Counselling and preparation for the birth

As soon as you know you are pregnant, it is very important to arrange regular consultations with a doctor and/or a gynaecologist. These consultations are key to ensuring that any potential health risks during your pregnancy are detected and treated as quickly as possible. You should also make sure that all the preventative examinations recommended in the parent-child health passport are carried out at the appropriate times.

Antenatal classes are provided by a variety of organisations and institutions across Austria, such as:

• Hospital/clinic maternity wards
• Midwives (→ Austrian Chamber of Midwives)^{German text}
• Adult education centres (→ Chamber of Austrian Adult Education Centres)^{German text}
• Private associations such as → NANAYA^{German text} – the Centre for Pregnancy, Birth and Life with Children – in Vienna

Physiotherapy for expectant mothers is provided in maternity units across Austria, by

• midwives (→ Austrian Chamber of Midwives)^{German text} und in den
• parent and child centres (→ babynet.at) ^{German text}of the Office for Youth and Families (→ BKA)^{German text}

In addition to medical support to maintain your physical health, mental health support (pregnancy advice services) are also available. Expectant mothers who are experiencing difficult family circumstances, who feel overwhelmed by their pregnancy or who simply need some support can use these centres to get information about their rights under applicable welfare and social security law, assistance in a crisis, advice about becoming a parent for the first time, what they can do to bond with their baby and practical help. Expectant fathers can also make use of these services.

• Family advice service (→ BKA)^{German text}

Early help centres exist to promote the health and well-being of pregnant women, expectant parents and families with small children. Above all, they support families with challenges and burdens free of charge, on a voluntary basis and on request during home visits to get the right help: from personal counselling and assistance with visits to the authorities to guidance and support with the care and upbringing of your child.

Early help – support and counselling (→ Gesundheit Österreich)

Further links

• Parent and child centres (→ babynet.at)^{German text}
• Midwives (→ Austrian Chamber of Midwifes)^{German text}
• Family and partner advice centres (→ BKA)^{German text}
• Provincial Medical Associations (→ Austrian Health Portal)^{German text}
• Find a clinic (→ BMASGPK)^{German text}
• Preparing for birth (→ Austrian Health Portal)^{German text}
• Early help – support and counselling (→ Gesundheit Österreich)^{German text}