Prenatal Care

The Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department at the University Medical Center Freiburg, within the scope of the service package uniklinik plus, offers a broad spectrum of medically expedient examinations in addition to those covered by the health insurance plans.

Pregnancy

What does my baby look like? We can take a 3D image of your child in the uterus.

The Development of the Fetus

Every expecting mother wants to be informed about the progress and condition of her child. The vast majority of children are born healthy. There is, however, a slight risk for women of all ages that their child might have a medical problem.

Is the child developing according to the normal standards? A laser Doppler blood flow analysis enables functional assessment of the placenta which provides nourishment to the growing baby. A weak blood flow in the placenta and pre-eclampsia may be detected early.

Time point of examination: week 24 to 42 of gestation.

An ultrasound examination monitors the growth and the weight of the child.

The length of the cervix can also be measured to assess the risk for prematurity.

Genetic Disorders and Congenital Anomalies

Genetic disorders and congenital anomalies such as Down Syndrome and spina bifida may be detected by prenatal examinations.

A measurement of the amount of fluid behind the neck of a foetus also known as nuchal translucency, by ultrasound examination and an analysis of maternal serum levels of two molecules secreted by the embryo enables physicians to recognize approximately 90% of foetuses affected by Down Syndrome.
Time point of examination: week 11 to 14 of gestation.

Almost all spinal cord defects (spina bifida) and 66% of all pregnancies affected by the Down Syndrome may be detected by maternal blood testing.
Time point of examination: week 15 to 18 of gestation.

A screening of the organs via colour duplex sonography establishes information about the child's organs: heart, kidneys and brain. Approximately 90% of all significant structural disorders of the organs are detected using this study.

Chromosomal analysis reliably detects many genetic disorders. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) which is conducted after the 11th week of the pregnancy or amniocentesis after the 15th week of pregnancy attempts as collect foetal cells for chromosomal studies. The risk of a miscarriage from these procedures is between 0.5 and 1%. We will gladly consult with you to determine if you should undergo these tests.

Costs

The fees are in accordance to the standard rates of the University Medical Center Freiburg which are based on the German scale of fees for doctors (GOÄ). Prior to any treatment, there will be a consultation with the doctor after which the patient will make an agreement with the Medical Center, which will contain the scope of the treatment.

Address

UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM FREIBURG
Universitäts-Frauenklinik
Managing Director: Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Gerald Gitsch
Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg