For comfortable motherhood
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Where to give birth
The best maternity hospitals in Barcelona
If you are choosing a maternity hospital in Barcelona, this information will help you decide.
Public hospitals
If you have access to the public healthcare system, your CAP (primary care clinic) has likely informed you about your reference maternity hospital, and your pregnancy follow-ups may already be taking place there.
You will have the option to fill out a birth plan, which you can bring with you to the hospital.
Many maternity hospitals also offer the opportunity to visit their facilities before your baby’s due date to familiarize yourself with the environment.
If you are not satisfied with your assigned hospital, you are not obligated to give birth there. You can discuss a transfer with your midwife or simply go to another hospital on the day of delivery—they are required to accept you.
If you prefer a natural birth and/or one with minimal medical intervention, all hospitals are required to provide a comfortable and supportive experience. However, there are several hospitals in Barcelona known for their exceptional approach to respectful birthing: Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, and Hospital del Mar.
Private clinics
If you have private health insurance and are considering a private clinic for childbirth, Barcelona offers a wide range of options: from large hospitals to smaller specialized clinics.
Find out what the standard childbirth protocols are, including procedures such as mandatory IV catheters, continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, routine episiotomies, and the percentage of cesarean deliveries. Check if the hospital has a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (UCI neonatal) in case your baby requires specialized care and at what gestational age they can admit you if labor begins before your due date.
Private clinics often provide a more personalized approach, including the choice of medical team and birthing conditions.
The most popular private clinics in Barcelona include: Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona, Clínica Corachan, Hospital Cima, and Centro Médico Teknon.
Birth centers or home births
If you decide to give birth at home or in a specialized birth center, there are also options available.
In Barcelona, experienced midwives offer home birth services, and this practice is completely legal. A licensed home birth midwife is trained and qualified to assist you during childbirth, assess the situation beforehand to determine if hospitalization is needed, respond quickly to unforeseen circumstances, and prepare the necessary documents after the baby’s birth for obtaining a birth certificate.
It’s important to ensure that home births are safe and only conducted in low-risk cases with a clear plan in place for emergencies.
Specialized "birth centers" are an option for those who want a home-like atmosphere but still prefer to stay close to medical staff. These centers are often attached to hospitals, allowing for a quick transfer to a maternity ward in case of an emergency. Here are a few options for you: Casa de Partos del Hospital de Martorell (located in a neighboring town of Barcelona) and Casa Laietània (in Badalona).
