‘I am going to a midwife in Rotterdam. What does she do?’

Congratulations, you are pregnant! Time to make an appointment with the midwife! But what exactly does she do, and how often do you go there? The midwives at Midwifery Practice Rotterdam West are happy to explain it to you.

Ask the practice a question

The duties of a Midwife

Obstetrics covers everything related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. A midwife is a specialist in this field. Throughout the entire period from pregnancy to the postpartum period, she keeps a finger on the pulse by checking you for any complaints, problems, and risks. Before you become pregnant, you can first make an appointment at our fertility consultation (pre-conception).

A midwife checks the baby’s growth and position by hand and with an ultrasound. During pregnancy, the pregnant woman’s blood is checked, blood pressure is measured, and information is provided about possible examinations, including prenatal screening. In the event of complications, she refers the pregnant woman to a gynecologist. Additionally, a midwife provides tips, advice, and information about pregnancy and childbirth. You can contact us with all questions regarding pregnancy.

At a check-up with the midwife in Rotterdam

As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test, you can make an appointment at our practice in Rotterdam West. The first check-up will take place when you are between 6 and 8 weeks pregnant, using ultrasound. This will be followed by a follow-up (counseling) during which all possible examinations will be explained and arranged.

The exact due date is determined using the dating scan around the 10th week.

For the first appointment at the practice, the midwife needs information from you such as your BSN and health insurance details, as well as information about any surgeries, previous pregnancies, family medical history, and your partner’s health. A blood test will also be taken, and the midwife will measure your blood pressure.

Further course of the pregnancy

During a pregnancy, you visit the midwives an average of 10 to 15 times. As your pregnancy progresses, you will visit the practice more frequently. At every check-up, the midwife asks how you are doing, checks your blood pressure, and feels and measures your belly. She also always listens to the baby’s heartbeat. That is special every time! From around week 18-20, the midwife will also ask you about any movements the baby may be making.

From the 18th week, the structural ultrasound (20-week ultrasound) is scheduled.

From September 2021, the 1st trimester (structural) ultrasound will also be performed at our practice.

Based on medical indication, more ultrasounds are performed later in the pregnancy for, for example, growth, position, etc.

The birth

Are you going into labor? Then you can always call our midwives on the emergency line 010-4559709.

Do this:

• For contractions: for an hour, contractions of 3 minutes each (first child) lasting a minute.
• Or contractions of 5 minutes each lasting 1 minute for an hour (second or subsequent child)
• In case of ruptured membranes: if the amniotic fluid is clear and the baby’s head is engaged, during the night, you can call the emergency line in the morning.
• If the amniotic fluid is green or brown, always call immediately.
• Indien het hoofd van de baby niet goed is ingedaald, en de vliezen breken, direct gaan liggen en de spoedlijn bellen.
• In case of heavy blood loss, always call immediately.
• Bij ongerustheid of twijfel kunt u altijd bellen.