[Pregnancy counseling in clinical practice].

In Switzerland, labour has become much safer during the last 100 years for both mother and child. During this period the maternal mortality has decreased from 7 to 0.04%, the perinatal mortality from 5 to 0.7%. Modern obstetrical management is one important factor for this success. The means of the obstetrician are mainly screening procedures. One important part of effective care during pregnancy is giving general advice on pregnancy. Besides this, history, physical examination, biochemical and ultrasound examinations contribute to increase safety for both mother and child. In selected cases, feto-uteri therapies are possible to prevent major sequelae after birth. The following recommendations are in line with the new law for health insurance in Switzerland.