Universitätsklinikum AKH Wien

The Medical University of Vienna’s main work is research, teaching and advanced medicine. To that effect, we concentrate on pathological pregnancies, such as multiple pregnancies, premature waters breaking / dangerous premature birth; pregnant women with additional conditions such as diabetes, pre-eclampsia, abnormal placenta localisation, egg donation etc.

The pregnant woman comes with spontaneous labour and gives birth either only with a midwife, or with a midwife and a doctor. Very often the partner, or another caregiver, is also present for the birth. As we mainly care for patients with pathological births, we frequently use an epidural anaesthetic (EDA) for pain relief. In very rare instances, an episiotomy must be carried out.

We initially have a detailed discussion with the patient about the reasons as to why she wants a Caesarean section.
In the case of young patients whose main motivation for getting a Caesarean section is worry about pain, we try to encourage them to have a spontaneous delivery with the offer of an EDA.

Partners, or other companions, are present for 80-90% of deliveries. We also allow this for Caesarean sections.

The patient can choose her own birthing position. The accompanying midwife will support her in this.

In order to help patients to better manage their labour pains, we support them with the help of a relaxation bath, as well as medical opportunities, such as administering Nalbuphine and EDA.

We try to get the feelgood factor right during the birth, through various measures such as a relaxation bath. Furthermore, we are aware how important it is that a partner or another person in a position of trust is present at the birth.

Our midwives are trained in homoeopathic medicine. This means that we can offer both pregnant women and women giving birth the use of homoeopathic methods.

We are eager to support the earliest possible mother-child contact (bonding). This happens directly after a natural birth. However, it is even possible for bonding to occur during Caesarean section surgery.

If the patient needs psychological or social support, we have 4 clinical psychologists available to help. However, medical staff and midwives will also be there to support patients.

Rooming in is a very important measure which helps to support the bonding process. We try to support this as a standard practice, as long as there are no medical reasons against it.

We are aware of the long-term benefits of breastfeeding, and do everything we can to support the mother in this.

Our patients come from all cultures and corners of the earth, and we try to meet a wide range of cultural requirements.

If there are language barriers, we manage to accommodate patients with the help of professional interpreters, and colleagues / midwives with foreign language skills.

An inpatient birth (early discharge) after the child has been examined by a paediatrician, and the mother by a birth helper, is possible in principle.