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June 2015 Moms
chaglund
member
German prenatal care vs American?
chaglund
member
My husband and I are moving to Germany this weekend. I'm 32 weeks and wondering what the difference is in care between the two countries. Is there anything I should or should not expect? I've heard that you get ultrasounds at every appointment and that privacy is different than what we're used to in the states. Is there anything else I should be aware of? Have any of you had babies in german hospitals with an experience to share?
Re: German prenatal care vs American?
Am a FTM so can't really compare to the U.S., but I'm absolutely thrilled with the care I've received. Things you should know:
-you should check out Toytown.com and search for threads on hospitals in your city to choose where to deliver (Lots of birth stories on there, relevant to your city and hospital). It can also help you find a doctor if you haven't found one already. Set up an appointment asap!
-your type of insurance will determine whether you can have your own private midwife to attend to you before, during and after delivery. All births are attended by midwives, but the additional midwife care is unique to the German system and something many women appreciate. Insurance may also cover birth preparation classes.
-If you have private insurance, state that immediately when trying to set up an appointment. Sadly, there can be some discrimination against the publicly insured.
-expatbabies.com can be a helpful resource
- you will have something called a Mutterpass which is basically your medical file in a nice booklet that will be used throughout your pregnancy, baby's growth and subsequent pregnancies. It tracks your appointments, etc and should be kept on you at all times. I really love having this.
-privacy: this means no gowns, which I haven't found to be a huge deal. You go pantsless for the vaginal exams and put your underwear back on for the ultrasounds. My husband is in the room for my exams. Also not a big deal for me (he is up by my head)
-there are expat Facebook groups for most cities that are worth joining - many mamas are very wise and generous, so lean on this community
-baby clothes are more expensive here, so stock up at home.
-eBay is used more than craigslist. For Frankfurt, here is the local link - but you'll need to search for your own city of different and you are seeking secondhand items: https://kleinanzeigen.ebay.de/anzeigen/s-familie-kind-baby/frankfurt-(main)/anbieter:privat/anzeige:angebote/c17l4292
-no idea what you do personally, but it is VERY frowned upon here for pregnant women to have even one sip of alcohol or to consume anything (cake, etc) with alcohol in it. If you have the occasional drink or sip, I'd advise against it in a public setting!
-pregnancy is very respected here. Most women stop working 6 weeks before delivery. They are not legally allowed to work for at least 8 weeks after, and most take up to a year off.
-that said, pregnancy is not a disease and people will expect you to remain active (one coworker gives me crap daily for not biking to work - when I say I am in my third trimester, she says SO?!). I personally love this.
-Germans are much more matter of fact. Friends and coworkers may ask you questions about your doctor, your birth plan, etc that may feel a little too personal. You obviously don't have to answer anything that makes you uncomfortable. I was surprised how many male coworkers have wanted to discuss details of my pregnancy, and have offered great advice based on their wives' experiences. Fathers are very actively engaged here.
-Doctors are willing to answer any and all questions, but may not freely provide information unless asked. I don't get test results unless there is an abnormality I need to be aware of. Don't be shy or intimidated, ask whatever you want. I occasionally email my doctor a question, too.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or concerns. I had the choice whether to stay in Germany or deliver in the US, and I am really glad I made the choice to stay here - not in comparison to the U.S. But just because I know and really trust the system here.
-your doctor will not attend your delivery, hence the emphasis on choosing a hospital and perhaps an attending midwife. Most hospitals (all?) have info sessions with tours, or you can set up a private appointment with the head doctor
You can also choose which hospital you want to give birth in - and most hospitals have a night at least every month where they give a presentation on the features of the L&D department and also give tours of the birthing rooms which is really nice. Though i haven't given birth yet, from what I have learned, the birthing process is much more holistic here - there are birthing tubs in many rooms so you can labor (and even give birth) in the tub. Epidurals are available- but the medication dosage is given in much smaller quantities - to the point that you are still able to ambulate during labor - which is not typically the case in the States.
Also, I am not sure about your German language skills - mine are extremely limited - so if you are in need of an English speaking midwife postpartum - I would start looking right away. It took me some time to find one who was available around Frankfurt.
All in all thus far it has been a really positive experience and I am very happy to be going through this process here! Good luck and feel free to send a message with any questions!
One little tid bit of info I can add is that you go in a different room (kreissaal) to give birth and your hospital room in which you stay could potentially have another person in there, unless you ask for a family room or one-bed room. (Einzelzimmer or Familienzimmer). My husband and I toured two hospitals (in the Mainz/Wiesbaden area, so if you're around there let me know! The hospitals were both great and the birthing rooms were super nice and have a lot of different tools to ease labor pains. Also, the midwife system is great, and they're with you every step of the way in the hospital too. After you give birth, if you find a midwife this late in the game, she comes to your house, for instance to weigh baby or answer and questions you may have so you're not constantly going back to the doctor for appointments. Also, insurance covers it so it's def a nice thing to have.
Also, agree with the clothes thing. Baby clothes are expensive so stock up! If you have any questions about anything or any German medical terms or whatever in your Mutterpass when you get one let me know! I speak both languages! Viel Glück!