16-24 Weeks
During these weeks, your baby grows from the size of a donut to an ice cream cone. The second trimester has begun, and these weeks are (usually) more pleasant than the first trimester. Most women also feel the first movements during this period. Some feel them earlier than others, but by 24 weeks, all pregnant women have felt at least one kick from the baby.
Twenty-week ultrasound
The 20-week ultrasound is also called the structural ultrasound examination (SEO). The main purpose of the 20-week ultrasound is to check for the possible presence of spina bifida or an open skull. During this ultrasound, the development of the baby’s organs is also examined in detail. Other physical abnormalities may also be detected. Additionally, the baby’s growth is monitored, the position of the placenta is checked, and the amount of amniotic fluid is assessed.
Because this is a highly specialized ultrasound, we have it performed by our experienced sonographers at echo center Rijswijk or the Haagse Hof. We will schedule an appointment at your preferred location after the term ultrasound.
The 20-week ultrasound is performed between 18-21 weeks, preferably during week 19 or 20. While not mandatory, for many it can be reassuring to see your baby. However, a 20-week ultrasound does not guarantee a healthy baby, as not all abnormalities are visible during this scan. This ultrasound is covered by basic insurance.
If an abnormality is detected, we will refer you to a specialized hospital for another ultrasound. You may then also be offered the choice of amniocentesis or blood tests to get more clarity about the abnormality. Amniocentesis carries a small risk of miscarriage (2 in 1000). For each examination, you decide whether you want it and what to do with the results; this choice is entirely yours.
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding
After the baby is born, you will have the choice between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Research has shown that breast milk is the best nutrition for a newborn, but this doesn’t mean that bottle feeding is less beneficial for the baby. The most important thing is that you make an informed choice about a feeding method that you’re comfortable with.
Breastfeeding
Breast milk contains antibodies that stimulate your baby’s immune system, thus protecting your baby against possible infections. Children who are breastfed also experience fewer allergies. Additionally, breast milk adapts to your baby’s development. This means that the composition of your breast milk will change according to your baby’s needs.
Breastfeeding also has benefits for mothers: you return to your pre-pregnancy weight faster, and the risk of breast cancer is demonstrably lower the longer you breastfeed. Both you and your baby need to learn how to breastfeed. While it’s natural, it doesn’t happen automatically. We will help you by providing helpful tips.
Bottle Feeding
If you choose to bottle feed, always buy formula number 1 for a newborn baby. There are many brands of formula available. The brands mainly differ in price, but all are good in terms of content. Therefore, choose a brand that you feel most comfortable with.
The hospitals in our region work with Nutrilon. If you prefer to give your child a different brand, bring it to the hospital and pack it in your (hospital) bag. Once you’ve chosen a brand, we advise against switching brands, as this can cause discomfort for babies.
Always use the proportions indicated on the packaging. Never dilute the formula with extra water unless we or a child health clinic have advised this!
Types of Bottles
There are many types of bottles for feeding babies. The best bottle varies per baby. A hungry or fast-drinking baby will need a different bottle and nipple than a slow drinker. Therefore, don’t buy many bottles at once until you know which bottle-nipple combination works well. For the first week, buy 2 different bottles and nipples and discover which suits your baby best. Note: always buy a newborn nipple for the first weeks!
Courses
Many expectant parents choose to take a pregnancy course as a supplement to our care. A course can be complementary in terms of information, exercise, and/or relaxation. The most important thing when choosing a course is selecting something that suits you. In our practice, Wiola, one of the maternity nurses, also offers pregnancy courses in English or Polish. Are you interested in taking a course? Contact us for more information.
Arranging Leave
As a pregnant employee, you are entitled to 16 weeks of maternity leave. You can choose when your leave begins. This must be at least four weeks before the due date but could also be six weeks before, for example. During this period, your salary is paid in full. Our advice is to start leave at 34 weeks, especially if your job requires physical effort and/or significant travel time.
For all information about leave, visit the Dutch Government website. Are you self-employed? There are also other arrangements for proper maternity leave.
Whooping Cough Vaccination
You can choose to get vaccinated against whooping cough around 22 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccination is intended to protect your baby against whooping cough in the first weeks after birth. Would you like a whooping cough vaccination? You can make an appointment at the CJG.
