Aetna Plus Plan for Maternity and Baby Care

From finding a gynecologist to delivery costs, postnatal classes, and more, here'due south what y'all need to know about having babies in Germany.

If you are having a baby in Deutschland, you lot will be pleased to know that the German healthcare system is high-quality. Information technology offers a great deal in terms of clinical intendance to ensure the all-time possible outcomes for parents and their newborn. Nosotros explain what you demand to know when giving nascence in Deutschland and what services are available.

This guide explains each stage of childbirth in Germany:

• Pregnancy and childbirth in Frg: an overview
• Accessing maternity services
• Insurance for maternity services in Germany
• Pregnancy tests
• Abortions in Federal republic of germany
• Prenatal care in Germany
• Delivery
• Aftercare in Germany
• Parental leave in Germany
• Birth registration
• Not-residents and tourists giving birth in Germany – and citizenship
• German maternity and paternity leave
• Childcare and benefits in Federal republic of germany
• Important German words for new mothers
• Useful links

Cigna Global

Cigna Global provides comprehensive wellness insurance to over 86 million customers in over 200 countries. They have a wide access to trusted hospitals, clinics and doctors and provide expats with aid on tailoring a plan to suit your individual healthcare needs.

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COVID-19 in Germany

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a hard time for everyone. Many expats find themselves separated from family and loved ones in their home countries. As a foreigner, information technology is also sometimes hard to discover critical information regarding coronavirus infection rates, local measures, and restrictions, and now, thankfully, vaccinations.

• For general coronavirus information in Germany, including vaccination schedules, visit the government'south website, Zusammen Gegen Corona.
• For official COVID-19 measures, rules, and restrictions, consult our guide to COVID-19 in Germany.

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Pregnancy and childbirth in Germany: an overview

Approximately 785,000 babies were born in Germany in 2017, with a total fertility rate of 1.57 children per woman. Data from the nation's Federal Statistical Function shows that virtually every fourth child born in Germany the previous twelvemonth had a foreign mother. One in 5 German language residents has foreign roots.

Having a babe in Federal republic of germany combines the best of birth worlds. Expectant mothers acquire about essential oils and experience-proficient dwelling house remedies, but also have access to the latest engineering. While midwives (Hebammen) are your essential bespeak of contact, expect to accept at least three and upwardly to nine ultrasound tests during pregnancy. At all points, expect to receive a barrage of data about the process, what you're going through, and more than. German police requires medical professionals to advise patients of what they're dealing it.

Where exercise German women requite birth?

Women tin can give birth in a infirmary, birth house or at habitation, with all the options covered past health insurance. Private maternity options are as well bachelor for foreigners who want a risk-costless commitment. Anyone living in Germany will need to be registered with a High german wellness insurance scheme to accept costs covered. If you're as well working in Germany and paying into the German social security scheme, you lot may merits maternity leave. There are also other benefits available one time you have a infant in Germany, such every bit kid benefits and childcare allowances.

Subsequently giving birth in Germany, you must suit your babe'due south registration and apply for a High german nascence certificate. A child built-in on German soil or to German parents tin can claim German language citizenship if they encounter certain conditions.

Accessing maternity services

In Germany, both state-funded and individual health insurance schemes embrace an almanac visit to the gynecologist (Frauenarzt) for every woman over the age of 20. You lot can cull to either consult the same gynecologist you encounter every year or book an engagement with another, either through your GP or by ringing one shut to yous.

Once they've decided they want to accept a babe, many German women likewise visit their gynecologist for advice on conception.

Keep in listen that gynecologists and obstetricians are different professionals in Germany. Pre-natal checkups are carried out by your gynecologist, but they volition just attend a birth if they're registered with your hospital of pick. An obstetrician will only nourish the birth if in that location are complications.

Expatica'southward guide on visiting a specialist in Germany covers how to go about the process.

Motherhood insurance in Germany

Your state High german health insurance will typically encompass the basic costs of pregnancy and childbirth. You lot may, however, notice additional costs for some of the paperwork for giving nativity in Frg. If you give birth in a private hospital, check what your private health insurance covers or what costs you must incur for the baby'south delivery and care.

Some of the largest health insurance companies in Frg, called Krankenkassen, include:

• Allianz Care
• Cigna Global

You tin compare private health insurance providers in Germany and go free quotes on our special Expatica wellness insurance page.

Pregnancy tests in Germany

Retrieve you might be pregnant? In Germany, you demand a Schwangerschaftstest! A standard urine exam is available at a supermarket or pharmacy (Apotheke); in the major cities, you'll find them at vending machines at train stations! Such tests have an accurateness rate of nigh 98% and are accurate from the get-go day your period is due. There are too tests yous can use earlier – enquire the pharmacist which works for yous.

If your examination's positive or you lot don't desire to dabble about, your gynecologist can practice a more comprehensive blood test. Like urine tests, these wait for the beta HCG hormone; the placenta produces this, but blood tests ordinarily observe the hormone earlier. In near cases, your md will need to prescribe the lab work for insurance to cover it. Read Expatica's guide to finding a dr. in Germany.

Ballgame in Germany

The Federal Ministry building for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth provides several services to women who need support and advice regarding their pregnancy. A 24-hour, free hotline is available on 0800 twoscore 40 020 in 18 languages, likewise as online back up.

Abortion (Abtreibung) is a controversial topic in Germany, just in eye European style, the two parties have reached a compromise. The German penal code – the Nazi-era provision is known as Paragraph 219a – now defines abortion nether certain circumstances as "illegal, only without threat of punishment". What this means is that a woman and her gynecologist may make up one's mind upon an abortion together in three cases. These are, on criminal grounds following sexual abuse (inside 12 weeks), on medical grounds (within 22 weeks), and if the child is likely to be born with a physical or mental inability, in which instance the medico must give the pregnant woman detailed information on caring for children with disabilities before she opts for an abortion. Insurance companies usually encompass these procedures.

Women take the legal right to terminate their pregnancy or undergo an abortion in Germany. They are expected to attend schwangerschaftskonfliktsberatung (pre-termination counseling). About 96% of abortions carried out in Germany are through this program. Women may accept an abortion within 12 weeks after conception, provided they meet the following conditions:

• The female parent must have written consent from a recognized centre as proof that she has attended the necessary counseling sessions.
• There must be iii days' minimum between counseling and performance.
• The abortion must have place within 12 weeks of formulation.

Finding an ballgame clinic in Germany

As of February 2019, it is easier to find abortion clinics in Deutschland, post-obit revisions to the state's ballgame constabulary. Doctors and clinics can now say they offer abortions on their websites, but non what sort of procedures they utilize.

Women must pay for the ballgame procedure themselves, but some low-income women may be eligible for state back up.

The abortion pill is legal in Deutschland for the first 63 days of pregnancy. Non all clinics offer information technology, yet.

In all cases, women should ask equally many questions every bit necessary to understand the legal and medical situation as well as the procedure and possible complications.

Find more information on the family planning website (in German).

Prenatal care in Germany

The main point of contact during your pregnancy in Germany is the community midwife, who coordinates arrangements on your behalf with a team of midwives, GPs, obstetricians, and other hospital staff. The midwife is the person who will arrange appointments and tests on your behalf.

Your customs midwife can accommodate an antenatal appointment for your visit to the infirmary consultant. At this date, you complete the hospital registration procedure, which unremarkably takes around 45 minutes. This is important equally it allows yous to go straight to the maternity unit of measurement when the time comes for giving nascency in Germany.

Parents-to-be tin visit the infirmary as part of a scheduled tour of the maternity unit of measurement (Info-Abend). During this, you'll become the opportunity to visit the delivery suite. You'll also run across with the hospital midwives and medical staff. This gives y'all a take chances to talk over any aspect of your intendance during childbirth in Germany.

Wellness professionals who are providing care for you will record your and your infant's progress on a maternity tape (Mutterpass). This will have details of each medical engagement.

This is an important document and you lot must bring information technology with you to each date and to the commitment suite when y'all are having a baby in Germany. Later the infant is born the midwife volition shop information technology for safekeeping.

Hospitals, birth houses, or home births?

Women having a infant in Germany can choose to give birth in a hospital, nativity house or at home. Health insurance covers all the options. Depending on where y'all live, you may have varying degrees of options bachelor.

Hospitals and clinics are for those women who like the comfort of knowing everything is on the spot, to offer epidurals and deal with emergency services. From birthing balls and water births to more traditional ways of delivery, all options are bachelor. The midwife handles the birth itself. Check that she works with the infirmary you want to give birth in. Doctors step in should there be an emergency. Typical hospital stays last three nights, or five nights for C-sections. Motherhood wards have 2 to 4 beds, with bathroom facilities on the same flooring. Many hospitals offer family rooms at an actress charge, where your partner or a companion can stay overnight.

Alternatively, seek out a midwife for delivering your baby at habitation (Hausgeburt). Many women prefer this option, which is appropriate for pregnancies with few complications. In case of an emergency, you'll transfer to a hospital.

A birth house or a Geburtshaus is somewhere between the ii options, providing a fuzzy, homely atmosphere managed by midwives. There are no emergency services on-site, so in example of complications they'll telephone call an ambulance, only many also offering outpatient treatments so you can leave inside a few hours of giving birth.

Scans, tests, and checks

Typically, pregnant women see their gynecologists every four weeks or and so until the end of the 2d trimester. On these visits, weight and blood force per unit area are measured and urine and blood tests are taken. These tests include checking claret groups and Rh factors (for both female parent and baby), immunity against rubella, toxoplasmosis and the presence of the cytomegalovirus, gestational diabetes, as well as a standard strep examination. However, not all insurance policies embrace all tests; it's worth checking both with the doctor and the insurer.

Women with standard health insurance in Germany will be offered 3 ultrasound scans. Doctors must discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ultrasounds before carrying them out. Women have the right not to take the scans without giving a reason, to decline to see imagery from such procedures, and to stay uniformed well-nigh the gender of the fetus. The showtime browse, carried out between the 9th and 12th week, confirms that you are indeed significant, checks for the baby's heartbeat and provides a delivery date. The 2d, betwixt weeks 19 and 22, and the third, between weeks 29 and 32, as well measure out the fetus' head, abdomen, and thigh while determining the position of the placenta, among other checks. Women may also be offered extensive ultrasound procedures, which are usually not covered by insurers unless in that location is a specific medical reason for these.

Vaccinations during pregnancy

Vaccines are not mandatory in Deutschland. However, pregnant women will be offered the injectable flu vaccine. Other vaccines are offered afterwards birth, including tetanus, diphteria, whooping coughing or pertussis (combined as DTP), Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib), polio (poliomyelitis), Hepatitis B, pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae), rotavirus, meningococcus C (Neisseria meningitidis), measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella). More virtually vaccinations in Federal republic of germany is available at the Robert Koch Institut, whose STIKO committee sets the national recommendations each yr.

Doulas

Doulas every bit nascency companions and postal service-birth supporters give assistance, communication, and other support during pregnancy, during nascency and later. While they take received full general nurse training, their role lies more than within the practitioner and emotional aspects of pregnancy. The GfG-Doula (Gesellschaft für Geburtsvorbereitung – Familienbildung und Fraugesundheit) has been offering doula support since 2005.

Prenatal classes

You'll want to start taking nascence grooming classes by the 25th week or and so. In Deutschland, the Read Method is popular, which prioritizes relaxation over animate techniques, but Lamaze, Yogic breathing and more are bachelor through the infirmary or the Ruddy Cross. Your midwife is a good point of contact for specific classes in the nearby area. Berlin has a range of nascence preparation classes, compiled past Berlinforallthefamily.com. BabyinFrankfurt.com has a similar list for the financial capital.

Delivering babies in Germany

If you lot have the time information technology can help to telephone ahead to the delivery suite (Kriessal). Although not necessary, it lets them know you are on your way. When you make it, yous must give your motherhood record to the hospital midwife, who volition confirm your hospital registration. Yous can also suggest the medical staff of your birthing preferences if these aren't in your maternity record. these volition be accommodated as much as possible while giving birth in Germany.

Remember to bring the following with y'all to the infirmary:

• Maternity record
• Child Health Record to record the infant'due south measurements, examinations and test results
• Your nascency certificate (appropriate)
• Spousal relationship certificate (appropriate, if applicable).

National policy in German hospitals prohibits the apply of gas or air for hurting relief. Withal, a range of alternatives are available instead, including epidurals, estrus treatments, massage, acupuncture, as well every bit birthing pools and also TENs (transcutaneous electrical stimulation) in some hospitals.

Bringing a few personal items will make your stay more than pleasant and comfortable. You will need to bring your own nightclothes, dressing gown, slippers and personal toiletries including towels. However, the hospital will provide wearing apparel for the babe. You may too wish to bring portable electronic devices, books or magazines to help yous relax during your hospital stay.

What it's like at a High german hospital

Hospital staff in Germany cannot provide details about your labor or the baby's condition to any callers. Therefore, your nascency partner will need to inform people near your progress.

You should be aware that in Germany, hospitals will ask for the name of the newborn infant soon subsequently birth. This differs from some other countries where parents have time after the baby is born to think of a proper name.

German maternity wards generally accept two to four beds. They have washing facilities, a telephone, and a tv. Showers and bathrooms are in the main ward.

Y'all may find that nurses announced not to be checking on you regularly. All the same, this is considering rest is valued in German hospitals and nurses expect to be called by patients if help is required. Therefore feel free to use the bedside call system.

After the delivery

One time the baby is born nurses support mothers with their newborn babies, including help with feeding and full general intendance.

Afterwards giving birth in Deutschland, hospitals run a number of tests on newborns via the heel prick examination to detect any deficiencies or abnormalities. In addition, they volition be given vitamin Grand to prevent a bleeding status and perhaps likewise vaccinations to protect against Hepatitis or TB.

Mostly, later having a baby in Frg, mothers stay in hospitals for up to v days after the birth. Earlier going home y'all must collect a notification of birth (Geburtsmeldung) so that you lot can register your infant in Deutschland, which is a legal requirement. You can collect this from the German Assistants Office in the hospital.

Also, make sure that the auto you lot are leaving information technology has a suitable child seat. It is a legal requirement in Germany for cars carrying children to have 1.

Subsequently giving nativity in Federal republic of germany

Your community midwife more often than not visits yous at dwelling house the day afterwards they discharge you from the hospital. This is in lodge to assess and provide care for both y'all and your baby at home. The midwife will too bank check the hospital tests and aid yous with the general intendance of your babe. Thereafter you will exist supported past a Health Company who can assist you with wellness and immunization advice along with providing information on baby groups in your expanse.

Nearly children will have 9 bank check-ups (Vorsorgeuntersuchungen) with a doctor, upward until the age of five. After this, there is another check-up when they are 12 or 13 years old. The appointments are usually referred to as U1, U2, U3, and and then on. They're recorded in a yellow booklet, similar to the Mutterpass.

Breastfeeding in Germany

In general, Germans have few issues around nudity, including breastfeeding. You might often be approached by older ladies with unsolicited advice almost whether or not the baby is warmly dressed and what to do about information technology.

German birth certificate

Yous must annals your babe'southward nativity within ane week of birth. This must exist done at the Standesamt (registry office) in the town where you delivered your baby. Yous tin can exercise this yourself; otherwise, your midwife, the baby's begetter, your medico, a relative, or a friend tin also annals the birth. If deemed necessary, an official from the registry function may attend the maternity ward to annals your kid while all the same at the hospital.

The registration function will require confirmation of the nascency (provided past the doctor or midwife). This is called a Geburtsbescheinigung in German language. They will also ask for a copy of the parents' birth and wedlock certificates (some may enquire for a translated version).

Multiple copies of the Geburtsurkunde (nascency certificate) will be made available to you so you tin can arrange kid benefit and health insurance for your kid. Your child's nascence certificate will also be used for arranging identity cards, a passport and registration at nurseries and schools.

If y'all want an international nascency certificate, you can get this at the Standesamt for the same fee and is available in French, High german, and English.

Non-residents and tourists giving nativity in Federal republic of germany

Tourists in Germany must have wellness insurance or pay for health expenses themselves. EU citizens receive coverage from the European Wellness Insurance Card. Non-residents and tourists applying for a Schengen visa must take out a travel insurance policy with a coverage value of up to €30,000. Anyone who doesn't need to utilise for a visa in advance should take out a travel insurance policy – particularly if they're planning to stay for a few months.

Some travel insurance policies cover pregnant women in the offset trimester, just coverage rarely extends across that menstruum unless y'all add on an extra component. Miscarriages are frequently not covered either; it's worth checking with your insurer when planning your trip. The average uninsured birth costs upwards of an estimated €ane,500 depending on the facilities, and between €ii,500 to €5,400 for a C-section.

In emergencies or life-threatening situations, y'all can call the free emergency number 112. The call centre will send the aid you need: ambulance, constabulary, or the fire service.

High german citizenship

A baby is registered German past nativity if they were built-in to at least one Germany parent, irrespective of whether the child was born in Germany or abroad. If neither parent is German, a child born on German language soil automatically takes German nationality provided that at least ane parent has been living in Germany for viii years, is Swiss, or has a permanent right of residence in Frg. For more information read our guide to German citizenship.

Parental get out in Germany

Germany is groovy to encourage parents to have children every bit a mode of addressing under-population issues – women have one.6 children on average.

A parent who interrupts his or her career to raise a child receives 67% of their concluding net income (upwards to €1,800 per month). The Elterngeld (parental allowance) payment ranges from a minimum of €300 to a maximum of €1,800 per calendar month. This benefit lasts for i year, which can be extended to 14 months if the 2nd parent as well stays at home for at to the lowest degree 2 months. The aim is to allow both parents to take fourth dimension off.

Parents also have the legal right to take up to 3 years get out from work. During this time a parent tin can receive a reduced monthly allowance from the government. Furthermore, as long equally there are no valid company reasons against it, parents can choose to piece of work role-time. Other benefits are offered to mothers, such equally nursing breaks and restrictions on overtime or evening hours.

The authorities has too introduced the ElterngeldPlus package with the aim to help parents who work part-time following the birth of their infant in Frg. This offers additional fiscal support options. Read more family policies on the regime website.

German language motherhood leave

Following the standard five days stay in the hospital, women who give birth in Frg receive fourteen weeks of paid maternity leave. This is broken into six weeks before the expected birth date and eight weeks later. The initial six weeks of maternity get out in Germany provides the mother with fourth dimension to mentally and physically set up for giving birth. The final eight weeks allows her to recover, get settled at home with her new child, and let for the midwife to visit.

Paternity leave in Deutschland

The law enables both parents to take time off should they wish to, enabling fathers to as well pause their careers to raise a child and merits a reduced income. If a begetter's employer agrees, he may also choose to work part-time for a certain menstruation if desired, while taking parental go out in Federal republic of germany.

Childcare and benefits in Germany

The monthly child benefit in Federal republic of germany is €190 for the showtime and 2nd kid, €196 for the third, and €221 for every other child under the age of eighteen. For more than information regarding child do good in Federal republic of germany, including the application form, visit the Bundesagentur Fur Arbeit (Federal Bureau for Work) website.

In that location are a wide range of childcare options in Federal republic of germany but costs and availability vary. Typically, care for ages up to iii years former will be with childminders, a nanny or other in-home care, or in a individual nursery. Since legalization in 2013, children aged from 12 months have a legal right to a childcare place, which volition exist partly subsidized by the state. Children age three to six are too entitled a place in a German preschool, known askindergarten, and some afterwards-schoolhouse clubs. Schoolhouse-anile children (6+) have the additional option of wrap-around care at school, although not all schools provide this. Read Expatica's detailed guide to childcare in Germany.

Glossary for having a infant in Germany

• Pregnancy test: Schwangerschaftstest
• Abortion: Abtreibung/Schwangerschaftsabbruch
• Wellness insurance: Krankenkasse
• Ultrasounds/Sonograms: Ultraschall/Ultraschallaufnahmen
• Nascency preparation classes:Schwangerschaftsvorbereitung
• Infant due appointment: Termin Datum
• Mother's pass/pregnancy volume: Mutterpass
• Hospital: Krankenhaus
• Midwife: Hebamme
• Nurse: Krankenschwester
• OB/GYN: Frauenartz
• Head doctor: Chefarzt
• Delivery room: Kreissaal
• Cesarean department: Kaiserschnitt
• Forceps: Forzeps/Zange
• Push: Pressen
• During labour: Geburtsverlauf
• The birth: Geburt
• I want an epidural-anaesthesia: Ich möchte dice Epidural-Anaesthsie
• I do not desire potent medicine: Ich möchte kein starkes Mittel

Useful resources

• Midwives in Germany
• Abortion and family planning
• Official family benefits website
• Child benefits website

Aetna Plus Plan for Maternity and Baby Care

Source: https://www.expatica.com/de/healthcare/womens-health/having-a-baby-in-germany-107643/

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