Quick Pregnancy Checklist
During your pregnancy, remember to:
- Choose a doctor, gynaecologist and/or midwife
- Join a Belgian health insurance fund (ziekenfonds)
- Decide where you want to give birth
- Apply for the Startbedrag (birth grant)
- Register for childcare as early as possible
- Arrange maternity home care (kraamzorg)
- Plan maternity, birth and parental leave
- Register your baby after birth
- Apply for family benefits if required
This is a helpful guide to your care partners during and after pregnancy
Pregnancy Timeline in Belgium
| Pregnancy stage | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester (0–12 weeks) | Confirm pregnancy with a GP, gynaecologist or midwife | Start prenatal care early |
| First trimester | Join a Belgian health insurance fund | Access reimbursement for medical costs |
| First or second trimester | Choose your maternity hospital | Plan your birth and medical follow-up |
| Second trimester | Apply for the Startbedrag | Receive financial support before birth |
| As early as possible | Register for childcare | Improve chances of finding a place |
| Around 6 months | Arrange kraamzorg (maternity home care) | Prepare support after birth |
| Third trimester | Organise maternity and birth leave | Ensure administrative and financial continuity |
| Within 15 days after birth | Register your baby's birth | Fulfil legal requirements |
| After birth | Confirm Groeipakket and benefits | Receive child-related financial support |
First Trimester (0–12 Weeks)
Confirm your pregnancy
Schedule an appointment with a general practitioner (GP), gynaecologist or midwife. They can confirm your pregnancy, estimate your due date and explain the next steps.
Join a health insurance fund
Most pregnancy-related medical costs are reimbursed through a Belgian health insurance fund (ziekenfonds/mutualiteit). If you have recently arrived in Belgium, verify that your health coverage is active as soon as possible.
Choose your care team
In Belgium, pregnancy care may be provided by:
- A gynaecologist
- A midwife
- A general practitioner
- A combination of these professionals
Your choice may depend on your personal preferences and where you wish to give birth.
Second Trimester (13–27 Weeks)
Decide where to give birth
Most families choose a hospital birth. In Leuven, the main maternity hospitals are:
Some families choose a birth centre or home birth, depending on their medical situation and preferences.
Apply for the Startbedrag
The Startbedrag (birth grant) is a one-time financial allowance paid before or after the birth of your child. Applications can be made from four months before the expected due date through a Groeipakket payment fund.
Start looking for childcare
Childcare places in Leuven are in high demand. Registering during pregnancy greatly improves your chances of finding a suitable childcare provider. Read more about the process of enrolling your child in daycare in Leuven here.
Third Trimester (28–40 Weeks)
Arrange maternity home care (kraamzorg)
Maternity care services can visit your home after birth to help with:
- Baby care
- Breastfeeding support
- Household tasks
- Practical guidance for new parents
In Leuven, registration is generally recommended around six months of pregnancy.
Prepare your leave arrangements
Contact your employer and health insurance fund about:
- Maternity leave
- Birth leave
- Parental leave
- Breastfeeding leave
Belgium offers several forms of leave for both parents.
Meet your local support network
Consider joining:
- Parent groups - IHL recommends the Expat and International Parents Leuven Facebook group.
- Pregnancy information sessions
- Meet the Parents international gatherings
- Activities organised by Huis van het Kind Leuven and Kind en Gezin
These can help you build a social network before your baby arrives.
Understanding Pregnancy Care in Belgium
Do I need a gynaecologist during pregnancy?
Not necessarily.
Many women are followed by a gynaecologist, while others choose a midwife or combine care between different professionals. The best option depends on your medical needs and birth preferences.
What does a midwife do?
A midwife can support you during:
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Breastfeeding
- Postnatal recovery
Many families contact a midwife during pregnancy to prepare for care after birth.
Comparison of what different providers do for pregnancy
| Provider | Role during pregnancy | Role after birth |
|---|---|---|
| GP (General Practitioner) | Initial consultation, routine follow-up | Mother and baby follow-up |
| Gynaecologist | Medical pregnancy monitoring and delivery | Postnatal medical checks |
| Midwife | Pregnancy support, preparation, breastfeeding advice | Home visits and newborn support |
| Maternity care service | No medical monitoring | Practical support at home |
Financial Support for Pregnancy
Belgium offers several forms of financial support for families with children.
Health Insurance Reimbursement
A significant portion of pregnancy-related healthcare costs may be reimbursed through your health insurance fund.
Startbedrag (Birth Grant)
The Startbedrag is a one-time payment to help with the costs of preparing for your baby. You can apply through a Groeipakket payment fund.
Groeipakket (Child Benefits)
Every eligible family in Flanders receives monthly child benefits through the Groeipakket system. If you receive the Startbedrag through the new system, the monthly benefit is usually activated automatically after birth.
Tax Benefits
Parents may also receive tax advantages for dependent children. Inform your employer after your baby is born to ensure your tax situation is updated correctly.
Additional Support from the City of Leuven
Families with a low income may be entitled to additional local support from the City of Leuven.
Typical Pregnancy and Birth Costs in Belgium
Many international families ask whether giving birth in Belgium is expensive.
The actual cost depends on:
- The hospital you choose
- The type of room selected
- Medical interventions required
- Your health insurance coverage
- Whether you have supplementary hospital insurance
Because costs can vary significantly, it is advisable to discuss expected expenses with your hospital and insurance provider before delivery.
Overview of Financial Support
| Benefit | When to apply | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Startbedrag | During pregnancy | Groeipakket payment fund |
| Groeipakket | After birth | Groeipakket payment fund |
| Health insurance reimbursement | During pregnancy and after birth | Health insurance fund |
| Tax benefit for dependent child | After birth | Through tax/employer administration |
| Leuven birth allowance (eligible families) | According to local eligibility rules | City of Leuven |
Childcare in Leuven
One of the most important preparations during pregnancy is arranging childcare.
When should I register?
As early as possible.
Many childcare facilities in Leuven have waiting lists, and registration during pregnancy is strongly recommended.
Where can I find childcare?
The Leuven childcare platform helps families search and register for childcare services across the city.
Maternity, Birth and Parental Leave
Maternity Leave
Most mothers are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave:
- Up to 6 weeks before birth
- At least 9 weeks after birth
Additional provisions may apply in certain situations, such as multiple births.
Learn more about pregnancy leave on the official Flemish government website (in NL).
Check out this article for information about pregnancy while self-employed.
Birth Leave for the Non-Birthing Parent
The non-birthing parent is entitled to birth leave ("geboorteverlof") of 20 days, helping both parents spend time with the newborn during the first weeks after birth.
More information about parental leave (in NL).
Inform Your Health Insurance Fund
At the start of maternity leave, notify your health insurance fund so that maternity benefits can be processed correctly. The declaration is called “Aangifte arbeidsongeschiktheid" meaning "Inability to work”.
Overview of Pregnancy Leave
| Type of leave | Who can use it | When |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity leave | Birthing parent | Before and after birth |
| Birth leave | Non-birthing parent | After birth |
| Parental leave | Both parents | Following birth, subject to eligibility |
| Breastfeeding leave | Working mothers | After returning to work |
Preparing for Life with Your Baby
Join Parent Networks
Leuven offers many opportunities to meet other families through:
- Huis van het Kind Leuven
- International parent groups
- Pregnancy support groups
- Local community events
These networks can be particularly valuable for newcomers without family nearby.
Borrow Baby Equipment
Babytheek Leuven allows families to borrow baby equipment such as:
- Co-sleepers
- Baby baths
- Carriers
- Rockers
This can help reduce costs and support a more sustainable lifestyle.
After the Birth: What To Do
Register Your Baby
You or your partner must register the birth with the local authorities within 15 days of the birth. After registration, you will receive the necessary official documents.
Inform Your Employer
Provide the necessary birth documents so your employer can update your family and tax information.
Bring the birth certificate received at the town or city hall and the form ‘Bedrijfsvoorheffing – toekenning van de vermindering wegens gezinslasten” ( EN: Withholding tax - granting the reduction for family expenses).
Check Your Benefits
Make sure your:
- Health insurance fund
- Groeipakket payment fund
- Employer
Have all the required documents to ensure payments and reimbursements are processed correctly.
Attention Important: Hospital insurance (different than your health insurance) covers extra medical costs during and after your stay at the hospital. Normally there is a waiting period of at least 9 months for pregnant women, so if you’re thinking about getting pregnant, make sure to register for the hospital insurance in advance.
Pregnancy Resources in Leuven
Hospitals
Family Support
- International House Leuven
- Huis van het Kind Leuven
- Kind en Gezin
Childcare
Parent Networks
- Meet the Parents
- Local parent groups and play sessions
- Meetup for Parents in Leuven
- Expat and International Parents Leuven Facebook group
Sustainable Baby Equipment
All of these organisations support international and local families during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners access pregnancy care in Belgium?
Yes. International residents with valid health coverage can access pregnancy and maternity care in Belgium.
When should I register for childcare in Leuven?
As soon as possible during your pregnancy due to high demand.
Can I choose a midwife instead of a gynaecologist?
In many cases, yes. Some families work with a midwife, a gynaecologist or a combination of both.
What financial support is available?
Eligible families may receive the Startbedrag, monthly Groeipakket benefits and various tax advantages.
When do I need to register my baby's birth?
Within 15 days after birth.
Helpful Dutch Phrases
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ziekenfonds / Mutualiteit | Health insurance fund |
| Gynaecologist | Pregnancy and childbirth specialist |
| Midwife (Vroedvrouw) | Specialist supporting pregnancy, birth and postnatal care |
| Startbedrag | One-time birth grant |
| Groeipakket | Flemish child benefits system |
| Kraamzorg | Maternity home care after birth |
| Geboorteverlof | Birth leave for the non-birthing parent |