Having a Baby in Mongolia

Mongolia, with its vast steppes and rich nomadic culture, offers a unique experience for expats and digital nomads. However, having a baby in this country can present a set of challenges and experiences that are quite different from those in Western countries. Expats living in Mongolia will find that the healthcare system, while improving, still has limitations, especially outside the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Access to English-speaking doctors may be limited, and the quality of medical facilities can vary greatly between public and private institutions. Nevertheless, with proper preparation and understanding of the local healthcare landscape, expats can navigate the process of having a baby in Mongolia.

Choosing a Doctor

When looking for a doctor or midwife in Mongolia, expats should start by seeking recommendations from other expats or consulting their embassy for a list of healthcare providers. It is possible to find English-speaking doctors in Ulaanbaatar, though they are relatively few. Private clinics are more likely to have English-speaking staff than public hospitals. It's important to meet with potential healthcare providers early on to discuss your expectations and to ensure that there is no language barrier that could affect the quality of your prenatal care.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Mongolia may differ from what expats are used to in their home countries. In Ulaanbaatar, the standard of care in private clinics is generally good, with access to modern equipment and facilities. However, outside the capital, resources can be more limited. Regular check-ups, ultrasound scans, and blood tests are part of the typical prenatal care regimen. Expats should be proactive in asking questions and ensuring they receive the care they need throughout the pregnancy.

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

Most expats in Mongolia opt for private health insurance to cover maternity costs. This is because public hospitals may not offer the level of comfort and service that expats expect, and private healthcare can be expensive without insurance. It is advisable to check whether your insurance policy covers pregnancy and childbirth, as well as neonatal care, and to understand the extent of the coverage before you need to use it.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in public hospitals in Mongolia can be quite basic compared to private hospitals. Public hospitals may not offer the same level of comfort, privacy, or modern facilities. Private hospitals, on the other hand, tend to provide better amenities, more personalized care, and generally have more English-speaking staff. However, the cost of giving birth in a private hospital can be significantly higher, so it's important to ensure that your health insurance covers these expenses.

C-Sections in Mongolia

Caesarean sections are available in Mongolia, and the rates are comparable to global averages. However, the preference for natural births means that C-sections are typically performed only when medically necessary. Expats should discuss their birth plan with their healthcare provider to understand the circumstances under which a C-section would be recommended or required.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management options during delivery may be more limited in Mongolia than in Western countries. Epidurals and other forms of pain relief are available, especially in private hospitals in Ulaanbaatar, but may not be as commonly used or readily available in public hospitals or in rural areas. It's important for expats to discuss pain management options with their healthcare provider well in advance of the delivery date.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Hospitals with neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are primarily found in Ulaanbaatar. These facilities are equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies and provide care for newborns who need special medical attention. Expats living outside the capital should plan to travel to Ulaanbaatar for delivery if there are any concerns about the pregnancy or if a higher level of neonatal care is anticipated to be necessary.