hour. What can you expect?
-
We discuss your health and that of your family.
-
We perform an initial ultrasound scan to confirm the pregnancy and determine the term.
-
You will receive advice about lifestyle and nutrition.
-
We do blood tests: blood group, rhesus factor, testing for certain infections (hepatitis, STDs, HIV).
-
There is the opportunity to discuss prenatal screening (more information about this on PNS.nl ) and a short video about NIPT.
Prenatal tests: will my baby be healthy?
By living and eating healthily, you can partly influence this yourself. But sometimes a child is born with a condition. Some of these conditions can be detected with prenatal testing.
During pregnancy, you can choose from a number of tests. During your first checkup, we can, if desired, provide you with detailed information about the available tests. Choosing one or more tests is a very personal decision. We can help you and your partner make the right choice.
All tests are reliable; they provide more clarity about the chances of having a healthy baby. But no test guarantees a healthy baby.
Both the NIPT, 13-week ultrasound and the 20-week ultrasound are offered in our practice.
The NIPT is a blood test for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. Blood is drawn from your arm for the test. The results will take no longer than two weeks. We will call you as soon as the results are available.
The 13-week ultrasound scan assesses the baby's development. Depending on the baby's position, the ultrasound is performed either through the abdomen or partially via a vaginal ultrasound. In the Netherlands, you can only opt for the 13-week ultrasound if you participate in the scientific IMITAS study. This study examines the advantages and disadvantages of the 13-week ultrasound.
Between 19 and 20 weeks, you can have an ultrasound to check if the baby is developing normally or has any physical abnormalities. The baby has continued to grow, so more can be seen during the 20-week ultrasound. It's a comprehensive medical ultrasound that takes about 45 minutes. The baby is examined from head to toe. The sonographer will tell you the results immediately after the ultrasound. In 95 out of 100 pregnancies, the sonographer finds no abnormalities. Follow-up testing is then unnecessary.
If the NIPT or one of the ultrasound scans indicates further testing is necessary, we will refer you to the AUMC, which has an expertise center for prenatal diagnosis. Depending on your situation, an advanced ultrasound or an invasive test, such as an amniocentesis, will be offered. You will be informed of the results of the test by the AUMC doctors.
There are no costs associated with the NIPT or the 13- or 20-week ultrasound scan. The cost of any follow-up tests may sometimes be deducted from your deductible.
Centering pregnancy: pregnant together, growing together
Pregnancy is a special journey, and you don't have to travel alone. At our practice, we offer not only individual appointments but also Centering Pregnancy: a form of care that combines your checkups with group sessions, together with other women who are due around the same time.
During these sessions, you'll receive the medical care you need, just like at a regular checkup, but there's also plenty of opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other. The group consists of approximately 8 to 12 pregnant women, and each session is led by one of our midwives and a dedicated supervisor.
What can you expect?
More time and attention: each meeting lasts approximately 2 hours.
Depth and connection: you will learn about your pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period, but also about what you need to feel good.
Supporting each other: recognition, humor and sometimes emotion – you really build a bond with the others.
Active role in your care: for example, you measure your own blood pressure and keep track of your own pregnancy data.
Baby's heartbeat consult
From 14 weeks, we can let you hear your baby's heartbeat. It's nice to hear it if you can't feel the baby moving yet, or it's a fun way to get together with a family member or friend.
You are very welcome to attend our heartbeat consult, held every Thursday afternoon between 2:30 and 3:00 PM at Laan van de Helende Meesters. No need to make an appointment for this consult.
Are you concerned? Please contact us. If necessary, we will schedule an additional appointment.