A checklist with all the formalities to be completed will help you remember everything important during your pregnancy. The article will tell you when you need to tell your employer that you are pregnant, when you need to apply for family allowances and how the baby is insured. If you plan a few months in advance, everything will be prepared when the birth approaches.
In the first and second trimester of pregnancy
Legally, there is no obligation or exact deadline within which you must inform your employer of your pregnancy. However, since you benefit from special protection regulations as a pregnant woman, it is definitely worth informing your employer as soon as possible. From the fourth month of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is no longer as high, so this is a good time.
As an employee, you submit the application for family allowances to your employer. The employer then forwards the application to its family allowance fund for review. If the application is approved by the family allowance fund, the employer pays the allowances monthly together with the salary. The cantons can also pay birth and adoption allowances. You can find more information at the Swiss Federal Chancellery.
Have you already discussed with your employer how the employment relationship will continue after maternity leave? If you want to and are able to work again after maternity leave, it is worth looking for a daycare place or other childcare option early on.
It is relaxing to get to know the midwife during your pregnancy, who will prepare you for the birth, answer your questions and also look after you at home after the birth.
A birth preparation course will inform you about the birth process, answer your questions and give you tips on pregnancy and birth. Keep an eye out for the various birth preparation courses on offer and sign up soon - some of the courses are well booked!
Where do you want to give birth to your child? Find out about information evenings in birthing centers and/or hospitals.
Soon to be parents: What needs to be done in the last trimester of pregnancy?
Now it is important to ask your health insurance provider how your baby should be insured after birth. Parents should take out any additional insurance during pregnancy, as they may refuse to accept the child if there is an illness at birth.
Make sure you make an appointment with your pediatrician now, as they are often fully booked.
Shortly before birth
If you need it, you should apply for household help now.
Are you pregnant but unmarried? Then you should apply for recognition of paternity at the registry office of the place of birth now. It is also advisable that you write a declaration together with the child's recognition, which is submitted to the registry office or to the child protection authority. As long as no declaration is submitted, parental responsibility lies exclusively with you.
Tip: You must present your identity card or passport to receive the birth certificate after the birth. As a precaution, you should also order a power of attorney (plus proof of identity) for another person in case you cannot collect the birth certificate yourself or provide a delivery address.
The baby is here
Every child born in Switzerland must be registered with the civil registry office of the place of birth. The registration must be made within three days of the birth. The hospital or birth center usually takes care of these formalities. The baby should receive a birth certificate shortly after the birth, which you will need in multiple copies so that you can present to all authorities. You must have taken out health insurance for the baby no later than three months after the birth. The cantonal or municipal authorities will usually inform you.
It is beneficial and very relaxing if you get and fill out all the forms that your little baby needs while you are pregnant. This saves you stress and allows you to spend more relaxed time with your baby.
