When I found out I was pregnant, I had a rough idea of what to do next: book an appointment, find a midwife, and start the process. Two of our close friends had recently been through pregnancy in the Netherlands, so nothing felt completely unfamiliar. And yet, stepping into the Dutch healthcare system for the first time as a pregnant woman felt very different from simply knowing the steps. It was the beginning of learning not just what pregnancy care looks like here, but how it feels to be cared for in a new country.

One of the first things I learnt was that in the Netherlands, the midwife plays a central role throughout pregnancy. From routine check-ups to answering questions and monitoring how both the baby and I were doing, the midwife was my primary point of contact. A gynaecologist only steps in if something is considered outside the norm, which initially felt surprising and slightly unsettling. Over time, though, I began to understand that this approach comes from a deep trust in the body and in pregnancy as a natural process, not a medical condition.

One of the biggest adjustments for me was the relatively hands-off nature of pregnancy care in the Netherlands. There were fewer scans and tests than I expected, and appointments often felt short and reassuring rather than detailed or intensive. While this initially made me question whether enough was being done, I slowly understood that this approach is intentional; pregnancy is treated as low-risk unless proven otherwise, with emphasis on how you feel rather than constant monitoring.

Although appointments were conducted in English, much of the paperwork and information I received was in Dutch. I often relied on quick translations rather than reading everything in detail, and sometimes medical explanations needed repeating. What stood out, though, was the willingness of the midwives and doctors to slow down, clarify, and make sure I felt informed and reassured.

Experiencing pregnancy care in the Netherlands was different from what I expected, but it taught me to trust the process, the professionals, and my own instincts. Though the system felt hands-off at times, the support, patience, and guidance I received made me feel safe and cared for throughout this first stage of my journey.