Prenatal Care: Rights, Challenges, Staying Healthy, and More.

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Rights, Safety, and Support during Prengancy in Israel

This page covers the practical and emotional side of your pregnancy in Israel—from your rights in the medical system and insurance benefits to daily nutrition and emotional well-being.

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Emergency Medical Care & Symptoms to Watch Out For

Where to Seek Help

All Kupot Cholim provide 24/7 nurse hotlines. If you have concerns that are not life-threatening, call your Kupat Cholim’s main line and ask to speak with a nurse. They can often refer you to a moked nashim (women’s urgent care center) for a quick, low-cost check-up or to the nearest emergency care.
If you are in active labor or a true emergency, you can head directly to the maternity emergency room (Miun Meyalduti).

Tip: If time allows and you are not in labor, calling the nurse hotline before going to the hospital can help you get a referral, which helps avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

Clalit: *2700

Maccabi: *3555

Meuhedet: *3833

Leumit: *507

Symptoms to watch out for

  • Decreased Fetal Movement: If you notice your baby is moving less than usual or has stopped moving (especially in the third trimester), this is a critical reason to go to the maternity ER immediately.
  • Severe Cramping or Abdominal Pain: While mild cramping is normal, intense pain may indicate an issue such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.
  • Severe Headaches or Vision Changes: These could be signs of high blood pressure or preeclampsia, particularly if accompanied by swelling or sudden weight gain.
  • Painful Urination or Blood in Urine: This could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can be treated to prevent complications.
  • Swelling in Hands or Face: While some swelling is common, sudden or extreme swelling, especially in your hands, face, or legs, may signal preeclampsia.
  • Heavy Bleeding or Spotting: Light brown or pink spotting can be common, but bleeding or passing clots should be evaluated by your healthcare provider right away.
  • Unexplained Itching (Especially Palms and Soles): If you experience intense itching—particularly on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet—that is not accompanied by a rash, contact your provider right away. This can be a sign of a liver condition called ICP that requires medical attention.

While this list covers common red flags, always trust your intuition. If you feel that something is ‘off’ or just don’t feel right, please do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or call your nurse hotline. You know your body best, and it is always better to be checked and reassured.

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Your Rights

Understanding your rights in Israel can help you feel more confident and empowered. According to section 13 of the Patients’ Rights Law, any medical intervention requires your informed consent. This means that your healthcare provider should explain the proposed treatment or test, its expected outcomes, and any potential risks or benefits. They should also outline alternative options and their risks and benefits, so that you can make an informed decision.

In maternity care, time pressures and cultural norms sometimes mean that this process does not happen as it should. However, knowing your rights can help you feel more comfortable asking all the questions you need to make informed decisions.

These are the key rights you have during your pregnancy and birth:

  • The right to receive treatment.
  • The right to respectful care.
  • The right to patient confidentiality.
  • The right to privacy.
  • The right to have a companion of your choice during care and birth.
  • The right to request a different doctor or midwife if needed.
  • The right to make decisions about your care and to receive enough information to make an informed choice.
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Foods to Avoid & Hygiene

During pregnancy, the foods you eat can have a direct impact on the health of both you and your baby. Certain foods pose risks due to bacteria, parasites, or harmful substances like mercury. The Ministry of Health in Israel provides essential guidelines to ensure that you stay safe and healthy throughout your pregnancy. Here’s a summary of foods to avoid and safe food practices to follow. Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy:

A grilled tuna steak topped with lemon slices served with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad on a dark plate.

Fish High in Mercury

Large fish like mackerel, swordfish, bluefin tuna, and albacore tuna tend to accumulate high levels of mercury, which can harm your baby’s development. It is best to avoid these specific types entirely. You can enjoy safer options like sea bass, tilapia, and “light” canned tuna, which are lower in mercury.

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Alcohol

It’s important to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can harm the baby’s development, causing issues such as brain damage, growth problems, and even fetal death.

A tempting display of assorted sliced meat, perfect for buffets.

Raw or Undercooked Meat, Fish & Deli Products

Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making you and your baby more susceptible to infections such as Listeria, Toxoplasmosis, and Salmonella. Avoid undercooked deli meats (such as pastrami), raw fish except if extremely fresh, liver pâté, and raw or undercooked eggs (found in dishes like homemade mayonnaise or soft-boiled eggs).

A close-up view of fresh salmon sashimi garnished with radish slices and leaves, showcasing Japanese culinary art.

Salatim

Avoid Pre-Packaged Salads and Salatim. Store-bought salads, especially those with pre-made hummus and other salatim, can be at high risk for listeria. It’s safer to prepare salads at home.

A close-up image of assorted cheeses and nuts with a wine bottle.

Unpasteurized Dairy

Always choose pasteurized dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. While cheeses in supermarkets are pasteurized, blue cheese and similar varieties need to be thoroughly cooked before use to ensure they are safe.

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Caffeine

During pregnancy, it’s important to limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee. This limit includes all sources of caffeine, such as coffee, black tea, and chocolate. Consuming caffeine in moderation is generally considered safe, but excessive intake can increase the risk of complications like low birth weight or premature birth.

Safety & Hygiene Precautions

  • Cook Thoroughly: Make sure all meats, poultry, eggs, and fish are fully cooked.
  • Wash Produce Well: Clean fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, even if you plan to peel them. Hard-skinned produce like melons and cucumbers should be scrubbed with a brush.
  • Pasteurization: Stick to pasteurized dairy products and avoid raw milk and raw milk cheeses.
  • Cat Owners: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through contact with cat litter, soil contaminated by street cats, or handling soil in gardens, so pregnant women should take precautions when working in gardens or cleaning litter boxes.
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Staying Healthy

Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is all about finding a healthy rhythm that works for you and your baby. It doesn’t have to be complicated—focusing on wholesome, nutrient-rich foods and staying active can make a big difference in how you feel.

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Eating for Two (Well, Sort Of)

The “eating for two” myth is a bit of a classic, but it’s actually misleading! For most of your pregnancy, your body doesn’t need extra calories—it’s all about the quality of what’s on your plate. You might only need a small, nutrient-dense boost in the third trimester to support that final growth spurt.

Focus on fresh, whole foods. Try to fill your plate with a mix of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and quality protein.

  • Folic Acid: This is a big deal for early development. While your prenatal vitamins are a must, you can boost your intake with foods like spinach, lentils, and chickpeas.
  • Iron: To keep your energy levels steady, try adding more red meat (like beef or lamb), chicken livers, or dates to your meals.
  • Calcium: Keep your bones—and your baby’s—strong with calcium-rich staples. Think cottage cheese, gvina levana, yogurt, labneh, or even a generous drizzle of tahini.
  • Protein: This is the building block for your baby’s growth. Luckily, we have fantastic local options—try shakshuka, fresh hummus, falafel, or grilled fish like sardines or tilapia.
  • Healthy Fats: Don’t forget snacks like almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds; they’re perfect for a quick, nourishing boost of energy.
  • Stay Hydrated: Our Israeli summers are no joke! Keep a water bottle nearby at all times. If you need a change of pace, reach for some watermelon, cooling herbal teas, or a bit of coconut water to stay refreshed.

Keep Moving

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, staying active is one of the best ways to support your body. You don’t need to do anything intense—just moving can help with circulation and reduce that common pregnancy swelling.


Research shows that regular exercise doesn’t just help with comfort; it’s also linked to better birth outcomes, improved sleep quality, and a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes. Practices like prenatal yoga, for example, are wonderful because they combine gentle movement with breathwork, which can be incredibly helpful for managing labor and recovery.


Walking and swimming are also fantastic, low-impact ways to boost your mood and alleviate those nagging aches and pains. Just remember to listen to your body and stick to activities that feel safe and comfortable for you.


Note: Always chat with your doctor, midwife, or physical therapist before starting a new exercise routine or making major changes to your diet to make sure it’s the right fit for your specific health needs.

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First Trimester Challenges

The first trimester of pregnancy can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a time of significant physical and emotional changes, and for many women, it can feel like a rollercoaster ride.

Physically, the body is adjusting to pregnancy in ways that can be both surprising and challenging. Many women experience common symptoms like morning sickness, fatigue, food aversions, breast tenderness, and constipation. Morning sickness, in particular, can be especially tough, as nausea and vomiting may occur at any time of day, making it difficult to keep food down and potentially leading to dehydration and weight loss in severe cases. In rare instances, morning sickness may last throughout the pregnancy, but there are medications available to help manage the worst symptoms. Fatigue is another common symptom in the first trimester, as your body works hard to accommodate the hormonal shifts and increased energy demands.

But the challenges of pregnancy aren’t just physical. Many women also face emotional struggles during this time. Anxiety around medical tests and procedures is common. For women dealing with tocophobia (a severe fear of pregnancy and childbirth), the pregnancy can be particularly difficult. Additionally, the fear of miscarriage can create significant emotional distress, and society’s often-unspoken expectation to remain upbeat or hide the pregnancy can make it hard to find someone to share these worries with. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also contribute to mood swings, depression, and anxiety, making it even harder to cope with the emotional strain. These emotional challenges are just as real and important as the physical ones, and it’s vital to recognize how they can affect both the mother’s and baby’s well-being. While pregnancy is an incredible journey, it can also be tough, and our society doesn’t always give space for expectant mothers to rest or care for themselves the way they need to. There’s often an unspoken pressure to continue with life as normal, which can make navigating this period even more challenging.

That’s why seeking support is so important. Whether from healthcare providers ( e.g. tipat chalaw, family doctor), therapists, doulas, loved ones, or support groups, having someone to talk to can make all the difference. And don’t forget to take care of yourself during this time—rest, eat a balanced diet, and engage in activities that help you de-stress. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy, you can move through the first trimester with more ease and confidence, knowing that you’re not alone in this journey.

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“Morning”-Sickness

Morning sickness is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women, usually in the first trimester. It is characterized by nausea and vomiting, which can be uncomfortable and debilitating. Fortunately, there are several things that can help alleviate morning sickness and make the first few months of pregnancy more bearable.

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  • Eating small, frequent meals can help prevent the stomach from becoming too empty or too full, both of which can trigger nausea.
  • Eating a small snack, such as a rice cracker, plain toast, or a banana, before getting out of bed in the morning may help prevent nausea caused by an empty stomach.
  • Avoiding trigger foods, such as spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and foods with strong smells, can help reduce morning sickness symptoms.
  • Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can prevent dehydration, which can worsen morning sickness.
  • Getting enough rest by taking short naps throughout the day or going to bed earlier than usual can help combat fatigue, which can contribute to morning sickness.
  • Trying ginger, which has anti-nausea properties, may help alleviate morning sickness symptoms. Drinking ginger tea or eating ginger candies are some common ways to use ginger.
  • Taking vitamin B6 supplements is a very effective way to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any supplements or medications during pregnancy.

  • Sucking on ice cubes made with ginger and lemon or sucking on them may help alleviate nausea and provide a refreshing sensation.
  • Some women may find relief from morning sickness through alternative treatments such as acupressure, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, etc. It’s important to ensure that any alternative treatments are safe during pregnancy.
  • For some women it is helpful to remember morning sickness is a natural part of pregnancy and can actually be a sign of a healthy pregnancy. Understanding that your body is going through significant changes and hormonal fluctuations can help you feel more at ease with the process. Additionally, knowing that morning sickness typically subsides after the first trimester (though not always) can be relieving and help to stay positive during this time.
  • If the strategies mentioned above do not alleviate morning sickness symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility to use medication to manage severe or persistent morning sickness.
  • If you have severe symptoms, you might have HG (Hyperemesis gravidarum). The organization חבלים שלי supports women with HG.
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High-Risk Pregnancies

There are many reasons why a pregnancy might be classified as high-risk, such as age, medical history, or pre-existing conditions. However, simply being labeled as high-risk doesn’t give the full picture of what that means for you or your baby. It’s important to focus on specific information about the risks involved, how likely they are, and how they can be managed in your unique situation.

For example, while gestational diabetes puts a pregnancy in the high-risk category, careful management and a healthy diet can lower the actual risks to levels similar to those of a healthy pregnancy. It’s worth keeping in mind that being labeled as high-risk in Israel often comes with more restrictions on your birth choices. For instance, you might not have access to water births or home births with a licensed Israeli midwife.

Female doctor conducting an ultrasound screening on a patient in a medical office.
Close-up of a couple holding hands, showcasing affection and warmth in an autumn setting.

Once your pregnancy is classified as high-risk, your care will usually be transferred to a high-risk obstetrician. These doctors tend to have more time to dedicate to each patient, allowing them to meet with you more frequently and discuss your specific needs and circumstances. You may also be offered additional tests and screenings to help monitor and manage any potential risks.


“It is completely normal to feel concerned when you hear the term ‘high-risk.’ While this label can feel heavy, it simply means that we will be providing extra layers of care and monitoring to help you and your baby stay safe and healthy

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Finding a Doula


Doulas provide essential emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Studies have shown that having a doula can lead to better birth outcomes and a more positive birth experience.

A question I often hear is, “When is the best time to hire a doula?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right time to begin working with a doula really depends on your individual needs and what feels right for you. Every doula offers different services—some may only meet with you once or twice in late pregnancy, while others prefer to start working with you earlier, even from the first trimester onward.

If you’re already feeling the desire for doula support early in your pregnancy, like at 5 weeks, I encourage you to trust your intuition and start looking for a doula that feels like a good fit for you. Having a doula from the very start can provide you with continuous emotional support, guidance, and information, helping you make empowered decisions and feel more confident as your pregnancy progresses.

But if you’re not quite ready yet, that’s perfectly okay too! It’s never too late to start preparing for childbirth with the support of a doula. However, it’s important to remember that doulas, especially those with specific skills (like English-speaking doulas), can fill up quickly. So, if you know you want a doula by your side, it’s a good idea to start looking and booking early to ensure you get the support you deserve.

Looking for a Doula in Jerusalem? Click here!

Prepare for Birth

When it comes to starting your prenatal classes, there’s no “right” time—it’s really about when you feel ready to dive into your preparation. Some parents like to start early, others wait until around week 36, but many find the end of the second trimester to be the sweet spot.

Birth preparation makes a huge difference in how you experience your journey. I always recommend looking for independent education—classes that aren’t tied to specific hospital protocols, but are instead focused on the best, evidence-based care practices for you and your baby. A great course should provide you with unbiased information to help you make informed decisions, explore all your birth options, cover postpartum care, and, of course, equip you with practical tools to increase your comfort during labor.

Coming soon: I am currently building a new, comprehensive library of resources designed to give you the most unbiased, accessible birth preparation possible.

In the meantime, you can dive into my online course, “Knowledge-Based Birth.” It covers everything you need to feel prepared and empowered. Use the coupon code “birthinisrael” at checkout to receive a 100 Shekel discount.

Check out the Knowledge-Based-Birth Course

Want to Learn More? Check out my Other Resources:

Prenatal Tests & Screenings Jump to Contents Vaginismus, Trauma, and Birth Pregnant in Israel – Main Page Birth in Israel Resources, Links etc. Postpartum in Israel