Understanding Pregnancy Medical Examinations
Expecting a baby is an exhilarating journey, and ensuring both your health and your baby’s health is vital. In Germany, pregnancy medical examinations are comprehensive and cover several important tests. Here’s a list of common tests performed during pregnancy:
- Chlamydia screening
- Trichomoniasis testing
- Gonorrhea screening
- Rh factor testing
- Toxoplasmosis testing
- HIV testing
- TORCH screening (Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus)
Examinations During Each Trimester
It’s crucial to know when specific examinations take place during your pregnancy. Below is a helpful table summarizing key medical examinations that should be performed during each trimester:
Table: Essential Prenatal Screening during trimester – Germany
| Week | English Explaination | German Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Trimester 11-13/14 | NIPT: Typically done after the 10th week (e.g., Panorama, Harmony) before the week of 13/14. | NIPT: Wird üblicherweise nach der 10. Woche durchgeführt (z.B. Panorama, Harmony) |
| 1st Trimester 11-13 | First Trimester Screening (NT, blood tests): Includes NT measurement, PAPP-A, hCG. * some doctor might not perform the NT, since you already done the NIPT. * First Trimester Screening will not be paid by most of the public insurance unless your doctor said you have to do so. | Ersttrimester-Screening (NT, Bluttests): Umfasst NT-Messung, PAPP-A, hCG |
| 2nd Trimester 16-18 | Toxoplasmosis Test (optional): No general recommendation, only if required | Toxoplasmose-Test |
| 2nd Trimester 20-24 | Anomaly Scan (Feindiagnostik): Detailed scan for structural abnormalities, generally between 20-24 weeks. **this in general will be cover by the public insurance. | Feindiagnostik: Detaillierter Ultraschall zur Erkennung struktureller Anomalien, üblicherweise zwischen der 20. und 24. Woche |
| 2nd Trimester 24-28 | Glucose Test (OGTT): Testing for gestational diabetes There are two types of OGTT: 1)75g OGTT (2-hour OGTT); 2)100g OGTT (3-hour OGTT). **if you go for the first one, you do not need to fasting for 8 hours before you do the test. And also, if you are at the lower risk, the doctor might not proceed to the second type. However, I highly recommend all the moms to directly do the second type, which you have to paid by yourself if you do not have any indication of risk from the first OGTT result. The reason is that the second type is much more accurate than the first OGTT. | Glukosetest (OGTT) |
| 3rd Trimester 28 | Growth Monitoring: Checking fetal growth, including length and weight *according the public insurance, they will only cover three ultrasound for free. This will be the 3rd ultrasound for free. Please be aware that, sometimes it might be perform around week 30. | Wachstumsüberwachung |
| 3rd Trimester 36-40 | Final Preparations: Check-ups become more frequent, including monitoring baby’s position. *the standard frequencies are every 2 weeks. |
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Regular medical examinations during pregnancy in Germany are designed to keep both you and your baby healthy. By adhering to these recommended tests and screenings, you can address any concerns early and ensure a smoother pregnancy journey. Embrace this wonderful time with confidence, knowing that you have the resources and support to keep you and your little one safe!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, individual experiences during pregnancy can vary. We recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist or obstetrician, for personalized advice and guidance based on your specific health needs and circumstances. The healthcare guidelines and procedures mentioned in this article may change over time, so it’s important to stay informed through professional medical resources and your healthcare provider.