Pregnancy Care in Israel: Appointments and Tests Before and During Pregnancy

By Irmanté for Mixed Neshamot

Navigating pregnancy in a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when you're far from family and everything works differently. Israel offers a very structured and thorough pregnancy care system, and understanding the process can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Below is a complete guide covering the stages, tests, and appointments you can expect before and during pregnancy in Israel.

1. Pre-Pregnancy Planning Stage

Expanded Genetic Screening A national comprehensive panel is now fully funded for all couples (regardless of origin).

• Can be done in the clinic of the pregnant partner

• If the other parent belongs to a different clinic, they must open a temporary card at reception before the test

• Results take up to 2 months

Supplements Before Pregnancy

• Folic Acid: 400 mcg, starting 12 weeks before trying to conceive

  • If not started earlier, begin immediately after a positive pregnancy test

• Omega-3: Recommended and can be continued throughout pregnancy (unless advised otherwise by your gynecologist)

  
  

Your gynecologist may later switch you to a pregnancy vitamin mix after your first ultrasound, but taking supplements before conception is essential.

2. Beginning of Pregnancy (Routine Tests)

Routine Bloodwork Includes:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Blood Type + Rh factor

• Antibody Screen (Indirect Coombs)

• Fasting Glucose

• TSH

• Urinalysis and Culture

• Syphilis screening

• Hepatitis B & C

• HIV

  
  

Immunology Status Testing:

• Rubella

• Varicella

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• Toxoplasma

• Parvovirus B19

  
  

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing)

• Highly recommended by gynecologists

• Private test (sometimes subsidized by extended insurance)

• Available from week 10

• Can also reveal the baby’s gender

  
  

3. Monthly Follow-Ups (Until Week 36)

Nurse Appointments (“הריון מעקב” – Pregnancy Follow-Up)

• Once per month

• Includes:

  • Blood pressure

  • Weight monitoring

  • Urine testing

    
    

From week 36, appointments increase to every two weeks.

It’s important to start early, nurses provide guidance on:

• Nutrition

• Lifestyle changes

• Supplements

• Your personalized pregnancy plan

  
  

4. Until Week 10

Doctor’s Appointment

• Open your pregnancy card

• Receive blood test referrals

• Build your pregnancy plan

• Adjust medications if necessary

  
  

5. Weeks 7–12

First Trimester Ultrasound

• Confirms fetus placement

• By week 6, a heartbeat is usually expected

  
  

6. Weeks 10–13

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

• Alternative to amniocentesis when medically indicated

• Funded if:

  • Medical indication exists

  • Mother is 32+ years old

    
    

7. Weeks 11–14

Nuchal Translucency (Shkifut) + Blood Test (PAPP-A)

Process:

1. Book ultrasound

2. The next day—blood test at your clinic

3. Bring ultrasound results to the lab

Tip: Confirm in advance which lab performs this test through your clinic.

8. Weeks 14–16

Early Systemic Organ Scan

• Usually private or subsidized

• Check your insurance “basket” for coverage

  
  

9. Weeks 16–20

Triple / Quadruple Test (Helbon Ubari – Alpha-Fetoprotein)

Process:

1. Ultrasound

2. Next day—blood test

3. May require Tofes 17 (depending on clinic policy)

   
   

10. Weeks 16–22+6

Amniocentesis (Mei Shafir)

• Fully funded for women aged 32+ (at conception)

• Includes CMA (Genetic Chip)

  
  

Statistics in Israel:

• Around 13% of pregnant women undergo invasive testing

• Among women over 35: 45–50%

• In comparison, Europe averages around 5–6%

  
  

11. Weeks 19–25

Late Systemic Organ Scan

• Ultrasound

• Included in the basic health basket

  
  

12. Weeks 24–30

Doctor’s Follow-Up Appointment

13. Weeks 24–28

Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)

• Standard: 50g glucose test

• Alternatives: 75g or 100g (based on medical need)

  
  

Process:

• No fasting required

• Drink glucose solution

• Blood drawn after 60 minutes

Tip: You can ask to add lime juice for better taste.

Anti-D Injection (for Rh-negative women)

• Blood type is determined early in pregnancy

• If Rh-negative:

  • Injection is required

  • May need to purchase it beforehand depending on clinic

    
    

14. Weeks 32–35

Third Trimester Ultrasound

• Checks fetal growth and position

  
  

15. Weeks 30–36

Doctor’s Follow-Up

16. Weeks 36–38

Final Blood Tests & Preparation

• Keep printed results + pregnancy card with you at all times

• Store in your bag in a folder

  
  

17. From Week 36

Increased Monitoring

• Nurse visits every two weeks:

  • Blood pressure

  • Weight

  • Urine tests

    
    

Important for preventing preeclampsia/eclampsia

Labor & Preparation Guidance

• Nurses explain:

  • Signs of labor

  • How to prepare for the baby

    
    

Breastfeeding Consultation

• Learn:

  • What to expect

  • How to start breastfeeding

  • Colostrum collection

    
    

Available:

• Zoom or in-person (depending on location)

Tip: After birth, you can also get support from nurses at Tipat Halav.

18. Week 40+

Post-Due Date Monitoring

• Fetal monitor (NST)

• Doctor visits every 2–3 days

  
  

This article offers research-backed recommendations based on professional experience. However, it is intended for informational purposes only.

Always consult your healthcare provider for a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs and medical condition.

Which part of the process surprised you the most?

Comment below or share this article with a friend who’s planning her pregnancy in Israel