Pregnant in Germany
Are you pregnant? You probably have many questions, you might be excited about the numerous changes and full of anticipation, or you might be desperate because you don’t know how to handle the new situation far from home.
While not all German women know exactly how maternity benefits and parental allowance work, and what preventive examinations pregnant women are entitled to in Germany, it can be a completely different challenge for you, especially if you haven’t been living in Germany for long.
Having a child as a foreigner in Germany: What questions arise?
Questions about surname selection or residency status often come up as well.
To provide you with some guidance, let’s look at some of these examples. Of course, we cannot answer all questions, and we cannot guarantee complete accuracy.
If you need certified translation of your documents into German, you can let us know, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Pregnant Women's Healthcare in Germany
In Germany, healthcare is typically very good, and there are special prenatal care programs.
As a pregnant woman, you have the right to regular medical check-ups. These check-ups usually occur approximately every four weeks. At the beginning of your pregnancy, you will be issued a Mutterpass.
What is the Mutterpass?
At the beginning of your pregnancy, you will be issued your Mutterpass. It contains all the important results of your check-ups, relevant information about your baby, and personal health data.
- You should always carry your Mutterpass with you as it provides important information in case of emergencies.
If you don’t have a gynecologist yet, you can find gynecologists here who can advise you in your own language. In the advanced search, you can filter the results by language.
Typical examinations during pregnancy include, for example:
Preventive Examinations During Pregnancy
Typical examinations during pregnancy in Germany include:
- Ultrasounds: Typically, you will have three ultrasounds during pregnancy to monitor your baby’s development and detect any abnormalities or complications. The first ultrasound is usually done around week 10. The pregnancy test is performed in the first week of gestation, giving you certainty that you are indeed pregnant. Hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time is something you will never forget. You can print some ultrasound pictures to show to your friends and family.
- Speaking of pregnancy weeks, they are usually abbreviated in your records as “SSW” and are counted from the end of your last period. This means that if your last period was 4 weeks ago, you are officially in week 4. The next ultrasounds will take place in weeks 20 and 30.
- Blood and Urine Tests: Various blood and urine tests are conducted to check if you and your baby are healthy and to detect potential risks or deficiencies.
You will also regularly see your Hebamme, the midwife, and she will monitor your baby’s heart rate and belly. In Germany, Hebamme plays an important role in prenatal care and helps with your questions about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. If your gynecologist cannot recommend a midwife, you can find one here Hebamme who speaks your language.
Most of these check-ups are covered by your Krankenkasse, your health insurance. If the examination is not covered by your Krankenkasse, the doctor or midwife must inform you in advance and ask if you want to continue the examination and pay for it yourself.
Childbirth Preparation Course
Childbirth preparation classes are also part of basic care and are often offered by the midwife, your Hebamme.
In the course, which you should attend with the person who will accompany you during childbirth, you will learn relaxation and breathing techniques to relieve stress during labor. Your partner will learn how to support you with massages and other techniques.
You will also receive advice on how to choose a place to give birth and helpful suggestions for the first weeks with your baby.
Your health insurance will cover the expenses of the childbirth preparation course.
Maternity Benefits in Germany
As an expectant mother, you are protected by the German Maternity Protection Act, known as Mutterschutzgesetz, which grants you special rights and obligations during pregnancy and after childbirth. It regulates maternity leave, protection against dismissal, and the entitlement to maternity benefits.
Maternity Leave
If you are working and pregnant, you are not allowed to work for 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth. Maternity leave applies, regardless of whether you are in an internship, a managerial position, or have a part-time job, for example. To help cover your bills during this period, you will receive maternity benefits – Mutterschaftsgeld.
Mutterschaftsgeld
Mutterschaftsgeld is paid by health insurance during the maternity leave period. It is a maximum of 13 euros per day. Your employer will cover the rest, so you will receive the same amount of money in your account as usual.
- Protection against Dismissal
The German Maternity Protection Act, the Mutterschutzgesetz, states that a woman cannot be dismissed during pregnancy. Of course, as in all situations, there may be some exceptions. If in doubt, seek advice or consult with a lawyer.
Pregnancy and residency permit
With your pregnancy may raise questions about your residency rights. As it depends on your individual situation, we can only recommend that you get in touch with an advisory center. Typically, you can receive free and anonymous assistance and guidance there, including regarding your legal status.
We have drafted an article on the topic of family reunification in Germany that shows you what options you have to bring your family members, for example, the father of your child, to Germany.
Pregnancy and Migration Counseling
There are many counseling centers that can assist you during and after pregnancy. Some organizations and centers provide specific support for immigrant pregnant women to promote integration, inclusion, and ensure maternal and child health.
Caritas, as a Catholic social assistance organization, supports you in applying for potential aid and provides free and anonymous advice, regardless of your origin and religion.
Diakonie is the social service of Protestant churches and, therefore, adheres to the mission statement of the Protestant church. However, counseling is available to everyone.
Pro familia advocates for self-determination in sexuality and parenthood. They not only participate in politics and society but also offer consultations on these same issues.
The German Red Cross not only responds to humanitarian disasters but also intervenes where people need assistance. If you have questions about pregnancy in Germany, you can also request counseling from the local chapter of their regional association.
What is a Schwangerschaftskonflikt?
Most of these counseling centers also assist you if you are unexpectedly pregnant and do not want to keep the baby. In this context, it is referred to as a Schwangerschaftskonflikt or pregnancy conflict. In Germany, there are several options in this situation, and the counseling will openly discuss them with you without judgment.
How was your pregnancy in Germany?
Did you have a child in Germany? What are your experiences? What surprised you? Leave us a comment and share the article with your friends!
