I’m pregnant: how can I ensure that I won’t miss out on any benefits?

You’re pregnant! Congratulations! Perhaps you already have children and know what to expect? Or perhaps this is your first baby? One thing’s for sure: you’ve got 9 emotionally-charged months ahead of you. KidsLife is happy to assist you throughout your journey.

I’m 1 - 6 weeks pregnant: what should I start thinking about, even at this early stage?

Did your pregnancy test display two lines or a plus (+) symbol? Then congratulations - you’re pregnant! Are you experiencing fleeting moments of panic or rather feelings of euphoria? Many choose to keep their pregnancy secret at this stage.

Regardless of what you and your partner decide, you should start making arrangements to ensure that your pregnancy is as worry-free as possible.

What can you do during the early stages of your pregnancy?

  • Taking folic acid or extra vitamins is normally recommended. Your family doctor will be happy to provide you with more information.
  • Make an appointment with your gynaecologist. Your gynaecologist can answer any medical questions related to your pregnancy. They can also provide welcome reassurance about the progression of your pregnancy.
  • Start looking for a suitable Childcare provider: yes, we know it's early days! But you need to be quick to reserve your place. Read how to find affordable Childcare.
  • Check your hospitalisation insurance! And whether your policy includes this cover at all. The cost of giving birth without hospitalisation insurance can be high. And arranging such insurance can be a lengthy process.

What should I arrange between the 7th and 12th week of my pregnancy?

By now, you’ve likely immersed yourself in the wonderful world of pregnancy! Busy thinking up baby names or decorating your baby's nursery? By the end of this period you’ll be 3 months pregnant. At this point many parents-to-be decide to announce the pregnancy to family and friends. However this is entirely up to you!

What should you arrange during your 2nd and 3rd months of pregnancy?

  • Not yet started your search for suitable Childcare? Then we recommend doing so without further delay. Childcare typically takes a big chunk from your family budget. Our tips will help you get started.
  • You can take a Nip test from your 12th week of pregnancy. Read here all you need to know about the NIPT or Nip test.
  • Are the mum and dad-to-be (yes, get used to your new name) not married?  Then you can apply for a birth certificate from your municipality’s population service.
  • It’s best to notify your employer about your pregnancy as soon as possible. You can do this up to 7 weeks prior to your expected delivery date. Always provide written proof of your pregnancy. That way your employer can make the necessary arrangements with the Social Office.
    You’ll automatically receive maternity cover as soon as you notify your employer about your pregnancy. Amongst other things, maternity cover protects you from dismissal due to pregnancy.

I’m 13 to 20 weeks pregnant: how can I ensure that I don't miss out on any benefits?

Congratulations - you’re almost halfway through your pregnancy. The months are certainly whizzing by! Don't panic! You’ve still got enough time to make the necessary arrangements and ensure that you don't miss out on any benefits.

What's on my to-do list?

Do you no longer want to miss out on any financial benefits? Then apply for your Start Amount or Maternity Fee at KidsLife!

Apply now!

I’m 21 to 28 weeks pregnant: what should I arrange?

Your due date is fast approaching! This is the ideal time to start thinking about what arrangements to make for the period immediately after your baby is born. You can take a variety of different types of leave (including maternity and paternity leave) following the birth of your baby.
Purchasing the necessary baby equipment can be a serious drain on your bank account. Fortunately, we’ve also got a number of money-saving tips when it comes to purchasing baby equipment.

What should I arrange midway through my pregnancy? 

  • Have you thought about Maternity Care? You’ll certainly be glad of the help that this provides. You can apply for Maternity Care now.
  • Haven’t yet requested your Maternity Allowance or Starting Amount from KidsLife? Then please do so without delay! That way you can rest assured that you’ll receive your Starting Amount and Growth Package following the birth of your little one.
  • Money-saving tips: read here how to save money on baby equipment.
  • Have you given any thought to the birthcard yet? Why not unleash your creativity and use a website to announce the birth of your baby instead? Or spread the happy news via WhatsApp? The choice is yours!

I’m 30 to 40 weeks pregnant: what should I arrange?

You’re on the home straight! How time flies! Nursery? Check! Name? Check! Suitcase packed for the hospital? Check!

But there might still be some things that you haven’t considered. We’ve listed these here for your convenience. 

What should I do prior to my delivery?

Gynaecologist or midwife: who does what?

Gynaecologist or midwife: who does what?

When you are pregnant, it is important to keep a close eye on your health and that of your baby. But who takes care of this monitoring? A gynaecologist or a midwife? Who does what? Who can you share your concerns with? And are these appointments reimbursed? These are all important questions for the parents-to-be.
Gynaecologist or midwife: who does what?
Additional Paternity leave days from 2023

Additional Paternity leave days from 2023

A baby on the way? As a father or co-parent-to-be, you’ll naturally want to spend as much time with your newborn baby as possible. Paternity leave enables you take some time off work following the birth. Read here all you need to know about paternity leave.
Paternity leave
How does the September statement affect your Growth Package?

How does the September statement affect your Growth Package?

Je hebt het misschien al horen vallen in de media. Het Groeipakket, de Kinderbijslag in Vlaanderen, was de hoofdrolspeler in de Septemberverklaring van de Vlaamse Regering.
Alles over de Septemberverklaring

A baby on the way? Don't miss anything with our tips!

Did you know that we send out our do-nothing mailing as your pregnancy progresses? This way you receive good advice exactly when you need it! Subscribe to our monthly do-nothing mailing here.

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