Care during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a major physical and personal change. Regular appointments combine examinations with time for questions about symptoms, results and the next stage of pregnancy. Personal care helps you prepare for birth with a clear understanding of the available options.
How long does pregnancy last?
Pregnancy is conventionally dated from the first day of the last menstrual period and lasts approximately 40 weeks. The expected due date and timing of checks are assessed using your history and ultrasound findings.
The Austrian parent-child pass
The Austrian Eltern-Kind-Pass, formerly called the Mutter-Kind-Pass, provides for five pregnancy examinations within defined time windows. The practice helps plan the appointments and explains what each check includes. Additional examinations can be appropriate when symptoms, previous pregnancies, inherited conditions or other risk factors require closer assessment.
Optional prenatal tests require personal counselling about what they can show, their limitations and possible consequences. They are not all automatically part of every routine visit.
Preparing for your appointment and birth
- Bring previous results, your parent-child pass and an up-to-date medication list.
- Let the practice know about previous pregnancies, operations or important family medical history.
- Write down new symptoms and questions between visits.
- Ask about bringing a partner or trusted person when arranging the appointment.
If you experience acute symptoms or are uncertain whether you need an earlier assessment, contact the practice or an appropriate urgent-care service.
Images or a recording of your unborn child
The practice information includes the possibility of receiving a recording of your unborn child, previously described as a DVD. Please ask in advance whether recordings are currently available, in which format and at what cost. A recording is a personal keepsake and does not replace the medical findings or justify an otherwise unnecessary examination.
Further information: Official Austrian parent-child pass: five pregnancy examinations (German).