Having a Baby in Tanzania

Having a baby in Tanzania as an expat or digital nomad can be a unique and challenging experience. The healthcare system in Tanzania varies greatly between urban and rural areas, and between public and private sectors. For expats, navigating this system requires careful planning and consideration. Access to quality healthcare, finding English-speaking doctors, and deciding where to give birth are some of the key concerns. Understanding the local customs, what to expect from prenatal care, and the availability of medical facilities can help expats prepare for the arrival of their new family member in Tanzania.

Choosing a Doctor

When looking for a doctor or midwife in Tanzania, expats should start by seeking recommendations from other expats or consulting their country's embassy. Many expats opt for private healthcare where it's more likely to find English-speaking doctors and midwives. While there are English-speaking medical professionals in Tanzania, they are more prevalent in larger cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha. It's important to choose a healthcare provider who is experienced in managing pregnancies and who can offer a level of comfort and communication that aligns with the expat's expectations.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Tanzania can vary widely depending on whether you choose a public or private healthcare provider. In private clinics and hospitals, expats can expect a standard of care similar to what they might find in their home country, including regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and blood tests. However, in public hospitals, resources may be more limited, and the frequency of prenatal visits might be less than what is typical in Western countries. It's important for expats to discuss and understand the prenatal care plan with their chosen healthcare provider early on in the pregnancy.

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

Most expats in Tanzania opt for private health insurance to cover maternity costs. This is because private healthcare provides a higher standard of care and access to better facilities and English-speaking staff. Private insurance can help mitigate the high costs associated with private healthcare services. Expats should ensure that their insurance plan covers prenatal care, delivery, and any potential complications that may arise, as well as postnatal care for both the mother and the baby.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in public hospitals in Tanzania can be quite different from that in private hospitals. Public hospitals are often overcrowded and under-resourced, which can lead to less personalized care. On the other hand, private hospitals offer more modern facilities, shorter wait times, and generally a higher standard of care with more privacy. Private hospitals are also more likely to accommodate special requests and provide amenities that can make the birthing experience more comfortable for the mother.

C-Sections in Tanzania

Caesarean sections are available in Tanzania, both in public and private hospitals. However, the rate of C-sections may be higher in private hospitals, where patients can more readily choose this option or where doctors may be quicker to recommend it. In public hospitals, C-sections are typically performed when there are complications or risks associated with vaginal delivery. It's important for expats to discuss the possibility and their preferences regarding C-sections with their healthcare provider well in advance.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management during delivery in Tanzania varies greatly. In private hospitals, expats may have access to a range of pain relief options, including epidurals, though availability can be limited and should be discussed beforehand. In public hospitals, pain management options are often more limited, and women may need to prepare for a natural birth with little to no pain relief available. It's crucial for expats to discuss pain management options with their healthcare provider and to have a clear plan in place for their delivery.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are primarily found in major cities in Tanzania, such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza. These facilities are equipped to handle premature births and other neonatal complications. However, the availability and quality of NICUs can vary, and they are more commonly found in private hospitals. Expats should consider the proximity to a hospital with a NICU when planning where to give birth, especially if there are known risk factors for complications.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Tanzania

"I researched many facilities to have my child in Tanzania. All the way from Dar, to Arusha, to the neighboring country of Kenya. I even looked into a home birth with medical supplies at the the bedside. I spoke with an expat midwife here in TZ. I just knew she was going to tell me to have the baby at home, all natural, etc. etc. Instead she told me that the risk are far to great here to have a baby at home, (living just outside of Arusha) she advised me to not even have the baby in the county of TZ but go to Kenya to the Nairobi Hospital. I spoke with more Dr's, and again they all recommended going to another country if you have the options. I spent most all of my entire pregnancy in Tanzania, went back to the U.S. 6 weeks before the delivery, and returned to TZ 6 weeks after the delivery. If you are choosing to have your baby in TZ then I would recommend the Lutheran hospital in Arusha TZ, or going to Nairobi. I have spoken with other expats that have had their baby at the Lutheran Hosp and said that is was a good experience. I am a Registered Nurse, and I think that when you are educated on the risk, and have another option that is safer, you go with that one. The hospitals are not the same, I have seen used syringes laying around, remember HIV is Very common in TZ. And many other crazy unsanitary things. But again, many TZ women here have babies are live, but sadly there are many who do not. TZ has a very high mortality rate of mothers after birth. Hope this has helped," commented an expat living in Arusha.

"There are so many what if's when having a baby in a third world country... I would tell my friend that she needs to be confident in her decision and that her and her spouse should agree on it, because whichever decision they make, they are going to have to not have any regrets if the what if's come true," said one expat living in Arusha.