Pregnancy and childbirth in the Netherlands

Are you pregnant? Or do you think you are pregnant? In these articles you can read how medical care works in the Netherlands. And what you need to arrange.
Someone takes a pregnancy test.
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Taking a pregnancy test

Last updated: 25/09/2024, 11:25

Do you think you might be pregnant? Then you can take a pregnancy test. This page tells you how to take a pregnancy test in the Netherlands.

You think you are pregnant

Your period may come later than usual. And you may not feel well or your breasts may hurt. If you think you are pregnant, you can do a test yourself with your urine. This test is reliable and you can buy it at the pharmacy or drugstore.

There are several types of tests

There are several types of tests available. Some have a screen that shows the text "pregnant" or "not pregnant." Other tests use a plus or minus sign to indicate whether you are pregnant. The test's instructions tell you when to take the test and how to use it.

This is what a pregnancy test costs

A pregnancy test you can buy yourself usually costs between €5 and €15. There are tests from different brands. You can choose which test is best for you.

You take the test after you would have your period

It is usually best to take the test after the day you should normally have your period. By then, there should be enough pregnancy hormone (hCG) in your body for a reliable result.

Does the test say you are not pregnant, but your period is still not coming? Then consider taking another test after a few days.

How the pregnancy continues depends on your situation

When you find out you are pregnant, you have to think about what you want to do. You have 2 choices: 

  • You want to be the pregnant, have a baby and raise it.

  • You are unintentionally pregnant and want to stop the pregnancy.

You make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the pregnancy. You will then receive medical support. Also, if you have any doubts about the pregnancy, you can discuss this with your GP.


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