What’s It Like to Be Pregnant in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is renowned for its high quality of life, progressive healthcare system, and commitment to family welfare. If you’re pregnant or planning to be in the Netherlands, you may wonder: Will my baby be happier here? The Dutch approach to antenatal care, pregnancy wellness, and child-rearing sets a solid foundation for families, with a focus on balanced, natural, and supportive care for both mother and child.

In this article, we’ll explore the comprehensive antenatal services available in the Netherlands, covering everything from antenatal appointments and pregnancy care to wellness options like antenatal yoga and prenatal massage. We’ll also touch on the Dutch parenting philosophy and how it might contribute to a happier childhood for your baby.

Understanding Antenatal Care in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a unique and progressive approach to antenatal care that blends modern medical practices with a deep respect for natural processes. The healthcare system, funded by mandatory health insurance, ensures that all pregnant women have access to excellent prenatal care without financial barriers. The Dutch believe in empowering expectant mothers to make informed choices about their pregnancy, labour, and delivery, promoting a sense of autonomy and confidence.

First Steps: Choosing a Midwife or Gynaecologist

One of the first decisions expectant mothers in the Netherlands make is whether to be cared for by a midwife or a gynaecologist. The vast majority of pregnant women (around 80%) choose midwife-led care, as midwives play a central role in the Dutch pregnancy and childbirth process. Midwives provide comprehensive antenatal care, including antenatal checkups, routine tests, and advice on antenatal vitamins and supplements. They focus on supporting a natural and healthy pregnancy, only referring patients to a gynaecologist if complications arise.

Your first antenatal appointment usually takes place between weeks 8 and 10 of pregnancy, during which you’ll discuss your medical history, conduct some basic tests, and outline a schedule for future antenatal checkups. The frequency of these checkups increases as you progress through your pregnancy, ensuring regular monitoring of both mother and baby.

Antenatal Scans and Tests

In the Netherlands, antenatal scans and tests are provided at specific stages of pregnancy to monitor the baby’s development and detect any potential issues. The first ultrasound scan typically occurs around week 10 to confirm the pregnancy and assess the due date. A second scan, known as the 20-week anomaly scan, is performed to check for any developmental problems.

Routine blood tests and other screenings are also part of pregnancy care in the Netherlands, including tests for gestational diabetes, anaemia, and other conditions that may affect the mother’s health. However, the Dutch approach is generally conservative—tests and interventions are only recommended when necessary, ensuring a balanced approach to antenatal care.

Dutch Birthing Philosophy: Trusting the Natural Process

One of the defining features of the Dutch approach to pregnancy is their trust in the natural process of birth. The Netherlands has one of the highest rates of home births in Europe, with around 13% of babies born at home. Many women opt for home births under the care of a midwife, reflecting the Dutch belief that pregnancy and childbirth are natural life events rather than medical conditions.

Women are encouraged to give birth in a calm, familiar environment, and only transfer to a hospital if complications arise. That said, hospital births are also widely available, with many hospitals offering birthing centres that replicate the home environment while providing access to medical intervention if needed.

The Dutch focus on natural birth extends to pain relief during labour. While pain management options like epidurals are available in hospitals, they are less commonly used than in some other countries. Instead, midwives and healthcare providers encourage techniques like breathing exercises, antenatal yoga, and hydrotherapy to manage labour pain naturally.

Wellness Practices for a Healthier Pregnancy

In the Netherlands, wellness during pregnancy is taken seriously, and there are a wide range of options to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of expectant mothers. Practices like antenatal yoga and prenatal massage are popular and widely available, helping mothers-to-be stay active and manage stress.

Antenatal Yoga: Staying Balanced and Active

Antenatal yoga is a popular practice for pregnant women in the Netherlands. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, yoga during pregnancy offers numerous benefits, including improved flexibility, reduced stress, and better sleep. Many women also find that antenatal yoga helps them connect with their changing bodies and prepares them mentally for labour.

Classes are widely available in cities and towns across the country, and many healthcare providers recommend pregnancy yoga classes as part of a balanced antenatal fitness routine. These classes often focus on breathing techniques, relaxation, and gentle stretching, which can be particularly helpful during labour.

Prenatal Massage: Relaxation and Comfort

Expectant mothers in the Netherlands also have access to prenatal massage, a form of therapy designed to relieve the physical discomforts of pregnancy while promoting relaxation. Prenatal massage is beneficial for reducing swelling, relieving back pain, and improving circulation. Many spas and wellness centres offer massage for pregnancy, often tailored to the needs of each trimester.

The pregnancy massage benefits extend beyond physical relief—many women find that regular prenatal massage sessions help reduce anxiety and promote overall relaxation during pregnancy. This emphasis on wellness reflects the broader Dutch approach to pregnancy: staying calm, healthy, and balanced throughout the journey to childbirth.

Antenatal Education and Support

The Netherlands places a strong emphasis on antenatal education, ensuring that expectant parents are well-prepared for childbirth and parenthood. Whether through midwife-led sessions or hospital-based classes, antenatal education covers important topics like labour, pain management, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

Antenatal Classes: Preparing for Parenthood

Expectant parents are encouraged to attend antenatal classes, which are offered by hospitals, midwives, and healthcare centres across the Netherlands. These classes are designed to provide practical information and emotional support, helping parents prepare for labour and life with a newborn. Topics covered in antenatal education often include the stages of labour, delivery options, postnatal care, and tips for breastfeeding.

For those wondering about antenatal classes near me, most midwives and hospitals can provide information on local courses. Many classes are available in English, which is particularly helpful for expats or non-Dutch speakers.

Will My Baby Be Happier in the Netherlands?

One of the most intriguing questions for expectant parents in the Netherlands is whether their baby will be happier growing up in this country. Studies suggest that Dutch children are among the happiest in the world, and this sense of wellbeing begins at birth. Dutch culture places a high value on work-life balance, family time, and emotional wellbeing, all of which contribute to a nurturing environment for children.

The Dutch approach to parenting is relaxed yet structured, with an emphasis on allowing children to be independent and explore the world at their own pace. From a young age, Dutch children are encouraged to play outdoors, engage in creative activities, and develop a strong sense of autonomy. This, combined with the support systems in place for parents (such as generous parental leave and high-quality childcare), creates a positive environment for children to thrive.

The Dutch healthcare system’s focus on antenatal care also plays a role in this. By prioritising the health and wellbeing of both mother and child during pregnancy, the Netherlands ensures that babies are born into a supportive and balanced environment. Expectant mothers receive the antenatal support they need to have a healthy pregnancy, and this emphasis on wellness and care continues into the early years of the child’s life.

Conclusion: Pregnancy in the Netherlands – A Positive and Supported Experience

Being pregnant in the Netherlands offers a unique and holistic approach to antenatal care, wellness, and childbirth. From the early days of pregnancy, expectant mothers are empowered with the knowledge, support, and resources they need to navigate this transformative journey. Whether through regular antenatal appointments, pregnancy care, or wellness practices like antenatal yoga and prenatal massage, the Dutch system places the wellbeing of both mother and baby at its core.

With its emphasis on natural birthing, balanced parenting, and a child-friendly culture, the Netherlands provides an ideal environment for expectant parents and their babies. If you’re pregnant in the Netherlands, you can expect a supported and nurturing journey—one that may just lead to a happier start in life for your little one.