Giving Birth in Spain

Are you pregnant and living in Spain? Maybe it is difficult for you get back to your home country to give birth, but you may be worried about the implications of giving birth in Spain.

Be reassured: not only is Spanish healthcare famous for being one of the best, but its doctors and nurses are also renowned worldwide for their training and expertise. Childbirth can always be a bumpy ride, for one reason or another, and it is only natural to worry about it all going perfectly, especially if you feel uneasy that you are not in your own country and communication could be a problem.

National Healthcare System

If you are a legal resident working in Spain, then you are entitled to public healthcare. If you choose to give birth in a public hospital, you will generally have a local hospital assigned, except in the case of going into labour far away or yours not having enough room. All public hospitals will take you in case of such emergencies. This is what it will be like:

You will get three ultrasounds during the pregnancy.
The good side of a Social Security hospital is that it usually is better equipped, and the resources are better. They usually have an anaesthetist and a gynaecologist no matter what
They are said to perform less C-sections than in private hospitals.

Downside of the National Healthcare System

Attention will not be as personal –it is most likely that the doctor who helps you deliver your baby will not be the same who took care of your pregnancy. You will mainly be with the midwife, and the doctor will come if there are complications or special methods are needed.
The staff, although highly professional will probably not speak English
The protocols are stricter concerning procedures, visits, special requests, your own birth plan, etc.
You will probably have to share a room.
Because nurses are very professional and well-prepared, they are usually used to all sorts of hard situations: they can be kind and incredibly attentive, of course, but they will also be straightforward and efficient. They are doing their best for your own good, so be kind to them even if they seem tough!

Private Healthcare Service

If you have a private insurance or prefer to pay for a private hospital, there are also many factors to consider. You can choose the hospital you want to go to.

You will also get three ultrasounds during pregnancy, with the possibility of asking for a 3D one.
Private hospitals have a wider range of professionals to choose from, and you can ask for an English- speaking doctor, and even change specialists if you are not comfortable or want a second opinion.
The doctor that takes care of your pregnancy will also be there to deliver your baby, typically with a team of four other people: a midwife, an assistant, an anaesthetist, and a neonatologist.
You can expect a shorter wait for results and appointments, and visits are usually allowed at any time.
You will be able to have your own room, sometimes even a suite.
Private hospitals usually offer other services like a photographer, religious services, and even hairdressers.

On the other hand, private hospitals have a few downsides too:

They may have the need to redirect you to a public hospital for special tests, since they can have better equipment. Other emergencies or complications may also incur in redirecting you to a public hospital that has the necessary human and technical resources.
You will have to bring with you a suitcase with anything the baby might need (diapers, clothes, toiletries, etc.)
The number of C-sections performed in private hospitals is also higher than that of public hospitals, but this is also due to private hospitals being more accommodating to mothers’ petitions when they want to set a specific date for the birth of their babies.

General Tips on Giving Birth in Spain

Although it is quite rare in Spain and it is not covered by the public system, giving birth at home is an option. Its approximate cost can be around 2000€, but there are options of finding midwives that will help you through this if you really want to do it.
Even if your Spanish is very good, and even if you consider yourself bilingual, having a native by your side to help you communicate with the hospital staff is highly recommendable. There can be chaotic moments and many bilingual mothers have admitted to forgetting Spanish or finding it hard to think in a second language.
Gas or air are not allowed in Spanish hospitals, but epidurals and pethidine are available.
This is Spain… there will be paperwork. Get information on the paperwork you will need when your baby is born.
Talk to other mothers and listen to their recommendations for good, trustworthy doctors.

For a full list of English-speaking hospitals, clinics or Gynaecologists see the ESHA Spain directory of healthcare providers https://eshaspain.org/esha-directory/categories/

Giving Birth in Spain