Pregnant woman touching her belly with both hands, cityscape in background.

Pregnancy and birth

What examinations does antenatal care involve? What is recorded in the “Mutterpass” (maternity record)? Pregnancy is a time of many questions about the health of the child and the expectant mother. This section provides information on matters such as the advice and examinations available to pregnant women.

Typical symptoms during pregnancy: woman in advanced stage of pregnancy sitting on the sofa with her eyes closed. She is holding her belly and her back. She appears to have back pain.

Pregnancy: signs and symptoms

Once a woman becomes pregnant, her body begins to change. Simple home remedies can help with some of the typical symptoms and complaints associated with pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) increases the risk of certain rare birth complications. This risk can usually be reduced by a change in diet.

Schwangere mit Mann und Ärztin bei einer Ultraschalluntersuchung.

Prenatal care: check-ups and counseling

Regular check-ups during pregnancy are important for both mother and baby. They allow risks or complications to be detected and treated at an early stage.

Antenatal preparations: woman in the advanced stages of pregnancy marking the scheduled due date in a large calendar with a red marker pen.

Preparing for birth

Preparing for the birth of a baby includes finding a midwife, choosing where to give birth, seeking answers to various questions, and thinking about caring for the newborn after the birth.

Childbirth: woman lying in a hospital bed holding her newborn baby in her arms. She looks happy and exhausted.

A normal birth

It’s impossible to predict exactly how the birth of a baby will proceed. However, thanks to midwives and medical facilities, it generally turns out to be a positive experience.

Pregnant woman standing in the kitchen unpacking groceries. She has bought lots of loose, unpackaged fresh fruit and vegetables.

Nutrition during pregnancy

An unborn child needs many different nutrients and vitamins to grow. How can expectant mothers positively influence their children’s development through nutrition?

Eine junge hochschwangere Frau schiebt ihr Fahrrad über die Straße. Sie ist sommerlich gekleidet und die Sonne scheint.

What’s allowed and what’s not during pregnancy?

Many expectant mothers ask themselves what’s allowed and what should be avoided during pregnancy. This article offers answers to the most important questions.

Emergency contraception: young woman holding a glass of water in her hand. She is bringing a tablet towards her half-opened mouth with the other hand.

Emergency contraception: what you need to know about the “morning after” pill

A forgotten pill, a torn condom, a slipped vaginal ring: to prevent pregnancy, the “morning after” pill helps. More about taking it and its effects, and on avoiding contraception failures.