Pregnancy check‑ups & prenatal testing

Related service at the practice: Pregnancy care

Last updated: January 2026 (This information does not replace medical advice).

Pregnancy check‑ups

Basic insurance · Time windows · Postpartum check‑up

Other topics: Infections & vaccinations, Hyperemesis.

What is “standard” in Switzerland?

In an uncomplicated pregnancy in Switzerland, seven check‑ups and two ultrasound examinations are typically covered: 12–14 weeks and 20–23 weeks.

What happens at the check‑ups?

Typically: weight, blood pressure, fundal height, urine test, fetal heart tones and (depending on timing) lab tests. In high‑risk pregnancies, check‑ups/ultrasound may be needed more often.

Postpartum check‑up

A postpartum check‑up is usually scheduled between 6 and 10 weeks after birth.

Other services (midwife, lactation support, childbirth classes)

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).

What does health insurance cover?

Maternity benefits in Switzerland (simplified)

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

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.

Interactive timeline: key time windows

Example – appointment planning is individual

Basic insurance = usually covered for an uncomplicated course. Optional = depends on risk, findings or preference.

Note: This diagram applies to an uncomplicated pregnancy. With increased risk, check‑ups may be more frequent and intensive – depending on need.

Prenatal testing

Options · Accuracy · Limitations

Basic principle

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 amniocentesis.

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.

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.