Pregnancy care

First steps

• Positive pregnancy test or missed period
• Symptoms (e.g., bleeding, pain, hyperemesis)
• Pre‑existing conditions/medications, risk factors or twin pregnancy
• Desire for structured care and counselling

How does pregnancy care work?

In an uncomplicated pregnancy in Switzerland, seven check‑ups and two standard ultrasound examinations are usually covered (12–14 weeks and 20–23 weeks). Additional ultrasounds are done when medically indicated or for specific questions.

The timeline below shows key time windows for orientation – appointment planning is individual.

What does health insurance cover?

Mandatory health insurance (basic insurance) covers specific services during maternity (check‑ups, birth, contribution to childbirth classes, lactation counselling, midwife services). For these maternity services, no cost sharing (deductible/co‑pay) may be charged.

Basic insurance covers, among other things, a contribution to childbirth preparation classes (up to 150 CHF), lactation counselling (e.g., up to 3 appointments) and midwife home visits (number depends on the situation).

In addition: from the 13th week of pregnancy until 8 weeks after birth, general medical services for illness are also exempt from cost sharing.

Note: If you are unsure whether a service counts as a maternity benefit (or whether prior approval is needed), please ask – we are happy to help.

What does prenatal testing mean?

Prenatal testing can provide indications of chromosomal conditions (e.g., trisomy 21/18/13). There are screening tests (risk assessment) and diagnostic tests (confirmation).

First‑trimester screening (FTS)

Combination of ultrasound (incl. nuchal translucency) and maternal blood markers. FTS is usually reimbursed by basic insurance.

NIPT (non‑invasive prenatal test)

Maternal blood test (placental DNA in maternal blood). Basic insurance covers NIPT from 12 weeks of pregnancy if there is an increased risk (risk threshold: 1:1000 or higher). A positive result should be confirmed by invasive diagnostics (e.g., amniocentesis).

The test can also be done on request without an insurance‑covered indication – then it is usually a self‑pay service. We are happy to advise what makes sense in your situation.

Invasive diagnostics (CVS / amniocentesis)

Chorionic villus sampling (placental tissue) or amniocentesis. These tests are diagnostic but involve a small procedure-related risk. Basic insurance covers them, among other things, for risk 1:380 or higher or with abnormal ultrasound/NIPT.

We do not perform amniocentesis/CVS in our practice – we coordinate referral if needed.

Legal framework & counselling

Prenatal genetic tests in Switzerland are performed within the legal framework (GUMG) – with medical counselling, time for questions and (depending on the test) informed consent.

Decision support

Why do we want to test?

• Reassurance with a normal result
• Early information and better planning (medical, organisational, emotional)
• If abnormal: targeted evaluation and care

When is a test “useful”?

This depends not only on numbers, but also on your values, your situation and what you would do with a result. We provide non‑directive counselling – you decide.

What are the limitations?

• NIPT/FTS do not detect all malformations or genetic diseases.
• A normal test never means “100% healthy”.
• An abnormal screening test is not automatically a diagnosis.

Care by trimester

1st trimester (up to 12+6)

• First appointment from around 6–8 weeks: medical history, ultrasound to confirm location/viability
• Labs (blood group, antibodies, infection screenings) as indicated
• Screening: e.g., first‑trimester screening; NIPT: usually covered if indicated (basic insurance); can be done on request (may be self‑pay)

2nd trimester (13–27 weeks)

• Check‑ups every 4–6 weeks
• Ultrasound: anatomy/organ screening around 20–22 weeks (detailed scan externally if needed)
• Counselling on exercise, nutrition, travel and vaccinations

3rd trimester (from 28 weeks)

• Check‑ups every 2–4 weeks; CTG as indicated
• Childbirth preparation, birth plan, breastfeeding and postpartum counselling
• Place of birth in cooperation (hospital/attending options depending on preference)

Preparation

• Date of last period/typical cycle length
• Vaccination status, relevant findings/medical letters, medication list
• List of questions (nutrition, travel, work, exercise, prenatal testing)

Aftercare & postpartum

• Check‑up 6–8 weeks after birth at our practice
• Breastfeeding/lactation counselling as needed
• Postpartum phone line for quick questions during the transition period

FAQ

When is the best time for the first appointment?

From around 6–8 weeks, an ultrasound can provide a reliable assessment. Earlier at any time if you have symptoms.

Which ultrasounds are planned?

Early ultrasound for location/viability, anatomy screening in the 2nd trimester; further ultrasounds as indicated.

Is NIPT useful?

NIPT: usually covered if indicated (basic insurance); can be done on request (may be self‑pay). We advise individually and coordinate the process.

Where will I give birth?

Birth takes place at the hospital of your choice. We cooperate closely with perinatal centers and hand over findings in a structured way.