How do I know whether I am pregnant? Which changes normally occur during pregnancy, and when should I go to a gynaecological practice? Get a first overview on health topics during pregnancy – from midwives and heartburn to antenatal check-ups.
Confirming a Pregnancy
Typical signs of pregnancy include a missed period, swollen breasts and/or nausea. However, these can vary from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy. If you are wondering whether you are pregnant, a pregnancy test or an examination by a gynaecologist will give you the answer. A pregnancy can be confirmed approximately 14 days after fertilisation, usually a few days after the missed period.
Would you like to calculate how many weeks pregnant you are and find out about important dates and deadlines?
*Please note: The calculation of gestational age based on the first day of your last period is intended as a guide only. It does not constitute legally binding information. The decisive factor is the size of the embryo, which can only be determined accurately by ultrasound.
First day of your last period:
Physical Changes and Complaints
During pregnancy, metabolism and hormone levels change. Blood volume increases, heart rate rises, breasts grow, and so does the abdomen. These changes could also lead to health complaints, such as fatigue and exhaustion, nausea, heartburn or psychological symptoms, water retention or back pain. Your gynaecologist or midwife will have tips or medications to relieve such complaints.
What Does a Midwife Actually Do?
Midwives care for pregnant persons and their families before, during and after birth. They are paid by the health insurance and often offer home visits. They examine the pregnant person and, later, the newborn. They advise on nappy-changing, feeding and sleeping. Midwives also lead antenatal and postnatal exercise classes. In the first weeks of a child’s life, the midwife is often an important point of contact for the family. We recommend finding a midwife early in pregnancy, as in many places there are not enough available.
“I had my first appointment with a midwife in the second or third month of pregnancy. I had complaints and was incredibly upset. She knew what she was talking about and also had time to listen – that was helpful.”
Antenatal Check-Ups
During pregnancy, pregnant people are entitled to regular antenatal check-ups. Is the baby receiving adequate nourishment? Is the pregnant person doing well? Iron deficiency, nausea or anxiety about giving birth? Complaints, concerns or fears can also be discussed here. The check-ups are carried out by gynaecologists or midwives – alternating between the two if desired. They are covered by health insurance. The results are recorded in the maternity record (Mutterpass).
Preparing for the Birth
Birth can take place in a hospital or a birth centre, or at home with a midwife. You need to register in good time for all three options. Have you given birth before? Do you have scars or pre-existing conditions that could affect the birth? This includes, for example, abdominal surgery, circumcision or an allergy to certain medications. Be sure to discuss these issues with your midwife or the team at the birth hospital.
“Nobody can really prepare you for childbirth. It was intense. Grand. Completely different from what I planned. And an absolute miracle when the little one finally arrived.”
More Questions About Health
How much weight can I gain? How big is my baby now, and is that normal? What’s the deal with blood groups and Rhesus factor? Is a glass of wine or a cup of coffee okay? Can I lift heavy things, and for how long? When does the nausea stop, or what can I do about heartburn? There are many questions around health. You can ask your midwife, your gynaecologist or a counsellor at a pregnancy counselling centre about all of these topics.
Still have questions?
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