Having a baby in Romania? Here’s everything you need to know

Are you living in Romania as an expat, and preparing for having a baby in Romania? If you’re thinking of starting a family here, then you would want to prepare yourself in advance for this experience.
Having a baby in Romania

Having a baby is probably the happiest experience on Earth, but when it’s in a foreign country, it can bring up many questions and concerns. For those planning to welcome a baby in Romania, understanding the medical, legal, and practical nuances can be invaluable. This guide provides very useful information on having a baby in Romania, covering topics from prenatal care to Romanian birth registration processes and practical tips on what to expect.

1. Preparing for parenthood in Romania

Starting your journey to parenthood in Romania is exciting, but also comes with important preparations. These always include the following aspects:

  • Choosing the right hospital: Romania offers a variety of both public and private hospitals. While public hospitals are affordable and accessible, the hospitalization conditions are not very comfy. Private hospitals on the other side have more comfortable facilities and shorter wait times.
  • Researching prenatal care options: a prenatal care program in Romania is similar to other European countries. You’ll undergo regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and tests to ensure your pregnancy progresses smoothly.
  • Insurance coverage: most health insurance policies in Romania cover standard prenatal care. However, private clinics may require additional payments for specialized services.

2. Understanding maternity care options

Romania provides a range of maternity care options for expectant parents, with the choice largely between public and private hospitals. Each option has its own characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. It can resume to affordability, accessibility, or specialized care.

Here’s a closer look at the maternity care options available, particularly in the capital city of Bucharest, where you’ll find some of the country’s best medical facilities.

Public maternity care

Public hospitals in Romania are state funded, which means that Romanian citizens and foreign residents paying public health insurance can receive maternity care at minimal to no additional cost. Public facilities offer essential and often good medical care, though they may lack some of the best practices or comfort-focused amenities that private facilities provide. For those looking to give birth in a traditional hospital with dependable services, public hospitals are a good option.

In Bucharest for example, several well-regarded public hospitals provide maternity care:

Filantropia Hospital

One of the oldest maternity hospitals in Bucharest, Filantropia is renowned for its experienced medical staff and offers comprehensive maternity services. These include prenatal consultations, delivery, and postnatal care. This hospital has a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and experienced pediatricians available around the clock. They provide good care for both routine and high-risk pregnancies. While facilities may be more basic than in private hospitals, Filantropia is known for its experienced medical staff.

University Emergency Hospital (Spitalul Universitar de Urgență București)

Known for its skilled obstetricians and emergency care capabilities, this hospital is also a top choice, especially for high-risk pregnancies. With dedicated staff and advanced equipment for critical cases, it is particularly valued for emergency support and surgical expertise. Like most public hospitals, the amenities may be limited compared to private facilities, but the hospital’s medical expertise is well-respected.

Polizu Maternity Hospital (Spitalul Clinic de Obstetrică-Ginecologie Prof. Dr. Panait Sârbu)

Commonly referred to as Polizu, this is one of the most renowned public maternity hospitals in Bucharest. Known for its long-standing reputation and skilled medical staff, Polizu offers comprehensive obstetric and gynecological services, making it a popular choice for expectant mothers in Romania. The hospital has a high level of expertise in handling both routine and complex pregnancies, often attracting patients with high-risk pregnancies who require specialized medical attention. The hospital’s team includes experienced obstetricians, gynecologists, and neonatologists, along with a dedicated nursing staff.

St. Pantelimon Emergency Hospital

Another popular public hospital, St. Pantelimon provides basic and emergency maternity services, catering primarily to locals and Romanian citizens. Known for its skilled doctors and obstetric staff, the hospital has served generations of families and maintains a reputation for reliable care at an accessible cost. However, like many public hospitals, it may not have the same level of luxury or modernized rooms as private hospitals.

Public hospitals are a viable option for those seeking a straightforward, affordable experience. However, keep in mind that public facilities may require you to bring personal items, including postpartum essentials and baby supplies. Many of them are in lack of such supplies, du to poor budgets.

Private maternity care

For parents looking for more personalized and comfortable maternity experiences, private hospitals in Romania are an attractive choice. These hospitals offer more privacy, shorter wait times, and modern facilities, making them popular among expats and Romanians who want a premium experience. Private hospitals often allow more flexibility in birthing plans, giving parents the option for a more customized experience.

In Bucharest, some of the most reputable private maternity hospitals include:

Regina Maria Maternity Hospital

Part of the Regina Maria private healthcare network, this hospital offers a very comfortable birthing experience. Known for its good technology, modern birthing rooms, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), it provides comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postnatal services. The hospital also offers personalized birthing plans and amenities like private suites and comfort packages. These can include various services such as epidurals and dietary choices for the mother. Many expats and locals opt for Regina Maria for its comprehensive packages and high-standard care.

Sanador Hospital

Sanador is a private hospital in Bucharest that boasts advanced medical technology, private birthing suites, and a team of specialists experienced in both standard and high-risk pregnancies. Similar to other private hospitals, Sanador offers a range of maternity packages that include options for natural birth, C-section, and a full range of prenatal and postnatal services. Known for its excellent nursing staff, comfortable facilities, and 24/7 emergency services, Sanador is a preferred choice for those looking for a seamless, quality-focused maternity experience.

MedLife Maternity Hospital

MedLife is one of Romania’s largest private healthcare providers, with a huge network of hospitals and clinics across the country. The MedLife Maternity Hospital in Bucharest offers an array of services from prenatal care to delivery and postpartum support. It is particularly known for its neonatal care services and specialized programs for high-risk pregnancies. The hospital’s modern facilities, coupled with personalized maternity plans and family-centered care, make it a favorite among many urban families, as well as expats.

Key differences between public and private maternity care in Romania

Here are some essential differences to consider when choosing between public and private hospitals in Romania:

For expectant parents considering having a baby in Romania, choosing between public and private care comes down to balancing costs with comfort and the level of personalized care desired. Private hospitals generally provide good quality services and facilities that resemble those found in Western Europe, making them an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort and convenience. Public hospitals offer reliable and affordable care with medical teams known for their experience and expertise in maternity care.

3. Prenatal care routine for a baby in Romania

In Romania, prenatal care follows a structured process to monitor the health and development of both mother and baby. This is for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and preparing for a safe delivery. Here’s a breakdown of the main aspects of prenatal care, with details on what each involves and why they are important:

Monthly check-ups

During the first trimester, monthly check-ups are a standard practice to closely monitor the initial stages of pregnancy. These visits usually involve:

Monthly check-ups continue throughout the second trimester as well, although their frequency may increase to biweekly or weekly visits in the third trimester as the due date approaches.

Ultrasounds and diagnostic tests

Ultrasounds and diagnostic tests are important components of prenatal care in Romania, as they allow for close monitoring of the baby’s development and help detect potential complications early on. Here are the types of tests you should expect if having a baby in Romania:

Routine ultrasounds and diagnostic tests provide vital information about the baby’s development, enabling doctors to address any concerns early and provide reassurance to the parents.

Gestational diabetes test

The gestational diabetes test is a specific screening conducted in the second trimester, typically around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. This test is important because gestational diabetes, a temporary form of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy, affects both the mother and baby’s health. Here’s what the test involves in practice:

Gestational diabetes poses risks such as higher birth weights, premature delivery, and increased chances of cesarean sections. Managing it early with dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and, if needed, medication, ensures the health of both mother and baby.

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Andreea Fieraru

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