International family resource
Having a Baby in Spain: Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Guide
A practical starting point for English-speaking families who are pregnant, preparing for birth or adjusting to life with a new baby in Spain.
Written by Blanca Francés, Midwife / Matrona · Published 23 September 2026 · Updated 23 September 2026
Finding out that you are pregnant in a country where you do not speak the local language fluently can bring practical questions as well as excitement. This guide helps you organise those questions and identify the right healthcare professionals and sources for your situation.
Maternity pathways can vary by autonomous community, healthcare provider and personal circumstances. Information that may change should be confirmed with your health centre, hospital, insurer or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Discovering you are pregnant in Spain
Start by recording the date of your positive test and your questions. Contact the healthcare provider or service you intend to use so they can explain the next steps for your circumstances. Seek urgent medical advice for urgent or worrying symptoms.
Understanding maternity care
Spain includes public and private maternity care pathways. The professionals involved, appointments and practical arrangements can differ. Ask which service coordinates your care, how to contact them and which documents or health information they need.
Pregnancy appointments
Appointments may cover your wellbeing, pregnancy history, questions and appropriate checks. Before each visit, write down symptoms, medicines, concerns and the questions you want answered. Ask for an interpreter or English-language explanation where needed.
The role of a matrona
A matrona is a Spanish midwife. Depending on the setting and your individual care pathway, a matrona may support pregnancy education, preparation for birth, postpartum care and breastfeeding. Ask your local service what is included.
Preparing for birth
Preparation can include learning about comfort measures, the place where you plan to give birth, communication with your care team and practical arrangements for the early days. An English-speaking midwife can help you prepare questions and discuss your preferences.
Birth plans
A birth plan can record your preferences and questions for discussion with the maternity team. It is not a promise that every preference will be possible, because clinical circumstances can change. Keep it concise and share it with the relevant team.
Giving birth
Your hospital or maternity team should explain the arrangements that apply to you. Ask about where to go, who to contact, what language support is available and what your partner may need to know. For urgent concerns, follow the advice of your healthcare service.
Postpartum care
After birth, support may involve recovery, emotional wellbeing, newborn care and feeding. Keep the contact details for your maternity and paediatric services available, and ask who to contact if you or your baby need assessment.
Breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding questions are common in the early days. A midwife or breastfeeding professional can provide individual support. If you are worried about your health or your baby's health, contact the appropriate healthcare professional promptly.
When additional medical care may be required
This guide cannot assess symptoms or replace medical advice. Contact your maternity, medical or emergency service when you have urgent concerns, symptoms that worry you, or questions about your or your baby's health.
Explore the English resource cluster
These supporting guides are being prepared for factual and medical review before publication. They are intentionally marked as drafts while that review is outstanding.
Pregnant in Spain: What to Do After a Positive Pregnancy Test
A practical first-step checklist for international families.
View draft →What Is a Matrona in Spain? A Guide for Expats
The role of a Spanish midwife and questions to ask.
View draft →Giving Birth in Spain: What International Families Should Know
A review-ready guide to planning and communication.
View draft →Giving Birth in Valencia: A Guide for International Families
Local preparation topics for families planning birth in Valencia.
View draft →Public vs Private Maternity Care in Spain
A neutral framework for comparing care pathways.
View draft →How Pregnancy Appointments Work in Spain
Questions to prepare before appointments and visits.
View draft →How to Create a Birth Plan in Spain
How to organise preferences as a conversation tool.
View draft →Birth Preparation in Valencia for English-Speaking Families
English-language preparation options and support.
View draft →Postpartum Care in Spain: What to Expect
A review-ready overview of the transition after birth.
View draft →Breastfeeding Support in Valencia for English-Speaking Mothers
Questions and support options for feeding in the early weeks.
View draft →English-speaking midwife support in Valencia
If you are looking for practical, bilingual support during pregnancy, birth preparation, postpartum or breastfeeding, Blanca offers consultations in English and Spanish. Home visits are available in Valencia, Sagunto and surrounding towns, with online consultations available anywhere in Spain or Europe.
Author: Blanca Francés, Midwife / Matrona. This educational guide is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Review official and local information before making healthcare decisions.
Further information: Spanish Ministry of Health and NHS pregnancy guidance.