Having a Baby in Colombia

Having a baby in Colombia as an expat can be an exciting and unique experience, with high-quality healthcare and supportive communities. The process might differ from what you're familiar with back home, but with adequate preparation, you can navigate the system effectively. Here's what you need to know:

Choosing a Doctor

To manage your pregnancy, you can choose between an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), a general practitioner (GP), or a midwife. English-speaking doctors are available, particularly in larger cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, but their numbers are not extensive. The best way to find a suitable healthcare provider is through recommendations from local expat communities, online forums, or your embassy's list of healthcare providers. It's crucial to feel comfortable with your chosen professional, as they will guide you through the pregnancy and delivery process.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Colombia typically involves regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and standard blood tests. Most doctors follow a schedule of monthly appointments until the third trimester, then bi-weekly until the final month, when appointments become weekly. Ultrasounds are frequently used to monitor the baby's development. Prenatal classes are not as common as in some other countries, but you can find them in major cities, often organized by private clinics or hospitals.

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

While Colombia's public health system (EPS) is available to residents, many expats opt for private health insurance for better access to services, shorter wait times, and more comfortable facilities. Private insurance can be purchased independently or obtained through employment. It's essential to review your policy carefully to understand the coverage for pregnancy, delivery, and newborn care.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in Colombia can vary significantly between public and private hospitals. Public hospitals are generally well-equipped, but they can be crowded, and waiting times may be long. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer more personalized care, private rooms, and better access to specialized services. They are often more expensive, but many expats choose them for the enhanced comfort and shorter wait times.

C-Sections in Colombia

C-sections are quite common in Colombia, with rates higher than the global average. Both public and private hospitals are well-equipped to perform these procedures. It's important to discuss your preferences with your doctor early in your pregnancy, as some healthcare providers and hospitals may have higher C-section rates than others. Be aware that in some cases, doctors may suggest a C-section for convenience or to minimize risks.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management options during delivery in Colombia can vary. Epidurals are available, especially in private hospitals and larger public facilities, but they may not be as commonly administered as in some other countries. It's important to discuss your preferences for pain management with your doctor well in advance, as some hospitals may require you to bring your own anesthesiologist for an epidural. Natural childbirth methods and alternative pain management techniques like water births are less common but can be found in certain clinics and with specific practitioners.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Larger cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena have hospitals equipped with neonatal intensive care units (NICU). These facilities provide specialized care for newborns who require extra medical attention. It's crucial to research hospitals in your area and understand their capabilities in case of complications. Some of the most renowned hospitals with NICUs include Clinica El Country and Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá in Bogotá, and Clinica Las Americas in Medellín. Always ensure you have a plan in place for any potential medical needs your baby might have.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Colombia

"This is the second time I became a father in Monteria, Colombia and both times we have both in Clinica Zyma. The staff was very professional and the facility is clean and we felt safe. The doctors and nurses are well trained and friendly and we trusted them. The facilities weren't new but clean. We had to stay two nights for a natural birth. At six weeks after birth we asked for and received the Citizen Born Abroad certificate. Also processed a passport and social security number through the embassy," commented an expat living in Monteria.

"The two hospitals we were recommended were Clinica del Contry and Fundaction Santa Fe. We chose Fundaction Santa Fe because the doctor we liked was associated with FSF. I ended up having to have a C-section because of preeclampsia, so I can't speak to the process for a vaginal delivery. During the hospital tour I had (before I knew I'd be having a C-section), We saw the delivery area. They have separate rooms for labor, delivery and recovery. The labor rooms seemed small, but were private. The delivery area is kept separate for hygiene, and the recovery room was a shared rooms with several beds. There was also a LDR, where you can do all three in one place, with a private shower, but there's only one, so if it's already in use you are out of luck. I was in the hospital for four days total. The first two days I was a shared room with two other people. It was difficult to sleep and the cabinets with the supplies were next to my bed, so there was a lot of traffic. There was a chair for my husband, but they didn't bring cots for family members. The second two days I was in the maternity ward in a private room with a shower and toilet. It was much more comfortable. They have rooming-in in the maternity ward, but my son was in the NICU so I didn't get to experience that. The rooms in the maternity ward have a fold-out chair that my husband slept in one night, but he didn't sleep well, so we didn't repeat that. The biggest problem was the pain after my surgery. It took a long time (three hours, I think) to get them to bring me the morphine - it was geting to the point that I was shivering and my teeth were chattering from the pain. My husband had to threaten to complain to the on-duty nurse's supervisor. We were later told that Colombian hospitals are overly conservative with pain medications because they are afraid of getting people addicted. Our son was in the NICU for a month. The staff was great, but it's not like a NICU in the States - there are no armchairs, and you can't just hold the baby whenever you want. I didn't get to hold my son until he was 8 days old. They don't allow wheelchairs in, so if you can't walk, you can't go see the baby (I couldn't walk until day three). Everyone has to leave when they are checking in a new baby or if they are doing procedures, so it's really unpredictable whether you'll actually get to spend time with the baby. Some days we were there for four or five hours but only got to see the baby for 30 minutes or so," said an expat in Bogota.

"If you have a high-risk pregnancy, I would recomment returning to the States. The NICU staff at FSF are great, but if our son had been born much earlier, he would have needed to medevac to the States, where the equipment and medical technology are better. They were fine for his condition, but the NICU chief told us that if the babies are smaller than two pounds, it's more difficult for them, whereas in the States one-pound babies often do just fine. Also, make sure if you deliver in Colombia that you have your husband advocating for you," said one expat living in Bogota.