Pregnancy — Mutterpass, Prenatal Care & Midwife

Mutterpass — Your Most Important Document

Once your pregnancy is confirmed by a doctor, you receive the Mutterpass. It documents all examination results, blood type, vaccination status, and the course of your pregnancy. Keep it with you at all times — in case of emergency, doctors need this information immediately.

Prenatal Examinations — Every 4 Weeks

Statutory health insurance covers comprehensive prenatal care:

• Every 4 weeks an examination with your gynecologist or midwife
• From week 32 every 2 weeks
• 3 ultrasound examinations (around weeks 10, 20, and 30) as standard
• Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B, rubella, blood type, antibodies)
• Glucose tolerance test (weeks 24–28)

All prenatal examinations are free of charge — with no copayments.

Midwife — Search as Early as Possible

Every pregnant woman has a right to midwifery care, paid for by health insurance. Midwives provide support before, during, and up to 12 weeks after birth. The challenge: Many regions have too few midwives. Start searching from week 6–8 of pregnancy.

Midwife search:
- hebammensuche.de
- gkv-spitzenverband.de — midwife list from insurance funds

Maternity Protection & Maternity Benefit

• 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth, employment ban applies (Mutterschutz)
• During maternity protection, employees receive maternity benefit (health insurance + employer subsidy = full salary)
• Job protection from start of pregnancy until 4 months after birth

Bundesstiftung Mutter und Kind

Pregnant women in financial hardship can apply for assistance from Bundesstiftung Mutter und Kind — for maternity clothes, baby equipment, housing, or childcare. Application through pregnancy counseling centers (e.g., Caritas, Diakonie, pro familia). Important: submit application before birth.

Additional Support

• Elterngeld (up to 14 months) — apply after birth
• Kindergeld (€250/month) — from birth
• Wohngeld or Bürgergeld as needed

As of March 2026. All information without warranty.