Special circumstances

Premature birth

Premature birth is birth which occurs before the 37th week of amenorrhoea. Premature babies are usually treated in a neonatal unit, depending on their weight and their state of health.

In that case, the baby is transferred by the neonatal SAMU team. The mother can join her baby as soon as her own health permits.

Induced labour

Labour may be induced for medical reasons. For example, it may be induced if the pregnancy goes beyond term. There are various methods by which labour can be induced, contractions strengthened, and the cervix more quickly dilated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that labour not be triggered or induced for personal convenience or to suit your physician. The WHO recommends artificially triggering labour only if specifically medically indicated.

Birth under the name of X, or anonymous birth

Along with France, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is the only country to have legalised anonymous birthing, or 'birth under the name of X'.

When giving birth, the mother is not obliged to give her name. In that case, the child can be adopted.

The midwife who assisted an anonymous birth declares the infant with the Municipal Administration and the guardianship judge. The child is taken care of by the maternity hospital or paediatric clinic until they can be placed for adoption.