Register
You can register with a midwife in Amsterdam as soon as you know you are pregnant, or even while you are still trying. At Pregnanta Maternity Care we usually schedule your first check-up between the 6th and 9th week of your pregnancy, so after a positive test there is no rush. You are not committing to anything and you don’t need to be sure of anything yet. We will contact you within 2 working days, at a time that suits you. Our practice serves Amsterdam-Noord, IJburg, Zeeburgereiland, Landsmeer and Zaandam. You are welcome to get in touch with any questions you have.
Who are we?
You are registering with a small practice with a permanent team. Pregnanta was founded in 2015 by midwife Ellen Moonen and male midwife Ömer Sarioglu. Ömer is one of the few male midwives in the Netherlands and had already been involved in more than three thousand births before Pregnanta started. Ellen trained as a midwife in Antwerp. They work with a team of midwives whom they have trained themselves. Ellen and Ömer introduce themselves in more detail on our practice page. Both specialise in natural birthing positions, including the birthing stool and water birth. At your birth, you will have someone by your side whom you have already got to know during your pregnancy.
Register
The registration form on this page is the quickest route. You fill in your details, we read them and get in touch with you. Registering is free of obligation: you are not committing to anything, and you only decide whether to stay with us after the introductory meeting. If you prefer to call, you can reach us on 020-775 99 27. We are available Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 16:00.
Your first appointment
We usually schedule your first check-up between the 6th and 9th week of your pregnancy. We take plenty of time for it: our appointments last at least thirty minutes, considerably longer than is usual in Amsterdam. That is a deliberate choice. You are not in a consultation that is rushing towards the next appointment, but in a conversation where you can ask anything. We start with an intake appointment; we have written a separate page on what happens during your first appointment. After that, our pregnancy care continues until after the birth. Your partner is also very welcome at this appointment.
What we discuss
During the intake appointment we get to know each other and map out your situation. We look at:
- Who you are and what you expect from us.
- Your health and the medical history of both of you.
- Your lifestyle and anything in it that may need attention.
- Your blood pressure and your weight.
We then tell you about the blood tests and the first scan. Prenatal screening is also discussed: the tests that look for possible conditions in your baby. You don’t have to decide anything about this straight away. If you would like to talk about something at greater length, we will make time for that.
Where we meet
We have two locations, both in Amsterdam. The main practice is at Koekoeksplein 19 HS, 1021 VA Amsterdam, in the Vogelbuurt in Amsterdam-Noord. Our branch is at Eef Kamerbeekstraat 503, 1095 MP Amsterdam, on Zeeburgereiland. If you live in IJburg, on Zeeburgereiland, in Landsmeer or in Zaandam, one of these two is almost always easy to reach. Which one you choose makes no difference to the care itself; the team is the same. Hospital births without a medical reason, known as outpatient births, take place at BovenIJ hospital.
Contact and emergencies
For general questions and to make appointments, call 020-775 99 27 on weekdays between 08:30 and 16:00. For midwifery care we are available 24 hours a day.
- Practice: 020-775 99 27, Monday to Friday, between 08:30 and 16:00.
- Emergencies, day and night: 06-520 476 10.
- No answer in an emergency: 06-542 923 26.
- A question that can wait: ask it via our contact form.
If in doubt, it is better to call once too early than too late. We also answer at night and at weekends, because a pregnancy doesn’t keep to office hours.
Frequently asked questions about registering with a midwife in Amsterdam
When should I register with a midwife?
As soon as you know you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. There is no minimum number of weeks and you don’t need to see your GP first. We usually schedule your first check-up between the 6th and 9th week of your pregnancy, so registering early gives us the most room to plan that appointment at a time that suits you.
Can I register if I am not pregnant yet?
Yes, you can. You can register for a first appointment because you are pregnant or would like to become pregnant. If you are trying to conceive, we will look together at what you can already do now and what lies ahead. Briefly mention your situation when you register, and we will tailor the conversation to it.
How soon will I hear from you after registering?
We will contact you within 2 working days, at a time that suits you. During that call we schedule your first check-up and briefly hear how you are doing. If you have an urgent question before you have heard from us, feel free to call; that is what the phone is for.
Is midwifery care covered by insurance?
Midwifery care is covered by Dutch health insurance. So when you register, you don’t need to find out first what your care will cost. This may be different for the fertility consultation; it depends on your policy, and we will look into it for you when you register.
Can I switch from another midwife?
Yes, you are welcome even halfway through your pregnancy. We will then go through your details and how things have gone so far. Ask your current midwife to transfer your file, so you don’t have to tell your story all over again. If you are already past the halfway point, please give us a call straight away and we will look together at what is possible.
Where do the appointments take place?
At one of our two locations in Amsterdam: Koekoeksplein 19 HS in the Vogelbuurt in Amsterdam-Noord, or Eef Kamerbeekstraat 503 on Zeeburgereiland. When you register, let us know which location suits you best. The team is the same at both locations, so your choice makes no difference to the care you receive.
What happens during the first check-up?
We get to know each other and map out your situation. This covers your health, the medical history of both of you, your lifestyle and a measurement of your blood pressure and weight. We then discuss the blood tests, the first scan, prenatal screening and the choices that come with it. At least thirty minutes are set aside, so there is room to ask follow-up questions.