This is the first article in the series “Having a Baby in Norway”. The next few articles will take you through the process in as much detail as possible. It is never easy to have a baby, let alone having it in a different country (not to mention the language!) than that you are used to. I hope this series will answer some of your questions and help some of you out there!

Finding Out pregnancy test 250x187 Having a Baby in Norway Part One Finding Out and The First Appointment
Missed your period? Think you might be pregnant? Go ahead and get pregnancy test kits from the pharmacy. They are 99% accurate and testing more than once would doubly and triply ensure the accuracy of your results. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with your doctor where you can find out if you are pregnant or not. Calculate your due date here.

The First Appointment
Once you find out that you are pregnant, call your doctor’s office to fix an appointment. Some doctors will only see you in Week 8 – 10 of your pregnancy while others will see you right away. This will be the start of your svangerskapskontroll. (pregnancy checks)

What’s done at the first appointment?
Calculation of your due date
Urine test (for infections and protein content)
Blood tests (for syphilis, HIV, Rubella, Hepatitis B and C) If you come into contact with cats, do ask for a toxaplasmosis test too.
History taking (Civil status, medical history, surgical history, known hereditary illnesses in the family, previous pregnancies and possible complications you may have had, number of kids you have, your partner’s and your education level, occupations, religious views, nationalities, lifestyle habits: smoking, drinking, drug use.)
Blood pressure and weight will be taken.

You will be given a form (Helsekort For Gravide) which will document all the above. You keep this form with you and bring it to every visit to the doctor, the midwife and to the hospital.

The Helsekort For Gravide is a link between doctors, midwives and hospitals, so that everyone gets the same information. You decide what information to give. No one can force you to answer questions and not all questions are equally important for pregnancy and birth. Feel free to ask about why the question is important that you should respond to it.

You will also be encouraged to start taking folic acid (if you have not already done so!). Folic acid can help to prevent serious birth defects in your baby.

In addition, you might be given a book on pregnancy. (Depends on your doctor.) Be sure to ask your doctor about any doubts or questions you may have. Pregnant women have a million and one different concerns so if you do not specify yours, your doctor will not know to discuss it with you.
helsekort 494x700 Having a Baby in Norway Part One Finding Out and The First Appointment

Ultrasound Scans
You will not get an ultrasound done until Week 17 to 19 of your pregnancy unless you have a compelling medical reason to have an early ultrasound. This will be up to your doctor to decide. It will also be your doctor’s office which will arrange the scan at the hospital for you. You will receive a letter in the mail from the hospital telling you when to go for the ultrasound.

For those of you who are curious to see your baby before your first ultrasound, you can have private ultrasounds done at these places: Sigrids Ultra or Jordmor Janne. (There are more private ultrasound clinics but these 2 places were recommended by friends) Private ultrasounds are not that expensive (surprisingly!), costing 500 NOK for a normal one and 800 NOK for a 3D one.

Approximate Times of Future Appointments
First appointment : Week 8 to 10
Second appointment : Week 17 to 19 (Ultrasound scan done)
Third appointment: Week 24
Fourth appointment : Week 28
Fifth appointment : Week 32
Sixth appointment : Week 36
Seventh appointment: Week 38
Eighth appointment: Week 40
Possible ninth appointment: Week 41
Note: These are guidelines only. You may have more appointments then the abovementioned. It depends on your practitioner.

Are These Appointments Free?
Yes, basic care during your pregnancy is free. If there are any complications arising from your pregnancy which requires you to be referred to a specialist for further investigation and treatment, that is free as well.

Stavanger Expats ‘Having a Baby in Norway’ Series
Part 1 – Finding Out and The First Appointment
Part 2 – Private Ultrasound and the 2nd Doctor’s Appointment
Part 3 – Routine Ultrasound and Meeting the Midwife
Part 4 – Prenatal Courses, Exercise Classes and Massages
Part 5 – What You May Need and Where to Buy Them
Part 6 – Freebies Galore and Memories of Your Journey
Part 7 – Innskrivning Dag and What to Pack for the Hospital
Part 8 – Labour and Delivery
Part 9 – After Your Delivery
Part 10 – Activities for You and Your Baby in Stavanger
Part 11: Budgeting for a New Baby
Part 12 – Parental Leave and Your Job

Having a Baby in Norway Part One Finding Out and The First Appointment

About Cynthia Myrnes

Cynthia is a Singaporean who has been living in Stavanger since Feb 2008 with her Norwegian husband. She works as a physiotherapist here and also owns her own petsitting service, Stavanger Petsitter, for the residents of Stavanger. In addition, she manages the Stavanger International Moms group. She loves hanging out with friends, spending time with animals, travelling and watersports such as scuba diving and wake boarding. Most of all, she is enjoying the experience of being a first time mom!