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Your First Trimester Guide for Expats in Basel, Switzerland

Updated: May 9

This blog post is going to be a bit different because it’s more personal — it’s based on my own experience navigating my second pregnancy at the moment as an expat in Basel. During my first pregnancy, I was desperately searching for information and personal stories in English, especially specific to Basel. I had so many questions — from understanding pregnancy care to preparing for birth, knowing what to bring to the hospital and countless other things.


Looking back, there are several things I’m doing differently this time around, things I wish I had known earlier. This guide was born out of that experience, and I hope it can help you and many other expecting mamas in the region.






Finding the Right Healthcare Provider (Frauenarzt, Hebamme, Hospitals)


When you find out you’re pregnant, one of the first big questions is: Who will take care of me during this journey? If you’re living in Basel (or anywhere in Switzerland), you actually have several options — and understanding how the system works can make those early decisions a little easier.


Midwife or Gynecologist – What Are Your Options?


In Switzerland, you can choose between seeing a gynecologist (Frauenarzt) or a midwife (Hebamme) for your prenatal care. Some women also see both — it depends on your preferences and your health needs. You can go to a gynecologist at a private practice, at a hospital, or visit a midwife or a birth center.


During my first pregnancy, I visited a doctor at a private practice (don’t worry—this is fully covered by basic insurance) and gave birth with the help of the hospital team. This time, however, I’ve chosen a different approach. In addition to my gynecologist, I’ve decided to have a Beleghebamme (a private midwife) who will support me during the birth. So throughout this pregnancy, I’m receiving a mix of care from both a doctor and a midwife. The major scans are done by my doctor, while in between I have appointments with my midwife. (In my first pregnancy I was not aware of this option at all!)


These midwife appointments are typically longer, more holistic, and less clinical—they’re more about the overall experience and emotional well-being. My midwife will be there for me from the very beginning of labor, and once it’s time to deliver, my doctor (Belegarzt) will step in. One of the great things about this setup is that the same midwife will also visit us at home after the birth. Since she’ll already be familiar with my pregnancy and the birth itself, the postpartum care feels much more personal and continuous.


One important thing to know: there are only a few midwives who offer all three services—pregnancy care, birth support, and postnatal visits. Most midwives only cover pregnancy and postpartum, but not the birth itself. So if you’d like a Beleghebamme for the birth, you really need to act fast! Ideally, start searching for one during your first trimester, right after your initial appointment with your doctor.



When Will My Appointments Start?


You’ll usually have your first prenatal checkup in the second around 8 weeks. From there, you can expect to have checkups every four to six weeks. These will include blood tests, urine samples, and at least two ultrasounds covered by your insurance.


Heads up: not all doctors or midwives speak fluent English. If language is a concern, bring someone who can help translate — or ask when booking your appointment if they speak English.


Special Considerations for Basel and Basel-Land


If you live in Basel-Land but have basic health insurance, you can still receive prenatal care or give birth in a hospital in Basel-Stadt — which is especially helpful if you're based in nearby towns like Allschwil, Bottmingen, Binningen, or Münchenstein.


By law, basic insurance usually only covers care in the canton where you officially reside. Since Basel-Stadt and Basel-Land are two separate cantons, this can be confusing. Luckily, there’s an agreement between the two cantons that allows Basel-Land residents with basic insurance to access care in Basel-Stadt hospitals.


I didn’t know this during my first pregnancy — and it was a huge source of stress. I was living in Basel-Land but wanted to give birth with a Belegarzt (a private attending doctor) at Bethesda Spital, which is in Basel-Stadt. I eventually found out it was possible, thanks to that agreement.


Another thing to know: there are only two hospitals in Basel where you can give birth — the Universitätsspital Basel (USB) and Bethesda Spital. The USB handles all emergencies and has a dedicated Frauenklinik (women’s clinic), so if you have any complications or urgent needs during pregnancy, this is where you’ll be sent. They also provide care for premature babies and complex cases.


Bethesda Spital is more of a private-style clinic. You can give birth there with their in-house team (I did this during my first pregnancy), or you can choose your own Belegarzt and even a Beleghebamme (freelance midwife) — which is what I’m doing this time around. Just keep in mind that they only accept you for birth above 36 weeks.





Don’t Suffer in Silence: Getting Support for First Trimester Symptoms


This has been a big lesson for me, especially because I tend to have difficult first trimesters. During my first pregnancy, I had to switch doctors — my symptoms were brushed off, and I was met with zero empathy. The attitude was basically, “This is just part of pregnancy, you have to suffer through it.” That didn’t sit right with me.


This time around, I’ve had a completely different experience. My current doctor is kind, understanding, and proactive. She offered medication early on, supported a workload reduction, and genuinely made me feel cared for. If your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, please speak up. You don’t need to “tough it out.”I also involved my employer early, and thankfully, they were understanding.


Some women need more than just rest — some even require IV fluids due to severe vomiting. Whatever you’re experiencing, know that it’s valid. You’re not being dramatic or weak.If your current doctor doesn’t take your concerns seriously, it’s okay — and necessary — to find someone more supportive. You deserve compassionate care, especially from someone who may eventually support you during the birth. If they’re dismissive now, how will they respond when things get more intense?




Paperwork, Insurance, and Your Rights


What Does Basic Insurance Cover?


If you are pregnant, you don't have to pay any share of the related healthcare costs that are specifically maternity-related. This means that you pay no deductible, no retention fee and no contribution to the costs of your stay in hospital. From the 13th week of pregnancy and up until eight weeks after the birth, you also pay nothing for general medical services as well as for healthcare services in the event of illness.


Basic health insurance covers the following check-ups:

  • Two ultrasounds (more if the pregnancy is deemed high risk)

  • First-trimester screening to determine the risk of trisomies 21, 18 and 13, and

  • If the first-trimester test indicates a high risk, then non-invasive prenatal testing (NIFT) and if necessary amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling.

Added to this are regular check-ups with your obstetrician/gynaecologist, which in some cases may be conducted by a midwife.


Source:


Your Rights at Work During Pregnancy

As an expecting mother, you’re legally protected in Switzerland — something I was really grateful to learn early on.


Here’s what your employer is required to do:

  • Limit your working hours to no more than 9 hours per day

  • Ensure your tasks don’t involve physical strain or health risks

  • Offer you equivalent daytime work if you usually work night shifts (between 8 PM and 6 AM)

  • From the final 8 weeks of pregnancy, night work is completely forbidden

  • Provide a space where you can rest during the day


You also have job protection: your employer cannot dismiss you during your pregnancy or during your 16-week maternity leave. The only exception is if you're still in your trial period or in cases of serious misconduct.





Pregnancy is a deeply personal journey, and navigating it as an expat can feel especially overwhelming at times. I hope sharing my own experience — the lessons, the mistakes, and the things I’ve done differently the second time around — helps you feel a little more prepared and a lot less alone.


I`ll continue with the second trimester soon! Stay Tuned!




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