When should you arrange maternity care?
19-08-2026 — Kraamplein-redactie
A frequently asked question: when should I actually arrange maternity care? The short answer: earlier than you might think.
Why not wait until just before the birth
You don't book maternity care only after the birth — you arrange a provider in advance, and only around the 34th week does the actual intake interview follow, in which the actual hours and planning are set. Providers plan their availability well in advance, and especially during busy periods a provider can already be fully booked if you start looking too late.
A practical rule of thumb
Start orienting as soon as you're pregnant, and secure a provider by the second trimester at the latest. That gives room for a relaxed introductory conversation, and you won't be stuck if your first choice turns out to be fully booked.
What if you start late?
No need to panic — even late in pregnancy there's often still something to arrange, especially if you're open to multiple providers at once. On Kraamplein you can send a no-obligation introduction request to several providers in your area at once, so you don't have to wait for them one by one.
What else should you pay attention to?
Besides availability, factors like personal fit, specialty (for example experience with multiples or incubator aftercare) and spoken language also play a role. You can read more about that in what to look out for when choosing maternity care.