Enrolling with a midwife - how, when and where?

There is a moment early in pregnancy that many people remember as one of the greatest moments of their lives. When the test shows two lines. When everything is new, big and perhaps a little overwhelming. But what happens next? One of the first steps is to register with a midwife.

In this article, Femcare explains how the enrollment process works and how you can enroll in a calm and safe way. At Femcare, you can even do your enrollment digitally if that suits you better.

What does it actually mean to “enrol”?

How to register means choosing a midwifery clinic that provides the pregnancy care offered to all pregnant women in Sweden. You have the right to choose any midwife clinic in Sweden.

At the enrollment interview, we talk about you with a midwife who follows you through your pregnancy - someone who listens, explains and is there when questions arise.

During enrollment you talk about:

✔how you feel

✔your health and background

✔the pregnancy so far

✔what lies ahead

It is not an exam or test you have to pass, but a conversation and serves as a safe first meeting with your midwife.

When is the right time to enrol?

You can book your enrollment appointment as soon as you take a pregnancy test that shows you are pregnant. You don't have to do it straight away - it's perfectly fine to wait a bit and find out you're pregnant, if you want to. There is no exact right moment. Many sign up early, others want to land a little first.

Digital enrolment - if it feels more comfortable to start at home

Every pregnancy is different. Every life is different. Nowadays, you can register digitally, and make your first appointment through a video call. This means you can do it from the comfort of your couch if nausea has already struck, from work between appointments or while traveling.

You book easily via Femcare's website and log in with BankID choose which of their three midwife clinics in Stockholm you want to register with; Odenplan, Sundbyberg or Södertälje. The conversation takes place via video - safe, personal and just like a regular enrollment but digitally. After that, you will have a number of on-site visits to the midwife clinic of your choice.

What happens during the enrolment interview?

The midwife will calmly go through what is important right now. You can tell her how you feel, both in your body and in your thoughts. No questions are too small, no feelings too big.

You will talk about your health, your previous pregnancies (if you had any), how the pregnancy can be followed up and what checks will be made later on.

The enrollment interview is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions - if you have any. And yes, it's perfectly fine if you don't know what to ask yet. That's kind of the point! Questions evolve over time and your midwife has lots of experience with pregnant women asking all sorts of questions beforehand. No question is wrong!

The call usually lasts around 30 minutes, and you can have it with your partner if you wish, both online or in person.

But do I need to enter physically too?

Yes, later in pregnancy, physical visits are needed for tests and check-ups, for example. But the enrollment can be done digitally.

Femcare can also help you with an early ultrasound if you wish, when the time comes. At Femcare, you can have an early ultrasound as early as 6+0 weeks of pregnancy. Read more here!

What happens after enrolment

Once you're enrolled, your midwife will be there throughout your pregnancy. Someone to answer your questions, reassure you when your mind is racing, and guide you when it's time for the next step.

You will be offered all the care included in the regional pregnancy care service. You can read more about it here at 1177 Region Stockholm.

Ready to enrol?

Femcare often has appointments available tomorrow for those who have not yet registered. In their digital appointment book you will find appointments that are available in the near future. Choose to meet digitally or at one of the clinics in Region Stockholm for those who prefer to meet your midwife physically.