Having a Baby in Sweden

Having a baby in Sweden as an expat or digital nomad can be a reassuring and positive experience, thanks to the country's high-quality healthcare system and its family-friendly policies. Sweden is known for its egalitarian approach to maternity care, which is designed to support both parents and children. Expectant expat parents can look forward to comprehensive prenatal care, a range of birthing options, and generous parental leave policies. However, navigating a new healthcare system and understanding local practices can be challenging. This article aims to provide an overview of what expats should expect when having a baby in Sweden, from choosing a healthcare provider to understanding the options for delivery and pain management.

Choosing a Doctor

When expecting a baby in Sweden, expats typically register with a midwife (barnmorska) at a local maternity clinic (mödravårdscentral, MVC). Midwives are the primary caregivers for pregnant women in Sweden, overseeing the majority of prenatal care. It is possible to find English-speaking midwives and doctors, especially in larger cities and towns. Expats can ask for recommendations from their local expat community or consult the list of English-speaking doctors provided by their embassy. Additionally, many healthcare professionals in Sweden speak English, so finding an English-speaking provider is generally not difficult.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Sweden is thorough and patient-centered. Expectant mothers will have regular appointments with their midwife, which will include routine check-ups, ultrasounds, and blood tests. The prenatal care also focuses on education and preparation for childbirth and parenting. Parents-to-be are encouraged to attend prenatal classes (föräldrautbildning) to learn about childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant care. These classes are often available in English in larger cities.

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

Sweden's healthcare system is publicly funded, and residents, including expats with the right to reside in Sweden, have access to maternity care through the national health insurance. Therefore, private health insurance is not typically necessary for expats when having a baby in Sweden. However, some expats may choose to have private insurance for additional coverage or for services not included in the public system.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

In Sweden, most births take place in public hospitals, which are well-equipped and staffed with skilled healthcare professionals. Public hospitals offer a high standard of care and a range of birthing options, from natural births to medically assisted deliveries. Private maternity care is less common, but it is available for those who prefer a more private setting or who want a specific doctor. The main difference between public and private care is the level of privacy and possibly shorter waiting times for certain services in private facilities.

C-Sections in Sweden

Caesarean sections are less common in Sweden compared to many other countries, with a focus on promoting natural births whenever possible. However, C-sections are performed when medically necessary for the safety of the mother or baby. The decision to perform a C-section is made by healthcare professionals based on the individual circumstances of each birth.

Pain Management During Delivery

Sweden offers various pain relief options during labor, including epidurals, which are widely available. Other methods, such as nitrous oxide gas, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), acupuncture, and water births, are also options. The use of pain management is a personal choice, and expectant mothers are encouraged to discuss their preferences with their midwife or doctor during prenatal visits.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are available in major cities across Sweden, such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. These specialized units are equipped to care for premature babies and newborns with medical complications. The country's healthcare system ensures that if a baby requires intensive care, they will have access to high-quality services, regardless of where they are born.