German Prenatal Care Items
This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. See full disclosure here. Thanks!
We’ve previously done a list of pregnancy care items, most of which are American-based items that you will be able to find in US-based stores or Amazon US. But we know there’s some wonderful options available for you and your prenatal care right here in Germany. Some of which are more natural or homeopathic-based, that you simply won’t find stateside.
So, whether you’re new to Germany or have been here awhile, and are now expecting a little one soon… where do you begin when you’re shopping in the German stores? The selection can be overwhelming and what the heck does the label say. “Bäuchleinsalbe” for example? Therefore, we thought we would create a list specifically geared toward what is available in Germany and what are some of the family favorites.
Most often during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, we hear that nausea is a big deal. Some relief options would be for example Globulis.
Have you heard of them?
Globulis are one of the most popular dosage forms of homeopathic medicines. The small white beads consist of sucrose (sugar) and are paired with an active ingredient which can be a plant or animal raw material as well as a mineral. They are very popular with many users mainly because of their gentle, natural mode of action. Most Globuli are gluten- and lactose-free and can also be taken by people with allergies or intolerances (even if you have diabetes). For more information please consult with your healthcare provider to see if these would be a good choice for you.
Sepia in particular may be a good choice for you if you are suffering from nausea. Globulis are available for purchase in almost every pharmacy. DHU Sepia
If you’re not sure if globulis are right for you here are a few other options:
Sea-Bands may be another great choice to tame nausea. You can see how they look here.
If you like teas, then this tea may help you with nausea as well.
If you would rather chew gum to help with your nausea, this may be for you.
Here is a real classic product for you. I know Americans resort to saltine crackers when they don’t feel too good. In Germany, we usually use zwieback. It is a type of crisp, sweetened bread made with eggs baked twice. Yum!
Not into the sweet bread option? No problem.. Head to the bakery and buy a pretzel. German bakeries have such tasty goodies, don’t miss out on stopping by one. But if you are not able to stop by a bakery though, you can buy some small mini pretzels (like this) and snack on them before bed time or before you get out of bed in the morning.
Next up is a very popular oil. Although we feel that coconut oil is an amazing oil that has wonderful benefits for your skin care regiment, we want to mention what most of our German friends use for a skin care product. It is called Bi Oil and helps to prevent and lighten stretch marks and scars.
Another very popular brand of skin care is Weleda. The company has a lot of different products. This particular one is something you can use during your pregnancy care. Link Here.
And finally, for lower back pain relief, this is a massage oil that you can use on your sacrum to help with better blood flow and the relaxing of the muscles. Link Here.
Another all too familiar symptom many expecting birth persons face is heartburn.
You can pop on over to Rossman drug stores to grab a heartburn relief aid like this. We know how uncomfortable it can be to suffer from prenatal heartburn, and we hope you are able to find some relief.
Getting comfortable while pregnant isn’t always easy, not to mention trying to sleep at night. You may be tossing and turning and doing your best to find the best position to get any bit of sleep — before having to get up to pee again or dealing with insomnia. Finding a good pregnancy pillow can be a huge benefit to you for good sleep and also good positioning for your hips and belly — creating alignment, balance, and space for baby come birthing time.
Here are a few resources for pregnancy support pillows.
The first one (here) is actually through Military Mommies, which may be covered under TriCare insurance, just send us a message and we can help.
Nursing and Pregnancy Pillow (yup, this one doubles as a good pillow during breastfeeding)
For just between the knees, you can use this little one (here).
Another way you can help to create space in your body for baby and you to work together and to also relieve pressure and discomfort in your pelvic floor and core is through using a yoga ball (link here). In our Doulas of Bavaria - Bumps to Babes group we go over some of the helpful stretches and movements you can do with a yoga ball as well — because there is so much more than just bouncing on a ball.
Drink in Style. Staying hydrated is an important thing during pregnancy.
Proper hydration can prevent headaches, fatigue, nausea, and even contractions. Germans like to use a Swiss brand called SIGG (link here). And remember, Germans love their bubbly water, so we have to make sure to bring bottles with us that won’t leak.
If iron is an issue for you during pregnancy, you may find this drink beneficial - . It tastes delicious and is geared towards expecting birth persons. Link Here.
You may or may not be aware yet that you will be given a “Mutterpass” from your Ob-Gyn office. This document is important in Germany. At each appointment your doctor will put all your medical information about your pregnancy in this book. You will even bring it to the place of birth with you (hospital, birth center, etc). It is the legal and official record of your pregnancy and birth journey.
Since this is booklet is such a big deal, many German women will buy a special cover just for that book — as you can also reuse it for a following pregnancy as well. If you would like to upgrade your book, you will find ideas here.
Of course this list is not extensive and just a few ideas to help you get familiar with “shopping on the economy” when searching for prenatal care items.
Do you think there’s something we missed or something you’d love to add to our list? Leave a comment with your favorite item to use in prenatal care too!