Do you have a job? In the Netherlands, as a pregnant person, you are entitled to at least 16 weeks of leave. As a partner, you are entitled to at least 5 weeks. Contact your supervisor to arrange your leave. You can do this right away if you are pregnant or your partner is pregnant.

In the Netherlands you are entitled to maternity care. Someone will come and help you take care of your baby. The maternity nurse will also teach you how to take good care of your baby.

Maternity care is reimbursed from your basic health insurance. You are entitled to a maximum of 49 hours of maternity care, spread over 8 days. Contact a maternity care organisation in time to make an appointment.

You never know exactly when you will give birth. And maybe you will give birth in the hospital. It is useful during your pregnancy to already pack a bag with things you will need during and after the birth. Think of things like: clothes for you and the baby, toiletries, important documents and snacks.

You can take a pregnancy course to get practical information about pregnancy, delivery techniques, breastfeeding and contact with your baby. There are also courses for expectant fathers. You can ask your doctor or midwife for advice on which pregnancy course is right for you.

Please note that basic health insurance usually does not cover maternity courses. Some supplementary insurances do, but with restrictions such as a maximum amount or a small number of courses you can choose from.

Check if your health insurance has enough coverage for when you are pregnant or have to give birth. Sometimes there are additional insurances that give you more benefits. For example, for maternity care or other treatments.

If you are pregnant and about to give birth, you should think carefully about your health insurance in advance. After all, you often cannot change your policy during the year. The basic insurance reimburses many expenses, but not all. Ask your health insurance company how this is regulated.

Can you, and possibly your partner, not take care of your baby every day? For example, because you have to work? Then you can arrange child care. Some childcare centres have long waiting lists.

Therefore, register as soon as possible if you are pregnant. How much child care costs varies from child care center to child care centre. Sometimes you can also get a childcare allowance. This can only be arranged after your child is born.