Having a Baby in Kuwait

For expats and digital nomads living in Kuwait, the prospect of having a baby in a foreign country can be both exciting and daunting. Kuwait offers a high standard of medical care, with modern facilities and well-trained healthcare professionals. However, navigating the healthcare system, understanding cultural norms, and ensuring clear communication can pose challenges. This article aims to provide an overview of what expats can expect when having a baby in Kuwait, from choosing a healthcare provider to understanding the nuances of prenatal care, delivery options, and postnatal support in this Middle Eastern country.

Choosing a Doctor

When it comes to finding a doctor or midwife in Kuwait, expats have several options. Many private hospitals and clinics cater to the expatriate community, and it is relatively easy to find English-speaking doctors, as English is widely spoken in the medical community. To find a suitable healthcare provider, expats can seek recommendations from their embassy, expat forums, or local support groups. It's important to choose a doctor who is experienced in managing pregnancies and who makes you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the process.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Kuwait is comprehensive and closely aligns with international standards. Expectant mothers can anticipate regular check-ups, ultrasound scans, and blood tests to monitor the health of both mother and baby. Prenatal classes may also be available, particularly in private hospitals, to prepare parents for childbirth and parenting. Nutrition, exercise, and general well-being are typically discussed during prenatal visits, and doctors are usually attentive to the specific needs and concerns of expat patients.

Do Expats Typically Have Private Health Insurance when Having a Baby in Kuwait?

Most expats in Kuwait opt for private health insurance to cover maternity costs. While public healthcare is available, it may not cover all the needs of expatriates, and there can be significant differences in the level of comfort and privacy between public and private facilities. Private insurance ensures access to private hospitals, which often provide a more familiar environment for expats, with shorter wait times and more personalized care.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of having a baby at a private hospital in Kuwait is generally more comfortable for expats compared to public hospitals. Private hospitals offer more privacy, with private rooms and the option for partners to be present during the birth. The standard of care is high, with state-of-the-art facilities and access to specialized care. Public hospitals, while providing competent care, may have more restrictive policies regarding privacy and family involvement during delivery, and the environment may be less luxurious than in private hospitals.

C-Sections in Kuwait

Cesarean sections are relatively common in Kuwait, and the rates are in line with or slightly higher than global averages. The decision to perform a C-section is typically based on medical necessity, but elective C-sections are also an option. It's important for expats to discuss their birth plan and any preferences with their healthcare provider well in advance of their due date.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management during delivery in Kuwait varies depending on the hospital and the expectant mother's birth plan. Epidurals and other forms of pain relief are available in most private hospitals. It's advisable for expats to discuss pain management options with their healthcare provider during prenatal visits to ensure their wishes are understood and can be accommodated during labor and delivery.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Major cities in Kuwait, such as Kuwait City, have hospitals equipped with Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) for babies who need special care after birth. These facilities are well-equipped to handle a range of neonatal complications, and the staff is typically trained to international standards. Expats should inquire about the availability of NICU services at their chosen hospital during the prenatal period to ensure they are prepared for any situation that may arise.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Kuwait

"I went to a private maternity hospital (Royale Hayat). They are covered by my insurance plan, too. It was an amazing experience. I wanted pain free labor and it pretty much was. I discussed my birth plan with my doctor in advance. He was very supportive and made me feel at ease. The anaesthesiologist and the rest of the staff were kind and helpful. And the rooms were 5 star, definitely," commented an expat living in Kuwait City.

"I went to a private hospital (Royale Hayat) even though they were not included with my insurance. Prenatal office visits were about 20KD a piece, the lab tests weren't very expensive. Doctors in Kuwait want to do an ultrasound every visit, so if you don't want that you have to say so. They are also used to their patients just accepting whatever they say without questioning and doing things without telling you. So, you really have to be proactive and assertive about what you do and do not want. My goal was a natural childbirth. Except for being induced with prostaglandin gel and sweeping membranes, that is what I had. The labor and induction rooms have "birth" balls. The induction rooms also have jacuzzi tubs. I wrote a birth plan, my doctor as well as the nursing staff read it and they abided by it as much as they could. I was free to move around during labor without being attached to the monitors constantly. The only problem really was that when it came time to push, my doctor wanted me in lithotomy position. I said no and she accepted me being in a side-lying position. I stayed two nights in the hospital. It was a positive experience overall. The only issue I had postpartum was that they did a blood sugar test on my daughter without my consent and tried to tell me she was going to have to have formula instead of exclusively breastmilk. I kept my daughter with me in my room the whole time. They waited to cut her cord until it stopped pulsing and they did not give her the hepatitis B vaccine- all per my requests," said an expat in Kuwait City.

"I would recommend my favorite books, because there are not prenatal classes for first time parents. I would recommend delivering at Royale Hayat because they are the most natural-birth-friendly," said one expat living in Kuwait City.