Bavarian Pregnancy Tips and Information
The journey of becoming a mother is exciting. However, figuring out all the logistics required for a worry-free Pregnancy in Germany as a foreigner is not!
So to help you welcome a newborn member into your family, we’ve created this comprehensive guide that provides information on some of the main topics for your pregnancy preparations.
Despite there being endless hours of paperwork to complete, and many cold calls to be made during your evolution of becoming a new mum, overall, the German Health System is excellent.
The German and Bavarian health departments provide many benefits and much support, both during and after pregnancy, and once you’ve negotiated the initial barriers that affect you personally, your pregnancy experience should definitely become a little more laid-back.
Our guide includes the four main pregnancy administrative processes involved in finding a suitable Bavarian Health System gynaecologist, hospital, midwife, and paediatrician.
Knowing some German, Bavarian words and phrases will also be important during the pregnancy. So we have put on a 20+ essential word list for you too.
We hope after reading this birthing guide to becoming a New Mum in Munich, your pregnancy (and birth) prove less stressful, so you can relax more and enjoy this very special time in your life.
Important German Words During Pregnancy
Before going into the details, we want to introduce to you 20+ important and useful words that will be essential to you. I.e. whether you are searching for general information on the internet, making an appointment, or communicating with your doctor or midwife.
We hope you will find these helpful, as many of these specific vocabs are not taught in the common German courses.
- Pregnancy = Schwangerschaft
- Date of birth = Geburtstermin
- Pregnancy week = SSW (Schwangerschaftswoche) = , always indicated with a full stop after the number. Eg. 14. SSW
- Gynaecologist = Frauenarzt/innen or Gynäkologin
- Appointment Registration = Termin Anmeldung (Termin anmelden = verb)
- Document = Anlage
- Insurance Company = Krankenkasse
- Health insurance = Krankenversicherungkasse (public = öffenliche/ private = privat)
- Midwife = Hebamme
- Hospital = Krankenhaus
- Birth House = Geburtshaus
- Mutterpass = the document, like your passport that is given by your gynaecologist. All test records will be documented here and reviewed by your gynaecologist, doctor, and midwife.
- Examination = Untersuchung
- Pregnancy/Postpartum care = Vorsorge/Wochenbettsorge
- Ultra-sound = Ultraschall
- Delivery room = Kreißsaal
- Induction = Geburtseinleitung (it is sometimes shortened as Einleitung)
- Preparation = Vorberitung
- Amniotic fluid = Fruchtwasser
- Umbilical cord = Nabelschnur
- Contraction / Labour = Wehen
- Delivery = Entbindung
- Breastfeeding = stillen (funny that “still” means silence, so it literally means the act of silencing)
- Nappy = Windel / Chaning nappy = windeln
- Paediatrician = Kinderarzt
Finding a Gynaecologist (Frauenarztin) in Munich: What to Expect!
Your Munich gynaecologist is the main doctor you’ll frequent visit during your Pregnancy in Germany. He/she will be conducting regular checks till the birth of the baby and also the Nachuntersuchung (follow-up examination) 6-8 weeks after birth.
The easiest way to find a Frauenarzt/in is really from the internet, as it is best to find one in your area. In contrast to midwives, there are more available. Most of them do speak both German and English. It is also a good idea if he/she is also an OBGYN.
In general, you will see your Frauenarzt/in every four weeks till the third trimester (from 32. SSW). It is then every 2 weeks till birth.
There, you will receive your regular Untersuchung (check-up), such as weight, urine analysis and blood pressure. Other non-regular examinations also include antibodies count, glucose intolerance, ultrasound and CTG.
You can see all the tests and vaccinations recommended in your Mutterpass and at which period it should take place.
Getting an Ultrasound in Munich
During the pregnancy, 3 ultrasounds are included in your pregnancy consultation. They take place in the period of:
- 9-12.SSW
- 19-22.SSW
- 29-22.SSW
This is of course an exciting time to discover your little one. Note, in Germany, the doctor is only legal to inform you the sex of the baby after the 12th week.
Below, is a list of gynaecologists that have been utilised personally by and recommended by my fellow mother friends who find them to be professional and friendly. We hope to extend this as we continue to find reliable sources.
Recommended Gynaecologists In Munich
Our list of recommended Gynaecologists in Munich all speak both German and English.
Gynäkologie und Hormone Bogenhausen
Dr. med. Frauke Kleinsorge
Oberföhringer Str 2
81679 München
089-986002
Frauenarztpraxis Giesing
Dr. med.Ursula Classen
Giesinger Bahnhofplatz 2
81539 München
Frauenärzte Hesse
Dr. Udo Hesse
Dr. Ariadne Kritikos
Theatinerstraße 29
80333 München
Tel: 089-266777
Finding a Midwife (Hebamme) in Munich
Not sure about you, but having no prior experience caring for a baby, having a Hebamme was my priority, and I am super glad that I had taken the time to look for one.
During the first 10 days after my baby’s birth, I knew the progress of the baby’s weight was critical, and having that support and advice on breastfeeding and postpartum care from my midwife was super helpful.
The good news is, the midwife Vorsorge, Wochenbettensorge and birth preparation course (max. 14 hours) is covered by the Bayern public health system!
Also, you are entitled to have midwife appointments every day for the first 10 days after birth. Depended on the situation and the Hebamme herself, sometimes two visits per day are also possible. Extra 16 visits are also inclusive till the 12th week, unless of course if there are complications.
The Bad news is, it’s very demanding.
For both locals and expats, finding a Hebamme is a nightmare in Munich, and to find one that speaks your language – you got to have real luck.
In general, there are Hebamme centres that you can visit or independent ones that they do Hausbesuch (house visit). Whichever way, register as soon as possible. This could mean making many cold calls and writing many emails.
Note also, when finding an independent Hebamme, many only visit a particular area/neighbourhood.
So seriously, look for a midwife as soon as you can, and I mean you should do this before searching for a hospital (Krankenhaus)!
Recommended Midwife Resources In Munich
To get you off on the best possible foot in your search for a Midwife in Munich you can start by utilising the following resources and links for your Hebamme:
Bayerischer Hebammen
This website was created by the Bavarian Association of Midwives (BHLV), with the cooperation of the Department of Public Health and Environment of the City of Munich.
The website has a language selector so can display in several languages including English, and its sole purpose is to assist you in finding a midwife.
HebaVaria
A non-profit association funded by both the Department of Health and Environment of the City of Munich and the Bavarian State Ministry for Health and Care.
If English is your first language, sadly this website does not have an official English version. So when using this website you’ll have to choose the “English” option via the Google Translate tab when you first open the website.
GKV-Spitzenverband
This website is courtesy of the National Association of Statuary Health Insurance Funds and has loads of relevant FAQ’s available regarding midwifery if you can figure out how to find the page in English.
You’ll need to open the website and choose the Google Translate “English” option and you’ll be able to read the FAQ page. But if you select the “English” option actually on the webpage itself it just keeps taking you to the same page that has a heading “Information in English”
Recommended Midwives In Munich
Personally recommended midwifery practitioners, Hebamme services and independent Hebamme that have been used by myself and recommended by my fellow mother friends. We hope to extend this list as we continue to find reliable sources.
Extra Hebamme Information and Options
Should the case be that you could not find a Hebamme, there are a few other options available to you.
If by 34.SSW, you still have not found a Hebamme, you can contact hebavaria.de.
Also, in general, your hospital where the child is born will allow emergency Hebamme consultation. However, you should double-check with the hospital.
You can find Hebammensprechstunde (Midwifery consultation) or courses to support Schwangenschaft or Nachsorge via these websites:
Haeberlstrasse-17 (english is available here)
Finding and Registering at a Hospital (Krankenhaus) in Munich
Unless you have specific needs, you are better off choosing a hospital that is close to where you live. There is nothing more stressful than being stuck in traffic when your water breaks and ready to go into labour!
Please refer to our pages Munich Maps and Getting About Munich if you need to rely on public transport during your peregnancy.
After choosing your hospital, you’ll have to email or call them to make an appointment.
In my experience, calling (instead of e-mailing) is more efficient. Check early on to see when they will accept appointments. E.g. Klinikum Harlaching only accepts appointment booking from 20. SSW, while Rotkreuzklinikum accepts from 12.SSW already
Before COVID (and we assume post-Covid) most hospitals offer a general introductory tour to show the Krankenhaus facilities.
During COVID, however, most will only offer a meeting providing general information, such as what to do when you suspect wehen (labour), and what exams will be conducted for the newborn.
At your first meeting, your Mutterpass will be reviewed, and you should also receive an Untersuchung with a doctor to determine if you need special assistance for the birth.
During this meeting, make sure you also ask for information about different anaesthetic options and request the agreement form. This way, you can pre-fill the form when you are relaxed, and not when you are in pain during labour.
Finding A Kinderarzt (Paediatrician) in Munich
When you have already organised everything except for the Kinderarzt, then you are in a pretty sweet spot. Nevertheless, it does mean more Google searches. Like looking for a hospital, your best bet is to find one in your area.
Most Kinderarzt can speak English, but it’s always good to check. That is why we recommend you call the Praxis instead of E-mailing, and do so 2-3 months before birth.
Legally, the local Kinderarzt must take your baby in if you live in the same area. However, from my experience (and of many other mothers’), I’ve had many rejections, simply due to the reason of capacity.
Also, some Praxis will require you to register prior, while others simply say to call back after the child is born. So make sure you do call and check.
As mentioned before, all the records will be made in the yellow Kinderuntersuchungsheft. You can read the book before the appointment to see which examinations and recommended vaccines will take place.
Pregnancy in Germany: Ongoing Baby Examinations
Giving birth is of course is a big topic. However, as there are too many eventualities, we’ll leave that for your midwife or doctor to explain.
The important topic we think you should be aware of is the BIG checkups for the baby.
Immediately after giving birth, your child will receive his/her first Untersuchung and screenings (eg. jaundice). These will be recorded in a yellow Kinderuntersuchungsheft (children examination book), just like your Mutterpass. This book will contain all the checkups and vaccination records from birth till 64. Lebensmonat (living months).
The U1 takes place immediately after birth and the U2 is followed within 72hours. The issue is then, if you decide to go home the same day you have given birth, you most probably need to get the U2 at the Kinderarzt (paediatrician).
In this case, if you already think you will go home before the U2, this is then, a good idea to check with your Kinderarzt if they provide this service.
Pregnancy in Germany: A Wonderful Life Experience
Well done! You’ve reached the end of our guide to Pregnancy in Germany and Becoming a New Mum in Munich!
We hope that this summary helps you to break down the to-do list. After all, this special time should not be drowned by searching for a gynaecologist, hospital, midwife, and paediatrician.
With all the logistical administration done, you can finally focus on discovering all the exciting things happening in your body and the development of the baby.
We wish you (mother) and the baby well and healthy, and to enjoy this amazing journey!
And remember, don’t forget to have date nights before the birth! Why not try out some of these fun and unique experiences that we have in our previous post.
Well done! You’ve reached the end of our guide to Pregnancy in Germany and Becoming a New Mum in Munich!
We hope that this summary helps you to break down the to-do list. After all, this special time should not be drowned by searching for a gynaecologist, hospital, midwife, and paediatrician.
With all the logistical administration done, you can finally focus on discovering all the exciting things happening in your body and the development of the baby.
We wish you (mother) and the baby well and healthy, and to enjoy this amazing journey!
And remember, don’t forget to have date nights before the birth! Here are some fun and unique experiences for you and your partner to discover