I just found out I'm pregnant, and this is my first pregnancy and I'm relatively new to Switzerland. Most of the information I'm getting online is from U.S. and U.K. based websites, so I'm hoping that some of you with experience here in Switzerland can help fill in some gaps.
What is the standard timeline for doctor visits here in CH? I called an OB (haven't seen her before) and was given an appointment for 10 weeks. Before that time, should I be seeing my GP at all? Do I need any preliminary check/screening? How many other visits and scans did you have throughout your pregnancy?
What is the timeline for involving a midwife? I intend to deliver at a hospital, but I understand that midwife visits are covered here. Should I see a midwife in addition to my OB for checks early on? Just find one who can come and visit me after birth? When did you find one?
And a final question-- is Elevit still the recommended prenatal vitamin here? Since I don't have an appointment for another few weeks, want to make sure I'm taking the right stuff now.
Thanks for the help, and any other advice is of course welcome!
Thanks Helm! I did see that very useful post but didn't find clear answers on the specific questions I have on timelines. I'll read through it again, and in the meantime thanks to anyone else who can shed light on my questions!
During one of your visits, the hospital will provide you with a list of authorized Hebammen, and they will tell you to contact one as soon as possible. You can choose whoever suits you (e.g., a midwife close to you, who speaks English etc.).
Yes, they are. After you give birth, the midwife comes (4-5 times) to your home to help you with your little one: advises how to dress/feed him/her, see how he/she develops, what is the weight etc.
After she stops coming to your home, you can go to some places to have him/her weighed and measured (you'll receive info about these places via post).
If you go to a public hospital for the regular checkups, and if you don't have your own doctor, it's possible that sometimes you will be examined by a midwife instead of a doctor, especially if the pregnancy goes well and there is no need for a specialist.
yes, and the hospital will give you a prescription, so you can ask for your money back from the insurance.
My advice: enjoy it, and don't give too much attention to those who are claiming it's gonna be "so difficult" etc. We found it much easier than we expected.
As I mentioned on my link, you should contact them as soon as possible - if we are talking about the care after the birth. Some areas do not have enough midwives. You can check the ones closest to you and that speak a language you know in their official site:
You can be seen by a mid wife during the pregnancy. Some visits will be covered by the basic insurance, but it's either a midwife or a gynaecologist, so choose wisely.
10 visits by the midwife after the birth are covered 100% by basic insurance. More if there are complications.
Again, covered on my link.
No need for it, unless you want to, or if you want to give birth with a specific midwife of your choosing (for example at home). If you are giving birth in a hospital, as you mention, you will probably be stuck with whatever midwife is on rotation, and will probably go through 2 or 3 before the birth is finished.
I was prescribed Gynefam. Consult your gynaecologist to have the supplements best applied to your health condition and pregnancy.