I’m pregnant: how can I ensure that I won’t miss out on any benefits?
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?
- Explore the financial benefits that you can claim during pregnancy.
- Suffering from various pregnancy-related ailments? Then pregnancy physiotherapy can provide some welcome relief. Explore the various options here.
- You should also inform your health insurance provider about your pregnancy. CM will invite you to start thinking about your preferred choice of birth gift.
- You can also apply for your Startbedrag (Flanders) or Maternity Allowance (Brussels) from KidsLife! That way, you’ll automatically receive everything you’re entitled to and can enjoy complete peace of mind.
Do you no longer want to miss out on any financial benefits? Then apply for your Startbedrag (Flanders) or Maternity Fee (Brussels) at KidsLife!
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 (Brussels) or Startbedrag (Flanders) from KidsLife? Then please do so without delay! That way you can rest assured that you’ll receive your Startbedrag and Groeipakket (Flanders) or Child Benefit (Brussels) 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?
- Concerned about the hospital bill? We’ve listed how much a typical delivery costs here.
- This is your last chance to apply for the Startbedrag (Flanders) or Maternity Allowance (Brussels) prior to the birth of your baby. Prefer to receive this after the birth? Then please send us the certificate that you receive from the municipality.
- Have you thought about how you’re going to introduce your newborn baby to family and friends? Planning to arrange a sip and see party? Thanks to ‘Zoom,’ you need no longer feel under pressure to arrange a full-blown celebration at home.
Still prefer to invite family and friends to a sip and see? Then browse our tips for a low-cost sip and see and take advantage of our special discount code! - Did you know that if you’ve already applied for the Startbedrag or Maternity Allowance, then you’ll automatically receive Child Benefit (Brussels) or Groeipakket (Flanders) payments following the birth of your baby? That way you needn’t do a thing (at least in terms of Child Benefit) once your baby is born.
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.
