A good start
Dietary advice and guidance on preventing illness in your baby are very important during pregnancy. Be sure to read the advice below carefully.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential during pregnancy, as your baby depends on the nutrients you consume. It’s wise to eat a healthy and varied diet.
There are certain foods that are best avoided while pregnant. Reliable information can be found on the website of the nutrition centre or in the ZwangerHap app.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
An infection with cytomegalovirus can be harmful to an unborn child. This virus is commonly found in the saliva and urine of young children, often without them showing any symptoms. Good hygiene is therefore especially important. Following these hygiene guidelines also helps protect against other (childs)illnesses that could cause problems, such as fifth disease.
Important:
- Do not kiss your child on the mouth.
- Do not put a pacifier in your own mouth.
- Do not share cutlery or crockery.
- Do not share toothbrushes.
- Wash your hands after contact with mucous membranes.
Vitamins
Folic Acid
- 400 micrograms daily until the 11th week of pregnancy.
- Supports the development of the baby’s nervous system and helps prevent serious conditions like spina bifida or brain abnormalities.
Calcium
- 1 gram (1000 mg) per day (about 5 glasses of milk or equivalent dairy).
- Tablets recommended if little or no dairy is consumed.
Vitamin D
- 10 micrograms daily, through drops or supplements.
- Needed for proper calcium absorption.
- Included in most prenatal multivitamins, but calcium may not be sufficient.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)
- 250–450 mg daily via supplements if fish is not consumed.
- Supports brain and retinal development and reduces the risk of premature birth.
- If eating 2 portions of fish per week (including 1 fatty fish), supplements may not be needed.
Vegetarian or Vegan Considerations
- Extra attention to ensure all essential vitamins are included in the diet.
- Advice on nutrition if you are vegetarian or vegan can be found here.
For more information about nutrition and supplements, click here.
First appointment
At your first appointment, we will ask you questions about your health, your partner’s health, and the course of any previous pregnancies and births. You’ll also be asked about any congenital conditions in your family or your partner’s family. We’d like to know about your living and working conditions and whether you’re taking any medication. Your blood pressure will be measured, and we’ll answer any questions you may have.
If preffered, we will also discuss the possibility of screening for structural abnormalities with the 13- and 20-week ultrasounds, and screening for Down, Edwards and Patau syndromes with the NIPT.
We recommend that you take a look at some information about these tests before your intake appointment, so you already know what they are about and which options you can choose from.
More information is available on the website about screening tests during pregnancy. This three-minute video provides a brief overview of the tests you can choose from.If you were previously under the care of another midwife, please bring any records from your previous pregnancy and birth to your first appointment
Ultrasounds in our practice
Around 8 weeks, we make the first ultrasound, and after the intake appointment, the ultrasound for determining the due date will be scheduled. You will have this scan at around 11 weeks of pregnancy. More information about all the ultrasounds later in your pregnancy can be found here.