Having a Baby in Austria

Having a baby in Austria as an expat can be a positive experience, with high-quality medical care and supportive services. The country offers a well-established healthcare system, and many medical professionals speak English, making it easier for expats to navigate their pregnancy and childbirth journey. Here's what to expect:

Choosing a Doctor

To manage their pregnancy, expats can choose between a gynecologist (Frauenarzt) and a midwife (Hebamme). English-speaking doctors are available, especially in urban areas like Vienna, but their numbers may be limited compared to German-speaking ones. Recommendations from local expat communities or online forums can help find suitable healthcare professionals. The Austrian Chamber of Physicians (Österreichische Ärztekammer) also maintains a list of registered doctors.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Austria is comprehensive and follows a structured schedule. Regular check-ups include ultrasound scans, blood tests, and physical examinations. The Mutter-Kind-Pass, a health record booklet given to expectant mothers, outlines these appointments and provides important health information. Prenatal classes and workshops are also available, with some offered in English.

Do Expats Typically Have Private health insurance when Having a Baby in Austria?

Austria has a two-tier health system, with both public and private insurance options. Expats from EU/EEA countries can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for public healthcare services. However, many expats opt for private health insurance to access a broader range of services and providers, shorter waiting times, and greater flexibility. Private insurance can also provide coverage for specific requests like a private room or specific birthing methods.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

Public hospitals in Austria offer high-quality maternity care with experienced professionals. However, they may have shared rooms and fewer amenities. Private hospitals provide more comfort, with private rooms and personalized care, but at a higher cost. Both options ensure medical safety and support during delivery. Some cities, like Vienna, offer birth centers (Geburtshäuser) for those preferring a more natural, less medicalized environment.

C-Sections in Austria

C-sections in Austria are not overly common but are performed when medically necessary. The rate is lower than in some other European countries, as natural birth is generally preferred. Medical professionals discuss the necessity of a C-section with the expectant mother before proceeding.

Pain Management During Delivery

Various pain management options are available during delivery in Austria, including epidurals, spinal anesthesia, and non-medical methods like acupuncture or hypnobirthing. However, the approach may vary between hospitals, so it's essential to discuss preferences with the healthcare provider beforehand.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Major cities like Vienna, Graz, Linz, and Innsbruck have hospitals equipped with neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). These facilities provide specialized care for premature or critically ill newborns. Not all hospitals have NICUs, so it's crucial to research nearby facilities, especially for those living in rural areas. In case of necessity, newborns may be transferred to a hospital with a NICU.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Austria

"I did not receive any medication in my epidural, and the doctor mumbled something to the effect of "no pain, no gain". I was furious and had to end up having a c-section emergency and then they knocked me totally out, I woke up to a slap on the face by the nurse (instead of a pinch on the cheek), she said AUFWACHEN and I didn't have enough energy to slap her back. So, it was very stressful birth. They keep you in the hospital for 2 weeks after a c-sec. And for a normal delivery, its about 3-4 days. LKH Graz...," commented an expat living in Graz.

"I would suggest she find a good midwife, and cover all the bases and communicate exactly all her options so that everything is understood before the labor begins. I would have her tour the hospital, ask questions etc.," said one expat living in Graz.