Having a baby

If you’re planning on becoming a parent, Barcelona offers all the support you need to go through pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood with confidence and peace of mind. Here’s everything the city has to offer to help you through this unique and special time. 

The public health system: bring your baby into the world your way

If you’re hoping to have a baby in Barcelona, you’ll be supported by the public health system at every stage. You’ll get advice on reproductive health, care throughout your pregnancy, the freedom to choose how you want to give birth, and postnatal care for you and your baby. 

First, you’ll need to get an individual healthcare card (TSI) by registering with CatSalut. When you have this, you can go to your local primary care centre (CAP), where you’ll be referred to a sexual and reproductive health unit (ASSIR). There you’ll be assigned a multidisciplinary team of experienced medical professionals: midwives, obstetricians and gynaecologists, psychologists, paediatricians and any other specialists you may need during pregnancy, childbirth and after your baby is born. 

You’ll receive free support throughout your pregnancy, including regular prenatal check-ups and advice on healthy habits for you and your baby. You’ll also have access to prenatal classes, childbirth preparation groups, expectant father groups and postpartum groups. These sessions cover both the physical and emotional aspects of parenthood and are a great way to meet other parents-to-be and start building your own support network.

In the hospitals of the Barcelona public health network, you can decide how you want to give birth. Work with your ASSIR midwife to create a birth plan that reflects your choices and ensures they are respected. You can choose to have as natural a birth as possible, with immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth to help you bond with your baby and start breastfeeding. You’ll also have access to a range of pain relief options, from natural methods to medical ones such as an epidural. 

Barcelona’s public hospitals are well equipped with specialised services for newborns and mothers in case of complications. For example, all hospitals have neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and incubators for premature babies, among other essential facilities.

The public hospital you’re assigned to depends on where you live in Barcelona and which CAP you’re registered with. The main public maternity hospitals in Barcelona are Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Hospital del Mar, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and Sant Joan de Déu Mother and Child Hospital. Healthcare teams are increasingly able to provide care in English and other international languages.

Depending on the type of birth, you’ll usually stay in hospital for between one and three days. Once you’ve gone home, you’ll continue to receive postpartum support. You’ll also be able to join a range of postpartum support groups – whether it’s breastfeeding support, pelvic floor recovery, navigating relationships after the baby’s arrival, or mindful parenting. These groups are a great way to meet other mums and dads and build a support network to share the experience of this new stage in your life.

Private services to prepare for the birth of your baby

If you prefer private medical care, Barcelona offers a wide range of specialised hospitals and clinics, some of which are highly regarded in the fields of reproductive medicine and obstetrics. 

Check with your private health insurance company to see what coverage you have, as many insurers require a minimum waiting period before covering maternity-related expenses. You can also visit the Barcelona Medical Destination website, which lists private health centres, hospitals and clinics in the city.

Make sure you find out exactly how they will support you during childbirth. In general, it’s worth knowing that statistically, caesarean sections are more common in private clinics than in public hospitals. It’s also a good idea to find out what facilities are available, such as a NICU, in case your baby needs special care.

If your pregnancy is considered low-risk and you want to give birth at home, you can hire a private midwife. However, this is still relatively uncommon in Barcelona, as most families choose to give birth in hospital. It’s also important to know that midwives in Barcelona are fully qualified nurses specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, and that doulas are not usually considered suitable to supervise births, as they generally do not have official qualifications. 

How to register your baby

When your baby is born, there are a number of formalities that need to be completed before you leave the hospital. You’ll need to ask for the birth certificate and the baby’s health record, which contains details of the medical tests carried out at birth. 

If your baby is of Spanish nationality and was born in a public hospital, you can complete the Civil Registry process directly at the hospital. If not, you’ll need to register through the consulate or embassy of your home country. 

You’ll also need to register your baby in the municipal registry (padró) of the city of Barcelona and in the social security system in order to apply for an individual health card. This health card will give your baby access to the public health system. Once registered, you’ll be able to choose a paediatrician to carry out the first health check and regular check-ups throughout their childhood. The staff at the hospital or clinic where your baby is born will guide you through these first steps.