Pregnancy checks
Safe personal supportBefore the birth: antenatal care
Pregnant! A special and exciting time is ahead of you. We accompany you lovingly through these sometimes turbulent months of pregnancy and take time for you, your questions, fears and concerns.
From the first signs of pregnancy to the birth of your child – it is a time full of joy, excitement and hope. And it is completely normal that many questions arise during this time. We at the USZ Obstetrics Clinic are here for you and accompany you with our services for expectant parents.
The obstetrics department at the University Hospital Zurich offers you comprehensive and individual care throughout your pregnancy. Our experienced team will accompany you personally – from the first pregnancy check-ups and prenatal examinations through to the birth and the time afterwards. We attach great importance to your wishes and needs, support a natural and gentle birth wherever possible and give you the greatest possible self-determination in all decisions.
With us, you benefit from state-of-the-art medical equipment, maximum safety – even for high-risk pregnancies – and a trusting, friendly atmosphere. In our midwife consultation hours, we take the time to answer your questions and give you individual advice. Your companion is welcome at any time and we will make sure that you feel safe and secure.
Preparation gives you security, and security gives you peace of mind – the best ingredient for a self-determined birth. We offer various services to help you find out your wishes and needs for the birth and prepare you as well as possible for this event.
Pre-natal talk
We would like to get to know you as a couple and discuss with you your personal wishes and needs for the birth and the postpartum period. During this interview you will have a first contact with one of our midwives. We recommend this talk to all women and couples who are planning a spontaneous birth at the USZ or who have experienced a traumatic birth and would like to inform us about it. The consultation is charged at CHF 100 as a pre-birth consultation. If you have not yet taken a childbirth preparation course, your health insurance will cover the costs.
- Sign up for a preliminary consultation at: Geb.leitstelle@usz.ch
Choose upgrade options
You are welcome in any insurance class for your stay. With our upgrades, you have the opportunity to make your stay as pleasant as possible according to your own wishes.
Birth plan
We are happy to accommodate your ideas wherever possible. A birth plan offers the opportunity to consciously deal with the upcoming birth and to record ideas and wishes in writing. We invite you to put together your personal birth plan and discuss it with our midwives in advance or when you enter the unit.
Calculate due date
Use our pregnancy calculator to calculate the due date, the current week of pregnancy and the current approximate size of your baby. This allows you to keep track of your baby’s development at all times and to better plan important appointments during pregnancy.
Packing list for hospital stay
Our checklist will help you prepare for your hospital stay so you’re ready when your child announces himself.
Information evenings for parents-to-be
Get to know us and our premises personally! At one of our non-binding information evenings you can find out everything you need to know about giving birth at the USZ and get to know our specialists personally.
Get to know our building department virtually. The 360° tour will give you a first impression of our birthing rooms and our proximity to the neonatology department.
Do you have any questions?
We are happy to answer your questions or make an appointment for one of our pregnancy services.
Tel.
+41 44 255 50 42
Mail
geb.ambulant@usz.ch
The most frequently asked questions about pregnancy and care at the USZ
The first signs of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman. A common early sign is the absence of menstruation. In addition, some women also notice symptoms such as tender breasts, fatigue, mild nausea, or an increased need to urinate frequently. Another possible sign is light bleeding, called implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. These signs do not occur in all women. A pregnancy test or an examination by a doctor can provide certainty.
Sign up for your initial inspection right here:
Log in for controlEven with an uncomplicated pregnancy, you are in the right place. We will gladly accompany you through your natural birth. In order to meet your wishes in the best possible way, we recommend a pre-birth consultation with the midwife, where you can already state your birth plan and your wishes. We would also like to take this opportunity to familiarize you with our building department through an individual guided tour.
With our experience and expertise, we have developed a unique model that combines the benefits of midwife-led birth with the convenience and safety of a modern maternity ward.
In some women, birth begins with a rupture of the membranes with amniotic fluid leakage. In this case, report to the birthing room. A check-up will be performed, after which it will be decided whether you will be allowed to go home again or whether you will stay for the birth.
Often the birth also begins with contractions. Especially with the first child, it is not always easy to distinguish whether it is so-called preparatory labor or already the labor pains, because both can be painful. If you can still speak well during the contraction, then it is more likely to be preparatory labor. If the contractions come regularly every 5 minutes and you need to breathe through the contractions, you should check in with the midwives in the delivery room. If you notice any bleeding, call the birthing room as well.
Of course, we are always ready to listen to you if you feel uncomfortable or worried at home.
You can reach our midwives around the clock: +41 44 255 53 15
In uncomplicated pregnancies, seven checks are usually sufficient. The appointment for the first screening is usually scheduled after the 8th week of pregnancy. After that, additional check-ups are usually scheduled at intervals of about four weeks, and during the last month of pregnancy, check-ups may take place more often, depending on the situation.
Additional check-ups are possible at any time, especially if you experience sudden symptoms such as bleeding or severe pain, or if you are concerned for any other reason.
It is worth making an initial appointment with a doctor or midwife in good time to ensure the best possible care during your pregnancy. You are welcome to register directly with us for your first screening.
Log in for controlIn early pregnancy, 50-80% of all pregnant women suffer from nausea. It is believed that hormonal changes, but also B vitamin deficiency are causative factors.
Avoid foods that trigger nausea and eat several light meals throughout the day.
Taking a snack like rusks, crispbread or even ginger tea right after getting up can bring relief.
Stress reduction in the morning as well as exercise in the fresh air can help. You are welcome to come to our outpatient clinic for individual advice. Depending on the severity of your condition, medication or acupuncture may also be prescribed.
You can prevent heartburn by eating several small meals. Make sure the food is not too greasy or too spicy. Carbonated drinks or coffee can also promote heartburn. Eating too late in the evening is not recommended.
If heartburn does occur, a glass of milk after a meal can provide relief. Chewing nuts and almonds, some oatmeal or a piece of white bread can also help. Likewise, it is recommended to rather elevate the upper body. If you prefer to lie down, then the left-side position is preferable.
If heartburn affects you a lot and you suffer from it, be sure to address this. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe acid blockers in certain cases.