Midwife or Gynecologist in Belgium? A Guide for Expats
One of the first questions many expats ask when they discover they are pregnant in Belgium is:
Should I see a midwife or a gynecologist?
The good news is that the Belgian maternity system allows both professionals to work together. Many families combine medical monitoring with personalised support throughout pregnancy.
If you're new to the system, this guide explains the difference between the two roles and how to decide what works best for you.
For a complete overview of pregnancy, healthcare, paperwork and maternity leave, see our Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy in Belgium for Expats (2026): Healthcare, Birth & Postpartum Care on Pregnant in Belgium.
How Pregnancy Care Works in Belgium
Belgium offers a well-structured prenatal care system with regular check-ups throughout pregnancy to monitor the health of both mother and baby.
In most pregnancies you will have:
regular prenatal appointments
ultrasound scans (typically three during pregnancy)
blood and health screening tests
monitoring of baby’s growth and development
Care may be provided by a gynecologist, a midwife, or a combination of both.
Traditionally, Belgium has followed a hospital-based maternity model, where gynecologists play a central role in medical monitoring and hospital births. At the same time, midwives provide important support before, during and after birth.
The Role of the Gynecologist
Gynecologists (also called obstetricians) are medical doctors specialised in pregnancy and childbirth.
They are responsible for the medical supervision of pregnancy and the management of complications.
During pregnancy, a gynecologist typically:
confirms and dates the pregnancy
performs ultrasound scans
monitors the baby’s growth and health
orders blood tests and screenings
manages pregnancy complications
supervises hospital births
Because births in Belgium usually take place in hospitals, gynecologists often play a key role in delivery, especially if additional medical monitoring is required.
The Role of the Midwife
Midwives specialise in normal pregnancy and physiological birth.
Their care focuses on supporting parents through pregnancy, labour and the early weeks with a newborn.
Midwives commonly provide:
prenatal consultations
emotional and educational support
birth preparation classes
labour support
breastfeeding guidance
postnatal home visits
In Belgium, midwives can also carry out prenatal monitoring and certain medical tests, often working in collaboration with gynecologists when needed.
Many families find midwives particularly valuable after birth, when they provide home visits and support with newborn care and breastfeeding.
Can You Have Both a Midwife and a Gynecologist?
Yes — and many families do.
A common approach in Belgium is to combine the expertise of both professionals.
Gynecologist
medical monitoring
ultrasounds
hospital care
Midwife
personalised pregnancy support
birth preparation
postnatal home visits
This approach allows families to benefit from medical expertise while also receiving more personalised support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
When Is a Gynecologist Required?
Some pregnancies require specialist medical supervision.
A gynecologist will usually lead your care if you have:
a high-risk pregnancy
twins or multiple babies
medical conditions affecting pregnancy
complications during pregnancy
Even in these situations, some families still choose to work with a midwife for additional support.
Benefits of Working With a Midwife
Many expats appreciate the continuity and personal care that midwives provide.
Benefits can include:
longer and more personalised appointments
continuous emotional support
preparation for labour and birth
breastfeeding guidance after delivery
postnatal home visits
Midwives may also support families during labour before heading to the hospital or provide care once the family returns home.
Choosing the Right Care for Your Pregnancy
There is no single “correct” choice between a midwife and a gynecologist.
Your decision may depend on:
the risk level of your pregnancy
where you plan to give birth
your preferred birth experience
availability of English-speaking providers
Many expat families choose to work with both a midwife and a gynecologist, combining medical care with personalised support.
Related Guides on Pregnant in Belgium
If you’re navigating pregnancy in Belgium for the first time, these guides can help:
For a full overview of pregnancy care, birth options, postpartum support and paperwork, read our guide: Ultimate Guide Pregnancy In Belgium For Expats-2026
