Pregnancy, Childbirth and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Test
If a woman’s period (menstruation) is late, a pregnancy test will indicate whether she is pregnant or not. The test detects pregnancy hormones in the urine. Pregnancy tests can be bought at a pharmacy, drugstore, supermarkets and from vending machines. They can also ask be carried out by your doctor or at a sexual and reproductive health centre.
During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, regular check-ups by a gynaecologist or a midwife are recommended.
A midwife is able to carry out antenatal check-ups and accompany the woman throughout her pregnancy, assist in the delivery, perform postnatal check-ups and offer advice on breastfeeding and neonatal care. Midwives can do home visits.
Your gynaecologist or a sexual health centre can provide information about both antenatal classes (childbirth and parentcraft classes) and day care for your baby (nursery). In some cantons, hospitals and other services offer childbirth preparation classes in several languages for migrants.
Assisted Reproduction
If a woman is unable to become pregnant naturally, it is possible to seek medical assistance. Before beginning treatment, it is important to check with the health insurance company which costs are covered under the basic health insurance and which (costs) will have to be paid for by the individual or couple.
There are various associations that provide information on assisted reproduction specific to single sex couples.
Antenatal (Prenatal) Tests
There are a number of screening tests that can be done during pregnancy that are able to detect certain malformations or illnesses in the unborn baby. Parents have the right to decide which tests they wish to have done. Doctors are required to provide clear and easy to understand information about these tests before carrying out the examination (this may include an ultrasound, blood samples and other tests). Sexual health centres offer support and advice with decision-making as well as with any concerns that there may be.
Childbirth
Unless there is a specific medical contraindication, parents have the right to choose where and under what circumstances their baby is born (either in hospital, at home or in a birthing centre). The woman can decide who will accompany her during the delivery (partner, friend or family member). In all cases a midwife is present at the birth to provide support and assistance.
Most births are natural vaginal deliveries, but delivery by caesarean section may be pre-planned or, if necessary, carried out as an emergency.
If you wish your child to be born in another Swiss canton, it is important to check with the health insurance company what costs they will pay.
Breastfeeding
Both midwives and lactation consultants are available to answer questions concerning breastfeeding and to help you decide whether or not to breastfeed. Some hospitals have an emergency contact number for breastfeeding women in case there are any problems. Advice is also available from the childcare and parent advisory services as well as the early childhood nurse.
Postnatal Depression
Exhaustion and lack of sleep may result in depression after childbirth. If this happens, it is important to ask for help and to seek professional advice and support. Your partner may also show signs of exhaustion. Your doctor, the childcare and parent advisory services or sexual health services can also offer help and support.
2017, SANTÉ SEXUELLE SUISSE, Fondation suisse pour la santé sexuelle et reproductive; ALECSS Association suisse latine des spécialistes en santé sexuelle, Éducation – Formation – Conseil; faseg, Fachverband sexuelle Gesundheit in Beratung und Bildung