The administrative details you need to know if you are giving birth in Spain. Who to contact and what to expect from the system through the pregnancy
and the post-natal period: maternity leave, midwives and vaccinations. Before conception, or in the early stages of pregnancy it is recommended to explore the options available and consider the following: Where to receive care during pregnancy?. Where to deliver the baby?. Where to get post natal care Entitlements available under the social health care system. The coverage available from private health care. There are both state-owned social security hospitals and private clinics in all areas of Spain. A person not entitled to social health care has the option of private care. This choice of private care may be influenced by available insurance cover and the cost of individual services. A mother wanting to give birth at a private clinic must have private insurance in place at least ten months before becoming pregnant. If this is not done, it might be difficult to find an insurer. Most regions of Spain provide translation services in the hospitals and clinics. Pre-Natal Care As soon as a pregnancy is suspected, consult a doctor or midwife. This visit is to confirm the pregnancy, examine the expectant mother and organise routine blood tests and an early ultra sound scan. Generally (although this may vary) pre-natal examinations will be given by a doctor or midwife. The schedule of examinations is: every 4 weeks up to 32 weeks. The mother is seen by the midwife and attends the hospital for scansevery 2 weeks after 32 weeks (in most regions in Spain). If there are complications with the health of the mother or baby, visits will be weekly, with a second scan at 36 weeksbetween 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, the midwife does a compulsory group B streptococcus test (Note, this applies to state hospitals only; in most private hospitals it must be requested - one in four pregnant women have the bacteria Strep B) The reason for regular pre-natal care is to continually monitor maternal and foetal well-being, to monitor the progress of pregnancy and for early detection of deviations from normal. Pre-Natal Education Pre-natal education is a vital part of pre-natal care. Women who receive professional pre-natal education and preparation invariably fair better in labour. Some clinics provide a complete pre-natal education programme. The course should include preparation for labour (what to expect), breathing and relaxation techniques and preparation for infant feeding. In most cases the education or pre-natal classes start in the 28th week. Most classes invite partners as well. Where to Deliver the Baby Although it is seldom possible to choose a particular unit at a Social Security hospital these hospitals tend to offer a very high standard of care, with emergency personnel services readily available. When choosing a delivery unit the following could be considered: Which unit has the highest safety recordWhether there is a paediatrician resident in the unit 24 hours a dayIf there are facilities for intensive neonatal careThe Caesarean section rateThe methods of pain relief available In the private sector, the chosen obstetrician may only deliver in one particular unit. This would limit the choice.
Note: When opting for a private clinic, establish what happens in the case of premature birth - the majority of private clinics do not delivery before 36 weeks as most premature infants need specialised 24 hour care. After the birth Following a normal delivery, expect to stay in hospital (private and social security) for up to 48 hours. This allows time for at least two pediatric checks on the newborn. In the case of a Cesarean delivery, expect to stay in the hospital for up to five days. Make sure to have a family member around, as help will be needed with the newborn. On discharge from hospital, the baby and mother have a final examination; the mother has a scan. The mother is given a yellow form to be used to register the birth and an infant record book which will be the child's health record from birth to 18 years of age. Vaccinations The following vaccinations are recommended: tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, (Difteria, tétano, tos farina), Haemophilus B (Haemophilus influenzae tipo B), MMR (Sarampión, paperas, rubeola) TB (BCG), Meningitis. Note that immunisation policy may vary in the different autonomous regions of Spain. At one week of age the baby has a blood test to determine if there is any genetic error. This test is sent away for analysis; it takes up to 14 days for the results to be returned. This test is only done on social security. Home Births Homebirths in Spain are possible, although not as common place as in some western countries. That said, Barcelona and Madrid, in particular, have well-developed networks of midwives and clinics supporting alternative birth options. Nacer en Casa is an association providing information about homebirths, and connecting homebirth professionals. Nacer en Casa
At: C/ Guetaria, 56 - 6ºA, 28041 Madrid
Tel:
913 412 358
e-mail
Website (in Spanish) This association offers homebirth assistance: Cooperativa Titania-Tascó
At: C/ de la Llibertat, 47 bxos 1º, 08012 Barcelona
Tel:934 266 559
e-mail
Website (in Spanish) Home births in Catalonia Website Barcelona birth has useful information on pregnancy and birth in Spain and Barcelona. It includes clear birthing options available to a mother in Spain, along with a useful glossary of relevant Spanish words. The Marenostrum Centre de Salut Familiar in Barcelona works with local English- (British and American), Catalan- and Spanish-speaking midwives to provide a home birth option. Marenostrum
At: C/ Fontanella, 16 pral, Barcelona
Tel:933 022 915
e-mail
Website Registration of a Birth Births must be registered within eight days (but up to 30 days is accepted) at the local civil registry office (Registro Civil). It is the parents' responsibility to ensure this is done and it must be carried out in person by a parent or direct family member. In some cases the hospital, clinic or midwife may register the birth. The registered name must conform to Spanish regulations regarding compound names and also ensure that the name will not prove harmful or confusing for the child. The Ministerio Justicia English-language pages have a description of registering the birth: Click here The birth registration includes: name of the newborn date, time and location of the birth. In the case of multiple births, when the exact time is unknown for each newborn, indication shall be given of the order in which they were born, or that this could not be determined gender of the newborn the parents, when the relationship is legally recognised the number assigned to the birth or verification file the time of registration Birth certificates must state whether a child is legitimate or illegitimate. Children born within 180 days of their parent's marriage, or within 300 days of a divorce, a marriage annulment or the death of the father are considered legitimate. Registering a child born within a marriage A parent takes the following to the Civil Registry: Medical delivery report (this yellow form is provided by the hospital where the delivery took place) NIE (Foreigner's Identification Number) of the parents Libro de Familia (Family Book, if available) or marriage certificate legalised and translated Registering a child born outside marriage In this case, a declaration is required by both parents, with the father and the mother both registering the birth in person, providing the following documentation: Medical delivery report (yellow form is provided by the hospital where the delivery took place)The parents' NIEs Indication of the mother's marital statusIf a prior marriage existed, the legal presumption of paternity must be removed by providing a marriage certificate and a separation certificate or divorce decree (witnessed)In the case of separation, two witnesses must accompany the parent to the Civil Registry The birth certificate There are two types of certificate: short/abridged (un extracto de inscripción de nacimiento or certificado simple): contains the date of birth, the names of the child and parents and the inscription numberfull birth certificates (un certificado literal de nacimiento): full certificates may be needed for registration with the Consulate of a baby born to foreign national resident in Spain Once the birth certificate is issued, a Libro de Familia (Family Book) is allocated. This book contains the full history of the parents and children of the family. Birth certificates for specific regions can be downloaded: Click here Post Natal Care Post natal care tends to be very limited. Statutory Maternity Leave Statutory maternity leave in Spain is currently 12 weeks paid leave from work, which may be taken before (if complications are detected) or after delivery. This is increased by two weeks for each child in the event of a multiple birth from the second baby. Fathers are entitled to 15 days paternity leave (depending on their job). In 2015 this will be increased to 30 days. If there are complications for either the baby or the mother, the father is entitled to longer leave. Benefits In order to encourage more births in Spain, mothers of children born after 00:00 on 3 July 2007 are entitled to a one-off payment of €2,500 - the cheque bebé. Mothers who are Spanish citizens and foreigners who have been resident in Spain for at least two years prior to the birth are eligible. Adoptive parents who adopt a child within Spanish territory are also eligible. This allowance is only available if one parent has done the renta (tax declaration) for the previous year. To get the benefit, either contact the local Agencia Tributaria or get the help of a gestor. Working mothers are also entitled to a monthly allowance for childcare. Application for this monthly benefit automatically generates an application for the one-off €2,500 childbirth benefit. To apply, contact the local Social Security office (Seguridad Social). For more information on the cheque bebé: Click here (in Spanish)See the Seguridad Social website for the nearest office: Click hereFor further information, see the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) website: Click here (in Spanish)
and the post-natal period: maternity leave, midwives and vaccinations. Before conception, or in the early stages of pregnancy it is recommended to explore the options available and consider the following: Where to receive care during pregnancy?. Where to deliver the baby?. Where to get post natal care Entitlements available under the social health care system. The coverage available from private health care. There are both state-owned social security hospitals and private clinics in all areas of Spain. A person not entitled to social health care has the option of private care. This choice of private care may be influenced by available insurance cover and the cost of individual services. A mother wanting to give birth at a private clinic must have private insurance in place at least ten months before becoming pregnant. If this is not done, it might be difficult to find an insurer. Most regions of Spain provide translation services in the hospitals and clinics. Pre-Natal Care As soon as a pregnancy is suspected, consult a doctor or midwife. This visit is to confirm the pregnancy, examine the expectant mother and organise routine blood tests and an early ultra sound scan. Generally (although this may vary) pre-natal examinations will be given by a doctor or midwife. The schedule of examinations is: every 4 weeks up to 32 weeks. The mother is seen by the midwife and attends the hospital for scansevery 2 weeks after 32 weeks (in most regions in Spain). If there are complications with the health of the mother or baby, visits will be weekly, with a second scan at 36 weeksbetween 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, the midwife does a compulsory group B streptococcus test (Note, this applies to state hospitals only; in most private hospitals it must be requested - one in four pregnant women have the bacteria Strep B) The reason for regular pre-natal care is to continually monitor maternal and foetal well-being, to monitor the progress of pregnancy and for early detection of deviations from normal. Pre-Natal Education Pre-natal education is a vital part of pre-natal care. Women who receive professional pre-natal education and preparation invariably fair better in labour. Some clinics provide a complete pre-natal education programme. The course should include preparation for labour (what to expect), breathing and relaxation techniques and preparation for infant feeding. In most cases the education or pre-natal classes start in the 28th week. Most classes invite partners as well. Where to Deliver the Baby Although it is seldom possible to choose a particular unit at a Social Security hospital these hospitals tend to offer a very high standard of care, with emergency personnel services readily available. When choosing a delivery unit the following could be considered: Which unit has the highest safety recordWhether there is a paediatrician resident in the unit 24 hours a dayIf there are facilities for intensive neonatal careThe Caesarean section rateThe methods of pain relief available In the private sector, the chosen obstetrician may only deliver in one particular unit. This would limit the choice.
Note: When opting for a private clinic, establish what happens in the case of premature birth - the majority of private clinics do not delivery before 36 weeks as most premature infants need specialised 24 hour care. After the birth Following a normal delivery, expect to stay in hospital (private and social security) for up to 48 hours. This allows time for at least two pediatric checks on the newborn. In the case of a Cesarean delivery, expect to stay in the hospital for up to five days. Make sure to have a family member around, as help will be needed with the newborn. On discharge from hospital, the baby and mother have a final examination; the mother has a scan. The mother is given a yellow form to be used to register the birth and an infant record book which will be the child's health record from birth to 18 years of age. Vaccinations The following vaccinations are recommended: tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, (Difteria, tétano, tos farina), Haemophilus B (Haemophilus influenzae tipo B), MMR (Sarampión, paperas, rubeola) TB (BCG), Meningitis. Note that immunisation policy may vary in the different autonomous regions of Spain. At one week of age the baby has a blood test to determine if there is any genetic error. This test is sent away for analysis; it takes up to 14 days for the results to be returned. This test is only done on social security. Home Births Homebirths in Spain are possible, although not as common place as in some western countries. That said, Barcelona and Madrid, in particular, have well-developed networks of midwives and clinics supporting alternative birth options. Nacer en Casa is an association providing information about homebirths, and connecting homebirth professionals. Nacer en Casa
At: C/ Guetaria, 56 - 6ºA, 28041 Madrid
Tel:
913 412 358Website (in Spanish) This association offers homebirth assistance: Cooperativa Titania-Tascó
At: C/ de la Llibertat, 47 bxos 1º, 08012 Barcelona
Tel:
934 266 559Website (in Spanish) Home births in Catalonia Website Barcelona birth has useful information on pregnancy and birth in Spain and Barcelona. It includes clear birthing options available to a mother in Spain, along with a useful glossary of relevant Spanish words. The Marenostrum Centre de Salut Familiar in Barcelona works with local English- (British and American), Catalan- and Spanish-speaking midwives to provide a home birth option. Marenostrum
At: C/ Fontanella, 16 pral, Barcelona
Tel:
933 022 915Website Registration of a Birth Births must be registered within eight days (but up to 30 days is accepted) at the local civil registry office (Registro Civil). It is the parents' responsibility to ensure this is done and it must be carried out in person by a parent or direct family member. In some cases the hospital, clinic or midwife may register the birth. The registered name must conform to Spanish regulations regarding compound names and also ensure that the name will not prove harmful or confusing for the child. The Ministerio Justicia English-language pages have a description of registering the birth: Click here The birth registration includes: name of the newborn date, time and location of the birth. In the case of multiple births, when the exact time is unknown for each newborn, indication shall be given of the order in which they were born, or that this could not be determined gender of the newborn the parents, when the relationship is legally recognised the number assigned to the birth or verification file the time of registration Birth certificates must state whether a child is legitimate or illegitimate. Children born within 180 days of their parent's marriage, or within 300 days of a divorce, a marriage annulment or the death of the father are considered legitimate. Registering a child born within a marriage A parent takes the following to the Civil Registry: Medical delivery report (this yellow form is provided by the hospital where the delivery took place) NIE (Foreigner's Identification Number) of the parents Libro de Familia (Family Book, if available) or marriage certificate legalised and translated Registering a child born outside marriage In this case, a declaration is required by both parents, with the father and the mother both registering the birth in person, providing the following documentation: Medical delivery report (yellow form is provided by the hospital where the delivery took place)The parents' NIEs Indication of the mother's marital statusIf a prior marriage existed, the legal presumption of paternity must be removed by providing a marriage certificate and a separation certificate or divorce decree (witnessed)In the case of separation, two witnesses must accompany the parent to the Civil Registry The birth certificate There are two types of certificate: short/abridged (un extracto de inscripción de nacimiento or certificado simple): contains the date of birth, the names of the child and parents and the inscription numberfull birth certificates (un certificado literal de nacimiento): full certificates may be needed for registration with the Consulate of a baby born to foreign national resident in Spain Once the birth certificate is issued, a Libro de Familia (Family Book) is allocated. This book contains the full history of the parents and children of the family. Birth certificates for specific regions can be downloaded: Click here Post Natal Care Post natal care tends to be very limited. Statutory Maternity Leave Statutory maternity leave in Spain is currently 12 weeks paid leave from work, which may be taken before (if complications are detected) or after delivery. This is increased by two weeks for each child in the event of a multiple birth from the second baby. Fathers are entitled to 15 days paternity leave (depending on their job). In 2015 this will be increased to 30 days. If there are complications for either the baby or the mother, the father is entitled to longer leave. Benefits In order to encourage more births in Spain, mothers of children born after 00:00 on 3 July 2007 are entitled to a one-off payment of €2,500 - the cheque bebé. Mothers who are Spanish citizens and foreigners who have been resident in Spain for at least two years prior to the birth are eligible. Adoptive parents who adopt a child within Spanish territory are also eligible. This allowance is only available if one parent has done the renta (tax declaration) for the previous year. To get the benefit, either contact the local Agencia Tributaria or get the help of a gestor. Working mothers are also entitled to a monthly allowance for childcare. Application for this monthly benefit automatically generates an application for the one-off €2,500 childbirth benefit. To apply, contact the local Social Security office (Seguridad Social). For more information on the cheque bebé: Click here (in Spanish)See the Seguridad Social website for the nearest office: Click hereFor further information, see the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) website: Click here (in Spanish)
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