There are several important things to arrange on time during your pregnancy. Below is an overview of key services and regulations to help you prepare for this special period.

Moeders voor Moeders
Would you like to help other women become pregnant? If you’re between 6 and 17 weeks pregnant, you can join Moeders voor Moeders. By collecting your urine, you contribute to the production of fertility treatments for women with hormonal issues.
More information and registration: moedersvoormoeders.nl

Maternity Care (Kraamzorg)
Maternity care is essential and should be arranged early—ideally after your intake appointment around 7–8 weeks of pregnancy.
We collaborate with independent maternity nurses, so you’ll know exactly who will be coming to your home.

Why maternity care matters: ✔️ They perform medical checks on you and your baby after birth
✔️ They help with baby care and routines
✔️ They provide support with the delivery, breastfeeding, and postpartum recovery

Childcare
If you plan to continue working after your baby is born, arranging childcare is important—especially if no family member is available for daily care.
If both you and your partner work, you may be eligible for childcare allowance. The amount depends on the income of the parent who works the least. Be aware that waiting lists for childcare centers can be long—just like with maternity care, it’s smart to start looking early.

More information about childcare allowance can be found at the Dutch tax authority’s website.

Legal Acknowledgement (Erkenning)
If you are not married, the father (or co-mother) must legally acknowledge the unborn child at the local municipality. This establishes the legal relationship between parent and child.

🔹 When to arrange? Preferably during pregnancy
🔹 Why in advance? If it’s not done before birth, the mother must appear in person at the municipality within three working days after the delivery—adding unnecessary stress

Work and Maternity Leave
Are you employed or self-employed? Below are helpful links about your rights and maternity leave in the Netherlands: ✔️ Pregnancy and safe working: Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs
✔️ Leave for employees: Rijksoverheid (Government of the Netherlands)
✔️ Leave for self-employed individuals: UWV

Need to inform your employer about your pregnancy? Let us know—we can send you a digital pregnancy certificate or hand it to you at your next appointment.

Maternity Kit (Kraampakket)
A maternity kit contains essential medical items needed during and after childbirth. You can request this package from your health insurer.
Make sure to have your maternity kit at home by 37 weeks, whether you’re planning a home or hospital birth.