Hi, I've had 2 babies here in Zurich.
Baby #1 I only had one internal exam by my gyne at 36 weeks (all the rest done by ultrasound). As it turned out I was already 2-3cm dilated (which I have since learned is quite common and normal and nothing to worry about in an otherwise low risk healthy pregnancy). This prompted my gyne to (incorrectly) tell me that baby was on it's way any day and I wouldn't make it to 37 weeks, causing a lot of unnecessary panic at the prospect of a slightly premature arrival, followed by a lot of impatience and anxiety waiting for bub to eventually show his face 2 days before due date.
Baby #2 I again only had one internal exam, ca. 37 weeks, as a full check-up when my care was transferred to the hospital to assess my birthing options (as #1 ended in c-section).
So as others have said, it seems perfectly normal not to have regular internal exams, until actually going into labour. And anyway the cervix is checked via the regular ultrasound scans. (Even during labour, internal exams are not obligatory and you can choose to refuse them - there are valid reasons for doing so, but that's another topic...)
I had the similar worries during my pregnancy here. It's just a different way of doing things here. Better in some respects and not so much in others. I had a weight in, blood and urine samples taken every time. However, I must say the way they checked the urine seemed pretty basic to me as I once saw the nurse put a litmus paper type test in it and check the color. I'm not an MD, but could you really determine infections this way? Even if how would you be able to tell the strain of bacteria like this?
Before I would see the doc himself, the nurse would bring him the results and he'd always rush things along saying blood and urine fine although, friends of mine in different places around the world were getting far more sophisticated tests run on them. Most of the examinations up until the last few weeks were done via ultrasound, but he did check the cervix once we were close to the due date. However, in other countries around the world you get fewer ultrasounds, so in a way that;s a plus here, because you get to see the baby almost every month.
What bugged me the most here (but I suppose this could also happen somewhere else) is that I always had the feeling that whatever health prof we turned to pre or post partum had this "i know best" attitude and didn't really take the time for the Q&A. I know patients can also be annoying, but when it's your first you have soooo many questions and in our case the doc did overlook smthg I had been asking him about for a while, the hospital I gave birth in said had timely action been taken more interventions could've been avoided in our particular case. Overall, though, the care is excellent, so don't worry too much. If we decide on number 2 one day, I would def. like to do it in CH.
There is no need for an internal examination during a normal pregnancy, the ultrasound is enough to check the cervix.
I delivered our first baby 4 weeks ago at University hospital in Zurich, but saw a private OBGYN during my pregnancy. I did have an internal exam at 32 weeks, but I think this was primarily because I was requesting permission (and letter) to travel. Prior to that it was only ultrasound, maybe one physical, but I don't recall when. I had another exam at 36 weeks, he didn't bother at 38 weeks because he was sure nothing had changed (I had a very uncomplicated pregnancy, no contractions and baby was carrying very high). At 39 and 40 weeks I had physical exams as well as post due date follow at the hospital. My impression was that it depended highly on how the pregnancy was going, whether I indicated I had any contractions, etc.
Ask your Dr why you do not get these checks if you think you should have them. Things are more relaxed in Switzerland and so if you think you need a test ask for it, and if you're still not happy get a 2nd opinion. You need to feel as secure as possible that all is being done for you. As far as insurance is concerned find out what you are entitled to. I lost my baby in the 8th month, it was my first pregnancy and I wish to god I had had that 2nd opinion and complained more about the way I was feeling. I don't say this to upset you, just please don't get scared by having or not having a test just be strong and demand the attention and understanding you need. At the end of it all you know best what will keep your mind at peace and that is important to the health of you and your baby. Talk to your Dr and explain what is really bothering you. Good luck.