Giving Birth in Barcelona: A Guide for Expectant Mothers

Welcoming a baby into the world is one of life’s most transformative experiences. If you’re planning to give birth in Barcelona, you’re in good hands — the city offers a wide range of options for maternity care, from modern public hospitals to private clinics and more personal alternatives like birthing centres or home births.

This guide walks you through what to expect in each setting, how to prepare, and what choices you can make to ensure your experience feels safe, supported and true to your wishes.

Giving Birth in a Public Hospital in Barcelona: Comprehensive Care with Strong Medical Support

Barcelona’s public healthcare system (CatSalut) is well-known for its excellent maternity care. If you’re a resident, you’ll be automatically assigned to a hospital based on where you live. Your midwife ("comadrona") at the local CAP (Centre d’Atenció Primària) can confirm which hospital that is.

If you’d prefer a different hospital — for example, one that follows a respected birth protocol or offers support for a natural birth — you can request a referral (“derivación”) around week 33 of pregnancy. Simply ask your midwife for help with this and they’ll process the change.

What to expect:

• Public hospitals are well-equipped for most types of births, including high-risk or complicated cases.

• Some have dedicated natural birth protocols, where midwives offer care (instead of OBGYNs), and interventions are kept to a minimum.

• Caesarean rates are generally lower in public hospitals than in private ones (around 22%), and they tend to follow more evidence-based guidelines.

• Rooms are often shared, and your partner may have a chair or recliner to stay overnight. Though private rooms are limited, it is possible to get one in some public hospitals.

• Visiting hours are more structured, and hospitals follow strict hygiene protocols.

Why many women choose to give birth in the public system in Barcelona: If you want access to full emergency care and skilled neonatal units, public hospitals offer the best backup and safety net. Prenatal and postpartum care are also integrated through the same public system, so there’s a sense of continuity and coordination.

Giving Birth in a Private Hospital in Barcelona: Comfort and Convenience

If you have private health insurance or are happy to pay out-of-pocket, private hospitals can offer a more personalised experience — and often a more comfortable stay.

Highlights:

• Private rooms are standard, so you’ll have more privacy and your partner can usually stay comfortably.

• You’ll likely see the same obstetrician throughout your pregnancy and delivery, which many families find reassuring. Although if you go into labor when your OB is not available, then the OB on the floor will be assigned to you.

• Appointments, tests and ultrasounds can be arranged more flexibly and often with shorter waiting times.

• Visitor rules are typically more relaxed.

  
  

Things to keep in mind:

• Most private insurance plans require you to have held the policy for at least 10 months before pregnancy to include maternity coverage.

• Caesarean rates are generally higher (around 34%) compared to the public system.

• Not all private hospitals have neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). In the rare case of complications, a transfer to a public hospital may be needed.

For those seeking a calm, hotel-like atmosphere and the comfort of consistent care from your chosen doctor, private hospitals can be a lovely choice — as long as you feel comfortable with the medical setup and costs.

Alternatives to Hospital Birth in Barcelona: Gentle, Personal, and Empowering

Barcelona is also home to some beautiful alternatives for those looking for a more natural or home-like birth experience. These options are generally suitable for low-risk pregnancies.

Birthing Centres in Barcelona

Birthing centres (or “casas de partos”) are spaces designed to feel more like a home than a hospital — calm, intimate, and centred on the natural rhythm of labour.

• Casa Laietània, located within Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona, is a wonderful example. It’s run by midwives, equipped for low-risk births, and offers water births, freedom of movement, and a relaxed environment that still has hospital backup nearby.

• Some public hospitals — like Hospital Clínic and Sant Joan de Déu — also have natural birth rooms with birth tubs, dimmed lighting, and other comfort measures.

  
  

Home Birth

Home birth is another possibility in Catalonia. You’ll need to hire a qualified midwife who provides prenatal care, birth attendance, and postpartum visits. It’s also essential to have a clear plan in case a transfer to a hospital becomes necessary.

Groups like Nacer en Casa (nacerencasa.org) can help you find certified home-birth professionals and understand what to expect.

Humanised Birth Programs

Several Barcelona hospitals, such as Sant Joan de Déu, have developed “humanised” birth programs (like the MARE Program - "Maternitat Respetada") that encourage a more natural, family-centred approach. These programs prioritise your birth plan, include mobility and different birthing positions, and promote immediate skin-to-skin contact.

New Developments and Current Trends in Giving Birth in Barcelona

Barcelona’s maternity landscape is evolving to give families more choice and respect.

• More natural and respectful birth protocols: Public hospitals are increasingly supportive of birth plans, skin-to-skin contact, and reduced medical intervention.

• New birthing centres: Spaces like Casa Laietània are offering midwife-led, low-intervention birth environments connected to major hospitals.

• Progressive hospital policies: For instance, some typically more "traditional" hospitals are now supporting VBAC — a significant step forward for women’s choice and autonomy.

  
  

Choosing What’s Right for You when Having a Baby in Barcelona

Every birth is unique — and every mother has different needs and dreams for the moment she meets her baby.

Barcelona is a wonderful city to welcome your baby. Whether you choose a public or private hospital, a cosy birth centre, or the quiet comfort of your own home, there are many options to choose from.

Take your time exploring your options, ask plenty of questions, and trust your instincts — they’ll guide you to the place where you and your baby can begin your story together, feeling safe, supported, and loved.

We are happy to support you in making this choice. Feel free to reach out to us anytime.