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Pregnant in Munich - what now?
What to Do, Where to Start & What to Consider

1. Start with a Doctor's Visit and Your "Mutterpass"

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Book a gynecologist (Frauenarzt) appointment as soon as you suspect pregnancy. Your gynecologist will run more accurate blood tests to confirm your pregnancy. Also he/she will give you rough due date. You'll receive a Mutterpass - the official medical booklet tracking your pregnancy. Keep it with you at all doctor appoitments and bring it to the hospital at your birth. 

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From now on you will have regular (every 4 weeks) check-ups with your gynecologist or midwife during which they do:

  • Ultrasounds (total of 3 during pregnancy or more if deemed medically necessary

  • Urine analysis

  • Blood pressure checks

  • Weigh-ins

  • Blood tests

  • Pelvic exams

Note that not every health insurance covers every type of test: you should check with your doctor and health insurance company to be sure. ​

2. Find a Midwife (Hebamme) As Early as possible!

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During pregnancy, you’ll begin meeting regularly with a midwife. In Germany midwives provide check-ups at home, offering support throughout your journey — before and after the birth. In most cases, a midwife is the primary caregiver during labor and delivery. However, it’s important to note that the midwife attending your birth may not be the same one who supports you during your home visits before and after the birth. 

In Munich, midwives are in high demand. Search early via platforms like:

  • hebammensuche.de

  • ammely.de.

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If you cannot find english speaking midwife you can consider hiring a doula, who is not a medical professional but will be an additional support for you and your husband. (see more "who is a doula") 

3. Choose Where to Give Birth

 

In Germany you can give birth: 

  • in the hospital (e.g. Dritter Orden, Rechts der Isar)

  • in a birth center*

  • or at home

Hospitals and birth centers offer Info-Abende - info evening where you can see the place, ask questions and meet the staff. 

Once you decided where to give birth - remember to register as early as possible - ideally by the 20th week of pregnancy. To do so, you will need: your Mutterpass, your passport, and possibly a copy of your birth certificate and marriage certificate (if you are married).

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*Birth centers (Geburtshaus) is run only by midwives, where people can give birth in a more natural and less medicalized setting than a hospital. It offers a more intimate and family-focused atmosphere for the birthing experience. However only pregnant people with an uncomplicated pregnancy expecting only one child can consider it. It is a perfect options for those who are scared to opt for home birth but would prefer to avoid hospital. 

4. Book a Birth Preparation Course

 

Courses prepare you and your partner physically and mentally for birth. Within the course you will cover topics like breathing, pain management, labour phases, newborn care ect. You can find lots of places here in Munich.

Also check my offer. Birth classes in English or Polish are available.

5. Plan Your Postpartum Support

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In Germany you are eligible to have a postpartum midwive that will visit you at home for 8-12 weeks after birth for free (app. 16 visits).  But remember due to high demand you have to book her in advance (see point 2).

You can also consider hiring a doula for postpartum care - she can help you with small household tasks, breastfeeding, baby's care and hygiene or simply be there so you can rest or process your birth experience. This can be reimburse by your health insurance (Haushaltshilfe).

 

I highly recommend to also:

  • Join a mothers' group (Krabbelgruppe)

  • Check kids friendly cafes in your area (with diaper changing station), parks

  • Please remember to take care of your pelvic floor (Beckenboden) with a physiotherapist  or sign up for Rückbildung classes.

6. Understand Health Insurance & Costs

 

Most services are covered under public health insurance. Extras like doulas or private rooms may require self-payment or come through insurance bonus programs.

Also don't forget to inform your health provider and employer about your pregnancy (when you ready - but note that you are only covered with maternity protection if you employer is aware of it). At one of your early appointments, your gynecologist will provide you with a certificate confirming your pregnancy. Later on, you’ll also receive a certificate stating your estimated due date, which will be also important to submit. 

​​​​​​​​​​7. Maternity leave

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In Germany, maternity leave is a legal obligation, not just a benefit. It begins six weeks before the due date and continues for eight weeks after the birth — extended in cases of premature or multiple births. During this period, if you're employed, you're still considered an “active employee” and will receive your full salary through maternity benefits.

Once your maternity leave ends, you have the option to apply for parental leave (Elternzeit), which is also available to your partner. To take advantage of maternity and parental leave, it's important to notify both your employer and your health insurance provider well in advance — ideally several weeks before your planned leave. 

In Germany you are also eligible to apply for Kindergeld and Elterngeld. Do not forget to fill out the paperwork. 

8. Last but not least....

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  • Consider pelvic floor exercises and check-ups with physio- or osteopathy-therapist.

  • Seek out English speaking professionals and supportive communities like PEKiP

  • There are a lot of groups on FB like: LMBB, [year] babies and parents in Munich, Pregnancy& Birth in Munich ect. 

  • Take it step-by-step: doctor, midwife, hospital - the rest will follow.

  • Do what you love. Make the most of Munich during pregnancy and stay active: enjoy walks, prenatal yoga, organic markets, and international parenting groups. 

  • Eat well and stay hydrated.

  • Start looking into daycare (Kita or Kindergrippe) options if this is what you would like to do. 

  • Prepare your baby room and baby stuff. In Munich it is very popular to buy things second-hand at flea markets (Flohmarkt) that are regularly organised all over city and beyond. 

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