Having a Baby in Romania

Having a baby in a foreign country can be a daunting prospect, but Romania offers a unique experience for expats and digital nomads who find themselves expecting a child while living there. The country has a mix of modern and traditional practices in maternity care, and expats will find that navigating the healthcare system is an integral part of the journey. From choosing the right doctor to understanding the healthcare system, having a baby in Romania as an expat involves a series of important decisions and adjustments. This article aims to provide an overview of what to expect when having a baby in Romania, including finding a doctor, prenatal care, hospital choices, insurance considerations, and more.

Choosing a Doctor

When it comes to finding a doctor or midwife in Romania, expats have several options. Many expats prefer to go with private healthcare providers where it is easier to find English-speaking doctors. While there are English-speaking doctors in the public system as well, they are fewer in number. It's advisable to seek recommendations from other expats or consult expat forums and groups for personal experiences and referrals. In larger cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara, you are more likely to find a variety of English-speaking healthcare professionals. It's important to start looking for a healthcare provider early in the pregnancy to ensure you find someone you are comfortable with.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Romania typically includes regular check-ups with a gynecologist, blood tests, ultrasounds, and monitoring of the baby's development. The frequency of these appointments may increase as the pregnancy progresses. In the private healthcare system, you can expect more personalized care and shorter waiting times. Public healthcare facilities also provide prenatal care, but the experience may vary depending on the hospital and the region.

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

Many expats opt for private health insurance when having a baby in Romania. This is because private insurance can provide access to a wider network of private hospitals and clinics, where the standard of care is often perceived to be higher and the comfort level more akin to what one might expect in Western countries. Additionally, private health insurance can cover more of the costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth, which can be significant in private healthcare settings.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in public hospitals versus private hospitals in Romania can differ greatly. Public hospitals are often more crowded and have fewer resources, which can lead to longer wait times and less privacy. On the other hand, private hospitals offer more modern facilities, private rooms, and a higher staff-to-patient ratio, which can contribute to a more comfortable birthing experience. However, the cost of giving birth in a private hospital is considerably higher than in a public one, which is an important consideration for expats without comprehensive health insurance.

C-Sections in Romania

Cesarean sections are relatively common in Romania, with rates that are higher than the EU average. Some private hospitals have particularly high C-section rates, which can sometimes be attributed to the convenience of scheduling births for both doctors and parents. However, if an expat mother prefers a natural birth, it is important to communicate this wish clearly to the healthcare provider and ensure that the chosen hospital supports natural birth practices.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management during delivery in Romania varies between hospitals and individual preferences. Epidural anesthesia is available in most private hospitals and many public hospitals, but its use is not as widespread as in some Western countries. It's essential to discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider well in advance of your due date to understand what is available and to make your preferences known.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Not all hospitals in Romania have neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The majority of NICUs are located in major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, and Timisoara. If you are living in a smaller town or rural area, you may need to travel to a larger city for access to these specialized services. It's crucial to consider the proximity of a NICU when planning where to give birth, especially if there are known risk factors for complications that may require advanced neonatal care.