Having a Baby in Mexico

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and for expats and digital nomads living in Mexico, the journey of having a baby can be both exciting and daunting. Mexico offers a vibrant culture, warm climate, and a relatively lower cost of living, which can be attractive for those looking to start or grow their family abroad. However, navigating the healthcare system, finding the right medical support, and understanding local practices around childbirth can present unique challenges. This article aims to provide an overview of what it's like for an expat to have a baby in Mexico, covering key aspects such as choosing a healthcare provider, prenatal care, hospital options, insurance considerations, and more.

Choosing a Doctor

When expecting a baby in Mexico, finding the right doctor or midwife is crucial. Expats should start by seeking recommendations from local expat communities, online forums, or even their embassy. Many expats opt for private healthcare where it's more common to find English-speaking doctors. While there are numerous English-speaking doctors in major cities and tourist areas, they may be less common in rural or less developed regions. It's important to interview potential healthcare providers to ensure they align with your expectations for prenatal care and delivery. Some expats may also consider hiring a doula for additional support during pregnancy and childbirth.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Mexico typically includes regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and blood tests to monitor the health of both mother and baby. The frequency and type of care can vary depending on the healthcare provider and whether you're using public or private services. Private healthcare often offers more personalized and comprehensive prenatal care, with shorter wait times and more modern facilities. Public healthcare is accessible to residents but may involve longer wait times and less personalized attention.

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

Many expats in Mexico opt for private health insurance to cover maternity costs. Private insurance can provide access to a wider network of hospitals and clinics, as well as more immediate and personalized care. Some expats may be covered by international health insurance plans, while others purchase local private insurance. It's important to check that your insurance plan covers maternity care and to understand any waiting periods or exclusions that may apply.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in Mexico can vary significantly between public and private hospitals. Public hospitals are accessible and affordable, but they may be crowded and offer fewer amenities. Private hospitals, on the other hand, typically provide more comfortable facilities, shorter wait times, and a higher staff-to-patient ratio. Private hospitals are also more likely to accommodate birth plans and offer private rooms. However, the cost of giving birth in a private hospital can be significantly higher, especially for those without adequate insurance coverage.

C-Sections in Mexico

Cesarean sections are relatively common in Mexico, with rates higher than the global average. Some private hospitals have particularly high C-section rates, which can be attributed to a variety of factors including scheduling convenience for doctors and patients, as well as financial incentives. It's important for expats to discuss their birth plan and preferences with their healthcare provider early on and to be aware of the potential for a medically unnecessary C-section.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management options during delivery in Mexico can vary. Epidurals are available in most private hospitals, but they may not be as commonly used in public hospitals due to resource limitations or cultural preferences. Other forms of pain relief, such as nitrous oxide or pain medications, may also be offered. It's essential to discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider well in advance of your due date to ensure your preferences can be accommodated.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are more commonly found in larger cities and private hospitals in Mexico. Cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey have well-equipped hospitals with NICUs that can provide specialized care for newborns who need extra medical attention. If you're living in a smaller town or rural area, it may be necessary to travel to a larger city for access to these facilities. It's advisable to plan ahead and know the location of the nearest hospital with a NICU when expecting a baby in Mexico.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Mexico

"As Clara is my first child, I really had no preconceived idea as to how the experience would be. OK, I knew it would be by-and-large unpleasant, so I was never expecting to enjoy the experience. Plus, we moved from Toluca to Saltillo when I was 7 months pregnant, so at times it felt like we were flying by the seat of our pants. Our obstetrician is affiliated with the Hospital Universitario (a teaching hospital for the Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila). Originally, I thought this was a private institution, and while our private insurance paid for the entire birth (minus the pediatrician) it was listed on Clara's hospital birth record as a public institution. So I'm curious if IMSS would cover the cost of a birth there. However, I have no answers on that. We went into the hospital at 10pm (after beginning labor at 6am. I was trying to limit the amount of time I had to spend in the hospital). But at 10pm I really wanted some drugs. Unfortunately, there was not an anesthesiologist on duty that late in the day, and it took the better part of two hours to track him down. Boo. In talking with other friends who've had babies in Mexico, it seems that mothers are not usually given the choice of a non-medicated birth (no complaints here), but that they may wait to dispense those good drugs for longer than they might in the US. However, not having ever given birth in the US, I really don't know. (And I do realize that showing up in the middle of the night is not ideal for any doctor, so maybe that experience is not universal.) We were in the hospital for maybe 36 hours. I believe that we could have stayed longer, but my husband and I were ready to be home. Overall, it was a positive experience. It would have been more positive without an episiotomy, but, among my conversations wtih my friends, this seems to be a common experience, too," commented an expat living in Saltillo.