Alastair and I are expecting our first baby this November! Over the last five months, I’ve been scrambling around amongst our renovation madness to make sure I’m where I am when I need to be, doing what I’m meant to be doing and understanding as much of the French process as possible. Not always an easy task!

I’ve found online resources and local experience invaluable in helping me navigate the slightly daunting and exciting way of a first pregnancy and a first pregnancy in France. For myself as a memento but most importantly for anyone else who is going through/planning on going through a pregnancy in France, here is my detailed collection of experiences with tips along the way.

1 – 41 WEEKS PREGNANCY GUIDE

(yes, pregnancy lasts 41 weeks in France!)

A quick note to say that this guide is built from my experiences alone and there will be lots of variations across France. If in any doubt just ask your local medical contact as I am far from being one of those!

Finding out you’re pregnant in France – FIRST FEW WEEKS

#2 First prenatal consultation

#3 First ultrasound

#4 Monthly prenatal consultations + tests

#5 Second ultrasound

#6 Preparation for birth classes

More to come!

OTHER USEFUL NOTES

# Pregnancy diet + vitamins in France

# How much does pregnancy in France cost?

# Caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF) in pregnancy

# Do I get maternity pay as a freelancer/micro-entreprise?