First visit (~6 – 8 wks)
At the first visit: history-taking, a clinical and gynaecological assessment, counselling and indicated laboratory tests, plus an explanation of the care plan and maternity benefits. An early ultrasound at 6–8 weeks is not performed routinely; it is used when clinically indicated, for example because of symptoms or uncertain gestational age, and is not automatically one of the two standard covered ultrasound benefits.
You receive a personal care plan and pregnancy records in which further examinations are documented.
Trimester care
For an uncomplicated pregnancy, the low-risk pathway comprises a total of seven check-ups. They are distributed individually across the pregnancy; additional check-ups are used where medically indicated.
Wks 6 – 14
Initial medical assessment and laboratory tests, first standard ultrasound at 12–14 weeks, first-trimester test and NIPT counselling.
Wks 14 – 28
Second standard ultrasound assessing fetal anatomy at 20–23 weeks, GDM test at 24–28 weeks, and birth-place counselling.
Wks 28 – 40+
Individually scheduled remaining appointments within the seven check-ups, birth plan and discussion of birth. CTG and position or growth ultrasound where indicated.
Ultrasound & screenings
In an uncomplicated pregnancy, the OKP reimburses two standard ultrasound examinations: at 12–14 and 20–23 weeks. Early or additional scans, growth monitoring, Doppler/flow studies and CTG require a clinical reason or a high-risk pregnancy; they are not routine low-risk care for everyone. We refer specialised or invasive diagnostics to a specialist centre for prenatal medicine (SIWF subspecialty in fetomaternal medicine). Optional 4D keepsake images do not replace a diagnostic examination and are not automatically covered by the OKP.
NIPT & prenatal diagnostics
The non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) is a maternal blood test that provides screening information for trisomies 21, 18 and 13; an abnormal result must be confirmed diagnostically. The OKP covers NIPT from week 12 where the estimated risk is 1:1000 or higher. The test is voluntary.
The statutory first-trimester test is reimbursed by the OKP. We do not carry out invasive diagnostics (CVS, amniocentesis and cordocentesis) ourselves — they take place in close cooperation with a specialist centre for prenatal medicine (SIWF subspecialty in fetomaternal medicine), to which we refer you; the OKP covers them where the statutory criteria are met, for example a strong suspicion after NIPT, a first-trimester-test risk of 1:380 or higher, or a corresponding medical risk to the fetus. Covered specific maternity benefits are exempt from the deductible and co-payment. See Pregnancy & prenatal diagnostics for details.
High-risk pregnancy
Hypertension, gestational diabetes, placental insufficiency, multiples, pre-existing conditions — we manage high-risk pregnancies in close cooperation with perinatal centres.
Birth preparation
Birth takes place at the clinic of your choice. We discuss birth plans, optional services, pain management, breastfeeding start, and pros & cons of various birth modes — factually, respectfully, without paternalism.
Postpartum & breastfeeding
Normally, one postnatal check is scheduled between 6 and 10 weeks after birth. We discuss physical recovery, the pelvic floor, contraception while breastfeeding and mental wellbeing. Midwife home visits and breastfeeding advice are separate services; additional medical check-ups are arranged where clinically needed.
Cost coverage
Source: FOPH — maternity benefits (German) · Last updated: July 2026 · These notes do not replace individual medical advice.