Having a baby is one of the most important milestones in the life of every woman and family. If you are planning to give birth in Spain, this article will be your complete guide. We will look at the medical system, pregnancy procedures, the birth process itself, the registration of primary documents, as well as the benefits and possible challenges of living with a baby in this sunny country.
1. Medical care and pregnancy management
Spain offers high level of medical care for pregnant women and newborns.
Rights and free services
• Ukrainian women with temporary protection status have the right to free obstetric care and consultations in state medical institutionsThis means that if you have such status and insurance, you can use all medical services for free.
• All persons permanently residing in Spain are entitled to free obstetric care..
Pregnancy management procedure
1. First visit to the midwife (matrona): After a positive pregnancy test It is recommended to contact a midwife immediately. at your local health center. The midwife will provide advice and support throughout your pregnancy, including preparation for childbirth and breastfeeding. It is recommended to register for check-ups at 6-7 weeks of pregnancy..
2. Tests and examinations: The midwife will refer you for the necessary tests, such as a general and biochemical blood test, determination of the Rh factor, blood group, coagulation, as well as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.
3. Consultations with a gynecologist: In Spain there are no separate women's consultations. If necessary, the matron refers the woman to a gynecologist. During pregnancy, it is usually three ultrasound examinations (USG).
4. Frequency of visits: Appointments with the doctor are held once a month in the first trimester, once every two weeks in the second, and weekly in the third.
5. Private vs. Public Medicine: Although private medicine offers insurance services for childbirth, it is not always of much higher quality than the state oneIn fact, the same doctors can work in both systems. Private maternity insurance is much more expensive.
2. The process of childbirth
The Spanish childbirth system is organized in a way that ensures the comfort and safety of both mother and child.
• Birthing locations: In Spain there are no separate maternity hospitals. Births are taken in specialized maternity wards located in hospitals or gynecological clinics.
• Department equipment: These units include maternity, antenatal and postnatal wards, as well as operating rooms for emergency cesarean sections, located next to the delivery rooms. The wards are equipped with everything necessary.
• Personnel: An anesthesiologist and pediatrician are always present in the hospital to examine the newborn after delivery.
• Support: One of the family members can be constantly with the woman in labor. (except for the operating room), which contributes to the normal psychological state of the mother.
• Postpartum period: After giving birth, relatives and loved ones are allowed to visit. The woman usually stays in the ward. within 3-5 days after the birth of a child.
• Without prior registration: No prior appointment is required for childbirth; the woman in labor is served by the maternity team.
3. Registration of primary documents for a newborn
After the birth of a child, parents are issued a temporary certificate.
• Spanish birth certificate: This is the first basic document. For use outside Spain (for example, to apply for a Ukrainian passport), it is necessary apostillize and make a consular translation.
• Family Book (“Libro de Familia”): Spain issues a “libro de familia” – a very important document, which is an analogue of a family book, which combines the child's birth certificate and the parents' marriage certificate in one book. This is very convenient for all authorities.
• Ukrainian passport: To apply for residency, the child must have: own international passport, it cannot simply be entered in the father's passport. To do this, a package of documents is submitted to the Ukrainian consulate to obtain Ukrainian citizenship and a foreign passport for the child.
• Newborn registration: If the parents are residents of Spain, they must register the newborn as a citizen of the country. within 30 days.
• Residence permit (residence permit) for a child: If one of the parents has a valid residence permit, he or she first applies for a residence permit for the child. The child receives same residence as the father, and for the same term.
4. Advantages of having a baby in Spain
Having a baby in Spain offers a number of significant advantages:
• High level of medical care.
• Social benefits: You can receive social benefits for a child from the government – “prestasion ihorgo” – up to 100 euros per month.
• Help from charitable organizations: If you are a refugee, you can ask for help (free items, diapers) from charities such as Caritas.
• High level of safety and tolerance: Spain has a strong police presence, which provides peace of mind for children's safety. Discrimination and bullying are frowned upon in society.
• Inclusivity of Spanish schools: Spain strives to integrate children with special needs into mainstream education as much as possible. Children with mild to moderate disabilities are educated alongside everyone else, with additional support from special tutors.
• Education system:
◦ Kindergartens: Public, private and semi-private are available. Hours are flexible, approximately 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
◦ Schools: Children go to school from the age of 6, and education is compulsory until the age of 16. If a child experiences language difficulties, they are taken to a special class where they are treated.
◦ Sports sections and clubs: A wide choice, for example, football (about 350 euros per year), music schools (conservatories) and unique flamenco classes, which is very popular in Seville.
• The opportunity for parents to legalize: After your child obtains Spanish citizenship (after one year of legal residence), you, as a family member of an EU citizen, can apply for 5-year residence permit.
• Citizenship for a child: A child born in Spain can obtain citizenship after one year of legal residence. The procedure is simplified if the application is submitted before reaching the age of majority, without language and history exams.
5. What to look out for / Possible nuances
Although Spain offers many advantages, there are some aspects to consider:
• Queues for public kindergartens: In large cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, you have to register for public kindergartens in advance, sometimes a year or a half in advance.
• Paid services in public kindergartens: Not everything is free in public kindergartens; they usually charge for meals ("comidor") and some other services.
• Thefts: Sources mention that the police may not be as effective in dealing with thefts (especially petty thefts up to 500-1000 euros).
• Dual citizenship: Spain officially prohibits dual citizenship. However, a child born in Spain may have both Ukrainian and Spanish passports. If a child was born in the country but acquired another citizenship, he or she has the right to apply for Spanish citizenship upon reaching the age of 18.
• Document update: Spanish documents (such as a birth certificate) are valid in Spain for three months, so they will need to be updated when applying for citizenship.
6. Tips for parents
• Plan ahead: Think through your action plan in advance regarding documents, medicine, and accommodation.
• TIE and registration: Make sure you have your NIE and Segat Social. Registration (registration at the place of residence) can give you more “points” for your child to enter a school near your home.
• Personal international passport for a child: The child must have their own international passport to apply for residency.
• Legal advice: If you are planning to purchase or rent real estate, or have any legal questions, seek advice from specialistsThis will help avoid problems and protect your rights.
• Child's departure to Ukraine: If you are planning to travel to Ukraine with a child born in Spain, you will need an apostilled and translated Spanish birth certificate, as well as consent of both parents to move, if one of them remains in Spain. The Spaniards are very careful about this, as they consider the child to be their citizen. It is also mandatory registration at the Spanish consulate in Ukraine after arrival.
7. Maternity insurance in Spain
Although public healthcare in Spain provides basic services for pregnant women and mothers in childbirth, many families choose private health insuranceIt can cover:
- Pregnancy management in private clinics.
- Childbirth with the possibility of choosing a doctor and hospital.
- Separate rooms for comfort.
- Advanced examinations and tests without queues.
- Postpartum care for mother and child.
The cost of such insurance depends on the age of the expectant mother and the terms of the insurance package, but in many cases it allows you to avoid additional costs and get maximum comfort during such an important stage.
Consultation from an insurance agent
Olesya Brych – official insurance agent of the company DKV in Spain. Will help you choose the optimal insurance policy that will cover pregnancy and childbirth in private clinics.
Details on the website: www.seguro.expert
Please note: this article is based on sources found on the Internet. It is always recommended to check for up-to-date information and contact legal professionals for individual advice.