When should you register with a midwife in The Hague?

Your positive test is enough

Many women think that they only need to see a midwife once they have had an ultrasound or once the GP has confirmed that they are pregnant. That's not necessary. Modern pregnancy tests from the drugstore are very reliable from the day your period is due. Two dashes or a digital 'pregnant' is sufficient to register with a midwifery practice.

You can register directly online at Femme Verloskundigen in The Hague. We will call or email you back within one working day to schedule a first appointment, usually between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Why does early registration help?

Registering early has a number of practical advantages:

• You have certainty about the place. Midwifery practices in The Hague work with a maximum number of clients per month. The sooner you report, the more certain you are that you will be able to attend.
• You have a point of contact for questions or complaints. Do you suddenly experience bleeding or pain in the first few weeks? Then you know where to go. Non-registered women must then go to the GP post.
• We can plan a term ultrasound in a timely manner. We do that ultrasound around weeks 10–12 to determine the due date. Registering early means planning ahead.
• Sufficient time for group care. Join in Centering Pregnancy? Then we will schedule you in a group with women who are about the same age as you. The sooner you report, the easier it will be.

What if you don't know yet whether you want to keep it?

That is also a good reason to register. At Femme we are also there for women who are still in doubt. During an initial consultation we will discuss your situation calmly, without judgement. Sometimes it helps to talk to an experienced midwife before you make a choice.

And if you're late?

Did you discover your pregnancy late or have you just moved to The Hague? No problem. Call us or register online. We will schedule an appointment at the next suitable location. For women who register in the second or third trimester, we perform some additional checks during the first appointment.

What happens after you register with Femme?

Our registration flow has been deliberately kept simple:

1. You complete the online form. That takes a few minutes. First name, telephone number, email, first day of last menstrual period and possibly a comment.
2. We will contact you within one working day. We usually call, sometimes we email. We will answer your first questions and put you at ease.
3. We schedule your first appointment. Usually around 8–10 weeks. Would you like to come by earlier because you have questions? That's also possible.
4. You know exactly what to expect. During the first appointment we calmly explain what the process looks like.

Why Femme in The Hague?

Femme has been a trusted name in the center of The Hague for more than 25 years. Our practice is located on Boekhorststraat, within walking distance of the HMC Westeinde. We have a close-knit team of midwives, sonographers and an assistant, so you often see the same faces. We offer both individual care and... group care through Centering Pregnancy, and all standard ultrasounds we do in our own practice.

Also useful: we have our own blood collection point (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM without an appointment). This will save you an extra hospital visit during your pregnancy.