Care of the expectant mother during pregnancy is one of a doctor’s most important tasks. Sometimes an examination and optimization of conditions is useful prior to pregnancy.
If it is suspected that pregnancy has occurred, the patient herself can ascertain this via a cheap rapid test from the pharmacy. An even more sensitive and earlier test is possible via a blood pregnancy test.
Health insurance companies provide for important basic examinations during pregnancy, which are also recorded in the maternal health passport. This is an important document during pregnancy that you should always carry with you and bring along to each new visit at the gynecologist’s.
Pre-birth investigations:
- Determination of blood group and antibody status
- Serological tests for checking immunization against rubella
- Toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases, when necessary
- Child developmental tests (indirectly via checking the growth of the uterus)
- Cervical examinations and findings, and weight measurement
These checks are carried out every four weeks. In later pregnancy they are carried out at in shorter intervals.
Ultrasound monitoring: Regular ultrasound checks of the child can detect anomalies and follow check growth.
Blood flow (color doppler) tests enable conclusions to be drawn with respect to fetal circulation and potentially dangerous situations.
From the 20th week of pregnancy, where premature labor or impairment of the child’s condition is suspected, a CTG (recording of the child’s heartbeat, labor and child movements) may be initiated. Other important investigations can also be carried out for irregularities during pregnancy.
Tests for estimating the probability of chromosomal disorders (triple test, nuchal translucency measurement) are offered in cases based on the maternal age or in special family constellations, as well as complementary ultrasound scans.
If necessary or desired, definitive chromosome studies of the child can also be made. This includes amniocentesis, which is usually carried out between the 15th and 17th week of pregnancy. For this, a very thin needle punctures the amniotic cavity and approx. 10 ml of amniotic fluid is drawn, which is then examined by geneticists.
Alternatively, “NIPT” (non-invasive prenatal testing) can be carried out. As the DNA of the unborn child circulates in the blood of a pregnant woman (referred to as cell-free DNA), since 2012 it has been possible to ascertain genetic defects of the child from a blood sample taken from the mother. These tests are fairly complex and therefore expensive and are offered only by a few specialist laboratories. If a test shows any indication of a genetic defect, the result must be ultimately backed up by amniocentesis.
According to the latest recommendations from the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH, we offer vaccinations against cough and flu to all pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, please bring your vaccination book to your first appointment!
Towards the end of pregnancy we can introduce you to the maternity clinic of your choice so that you are able to make contact with staff there in advance, get to know the midwives and discuss birthing options with the obstetrician.
We are here to monitor your pregnancy, for you to experience a delightful
9 months and give birth to a healthy baby !