Pregnancy and birth
Challenges during pregnancy and birth
You may be pregnant or planning a child and feel the need to be well prepared. You may also be feeling insecure - this is completely normal.
Physical and health changes
- Physical complaints: Nausea, tiredness, back pain or water retention are part of everyday life for many pregnant women.
- Birth preparation: Many parents-to-be ask themselves how they can prepare themselves physically and mentally for the birth.
- Health of mother and child: Regular check-ups are important to monitor the health of mother and child and identify possible risks at an early stage.
Emotional and psychological challenges
- Emotional rollercoaster: Hormones cause mood swings - from joy and euphoria to worry and anxiety.
- Changes in the partnership: The relationship between the parents changes and roles need to be redistributed.
- Anxiety about the birth: Worries about pain or uncertainty about how the birth will go are widespread.
Organizational challenges
- Work and maternity leave: When do I tell my employer? What rights do I have during pregnancy and maternity leave?
- Preparing for everyday life: Making the home child-friendly, clarifying financial issues and making applications (e.g. parental allowance) in good time.
- Choosing the place of birth: Maternity ward, birth center or home birth - choosing the place of birth is one of the most important decisions.
First steps: How to prepare for pregnancy and birth
Physical and mental preparation
- Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, sufficient exercise and abstaining from alcohol and nicotine promote the health of mother and child.
- Birth preparation courses: Courses help to reduce anxiety, learn breathing techniques and mentally prepare for the birth.
- Self-care: Taking breaks, consciously taking your time and avoiding stress - this is particularly important during pregnancy.
Organization and planning
- Clear maternity leave and parental leave: Inform your employer in good time and plan the start of your maternity leave.
- Apply for parental allowance, child benefit and other financial support in good time.
- Prepare equipment: From the baby carriage to the crib - plan in good time which purchases are really necessary.
Inform and network
Exchanging ideas with other parents can be a valuable support during pregnancy. In antenatal classes or parent forums, parents-to-be have the opportunity to network, ask questions and benefit from the experiences of others.
Finding support: Where can I get help?
Counselling and support
- Midwife support: Midwives are on hand before, during and after the birth - for check-ups, birth preparation and aftercare.
- Counselling centers for pregnant women: Pregnancy advice centers provide support with questions about pregnancy, birth, financial aid and legal issues.
- Psychological support: If the emotional strain becomes too great, psychosocial counselling centres or therapists can help.
Financial and organizational support
- Parental allowance and child benefit: Parents are entitled to parental allowance and child benefit - submit applications early.
- Maternity benefit: During maternity leave, mothers receive financial compensation if they are unable to work.
- Support for low-income families: The education and participation package (BuT) and grants from social institutions help with financial bottlenecks.
Birth support and aftercare
- Birth clinics and birth centers: Choose the place of birth that suits you best - hospital, birth center or home birth.
- Follow-up care by midwives: After the birth, the midwife visits the family at home and provides support with questions about breastfeeding, care and handling the newborn.
- Early help: For families with special burdens, there are services such as family mentors or mobile support teams.
Frequently asked questions about pregnancy and birth
Pregnancy advice centers (e.g. pro familia, Caritas, Diakonie) offer support. They help with financial questions, applications (e.g. for the federal foundation "Mother and Child") and finding a midwife. Midwives also support expectant mothers from prenatal care to birth.
Mothers-to-be can receive maternity benefit, parental allowance and possibly subsidies from the federal foundation "Mother and Child". These funds help to finance baby equipment, clothing and other important items. Social counseling centers or pregnancy counseling centers can help with the application process.
If your pregnancy is unplanned, you can contact a pregnancy advice center anonymously and confidentially. There you will receive support in making a decision - without pressure and with respect for your situation. The counseling service is free and anonymous.