Planning to conceive
If you are planning to become pregnant, you can ensure that your child gets a healthy start. By doing so, you are already laying a good foundation for your child’s health.
- A healthy lifestyle will increase your chances of pregnancy
- Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs
- Take folic acid as soon as you plan to become pregnant, at least 4 weeks before you want to become pregnant
More information is available at strakszwangerworden.nl (Dutch with English video) or wokewomen.nl (Dutch only).
Pre-pregnancy consultation
Even before you are pregnant, you can ask the midwife questions about becoming pregnant (in a healthy way). She will answer all your questions and give you personal advice during the pre-pregnancy consultation.
Preparation
The midwife will provide you with specific information applicable to your personal situation. It is therefore necessary to prepare well for the consultation. Start thinking about ( potentially) hereditary disorders that run in your family.
A useful tool is the Zwangerwijzer website. Complete the questionnaire on the website zwangerwijzer.nl (Dutch only) and take a printout with you to your midwife (or email it to your midwife before your appointment). If the midwife identifies a risk factor during the consultation hour, you will be referred to your GP, a gynaecologist or another specialist if necessary.
All midwifery practices in the region can provide a pre-pregnancy consultation.
Fertility issues
If you have problems getting pregnant, you can visit the Deventer Hospital. You will need a referral from your GP.