Giving Birth in Poland: A Complete Guide for Expats

Giving birth in Poland offers excellent maternity care at 60-80% lower costs than Western Europe, with comprehensive prenatal care through public NFZ insurance (free for workers) or private providers like Medicover (8,000-15,000 PLN prenatal packages plus 10,000-25,000 PLN delivery). Poland provides generous parental benefits including 20 weeks maternity leave at 100% salary, modern hospital facilities with epidurals and partner presence, and English-speaking doctors in major cities, making it an attractive destination for expat families.

Having a baby abroad can feel overwhelming, but Poland offers excellent maternity care at a fraction of Western European costs. Whether you're covered by public insurance or opting for private care, this guide covers everything you need to know about giving birth in Poland.

Healthcare Options for Pregnancy

Poland has a dual healthcare system, and you can choose between public (NFZ) and private care for your pregnancy and delivery.

Public Healthcare (NFZ)

If you work in Poland or are covered through a spouse, you're entitled to free maternity care under NFZ. This includes prenatal visits, ultrasounds, blood tests, and hospital delivery. Quality is generally good, but wait times can be longer, and English-speaking staff may be limited.

Private Healthcare

Many expats choose private care for faster appointments and English-speaking doctors. Popular providers include Medicover, Luxmed, and Enel-Med. Private maternity packages typically cost 8,000-15,000 PLN for prenatal care plus 10,000-25,000 PLN for hospital delivery, depending on the facility and room type.

Planning a family in Europe? Explore Poland expat resources for healthcare, maternity services, and family support networks.

Finding a Doctor

Start looking for an obstetrician (ginekolog-położnik) as soon as you know you're pregnant. Key considerations:

• Language: Many private doctors speak English, but confirm this when booking
• Hospital affiliation: Choose a doctor who delivers at your preferred hospital
• Availability: Ensure they can attend your delivery (some doctors work in rotation)
• Recommendations: Ask in expat Facebook groups for personal experiences

Prenatal Care

Polish prenatal care follows European standards. Standard appointments include:

• Monthly check-ups until week 28
• Bi-weekly appointments from week 28-36
• Weekly appointments from week 36 until delivery

Standard Tests and Screenings

Your doctor will order routine blood tests, urine analysis, and glucose tolerance tests. Ultrasounds are typically performed at weeks 11-14 (with nuchal translucency screening), 18-22 (detailed anatomy scan), and 30-32 (growth scan). Additional screenings like NIPT are available privately if desired.

Choosing a Hospital

Research hospitals early as popular ones fill up quickly. Consider these factors:

• Location: How far from home, considering traffic
• Room options: Private rooms vs. shared wards
• NICU availability: Important if there's any risk of complications
• Birth philosophy: Some hospitals are more intervention-heavy than others
• Partner policies: Most now allow partners during delivery

Popular Hospitals in Warsaw

In Warsaw, well-regarded maternity hospitals include:

• Centrum Medyczne Damiana (private)
• Szpital Bielański (public, very good reputation)
• Medicover Hospital (private)
• St. Sophia's Hospital (Szpital Św. Zofii)

What to Bring to the Hospital

Polish hospitals typically require you to bring:

For You

• ID (passport or residence card)
• Insurance documents (NFZ card or private insurance)
• Prenatal records (karta ciąży)
• Comfortable nightgowns or pajamas
• Toiletries and personal items
• Slippers and robe
• Nursing bras and breast pads
• Snacks (hospital food is basic)

For Baby

• Diapers (newborn size)
• Baby clothes (bodysuits, sleepsuits, hat)
• Blanket
• Car seat for going home

The Birth Experience

Polish hospitals have modernized significantly. Most now offer:

• Partner presence during delivery (standard)
• Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth
• Delayed cord clamping if requested
• Birthing balls and alternative positions
• Water birth options at some facilities

Pain Relief Options

Epidurals are widely available in Poland, though you may need to request one in advance (ask your doctor about anesthesia availability). Other options include gas and air (less common), birthing pools, and various non-medical techniques.

C-Sections

C-section rates in Poland are around 40%, higher than WHO recommendations. If you prefer natural birth, discuss this clearly with your doctor and include it in your birth plan.

For comprehensive maternity care information across Europe, visit expat healthcare guides covering birth experiences worldwide.

After the Birth

Hospital Stay

Standard hospital stays are 2-3 days for vaginal delivery and 4-5 days for C-section. Public hospitals typically have shared rooms (2-4 beds) while private facilities offer single rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Birth Registration

Register your baby's birth at the civil registry office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego) within 21 days. You'll need:

• Hospital birth certificate
• Parents' passports/IDs
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

The Polish birth certificate serves as your child's first official document. If you're expats, also contact your embassy about citizenship registration.

PESEL for Baby

Your baby will receive a Polish PESEL number, required for healthcare and other services. The hospital usually initiates this process.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Poland has generous parental leave policies:

• Maternity leave: 20 weeks at 100% salary (or 80% if you extend)
• Parental leave: Additional 32-34 weeks, can be shared between parents
• Paternity leave: 2 weeks within the first year

Benefits are paid through ZUS (Social Insurance Institution). Both EU and non-EU residents working legally in Poland are entitled to these benefits.

Costs Overview

Public Healthcare (NFZ)

Free for those covered, though some hospitals charge for private rooms (300-600 PLN per night) or extras like partner accommodation.

Private Healthcare

• Prenatal package: 8,000-15,000 PLN
• Natural delivery package: 10,000-18,000 PLN
• C-section delivery: 15,000-25,000 PLN
• Private room upgrade: 500-1,500 PLN per night

Tips from Expat Parents

• Start researching hospitals and doctors early (by week 12)
• Join expat parent groups on Facebook for recommendations
• Take a hospital tour before delivery
• Consider hiring a doula if you want extra support
• Download translation apps for non-English situations
• Ask your doctor to explain everything in detail
• Prepare a birth plan but stay flexible

Connect with Warsaw expat families for hospital recommendations, English-speaking doctors, and parenting support groups.

Postpartum Support

After leaving hospital, a midwife (położna) visits your home several times, covered by NFZ. These visits check on mother and baby's health, breastfeeding support, and newborn care. Private postnatal care is also available for additional support.

Final Thoughts

Giving birth in Poland can be a positive experience with proper preparation. The healthcare system, while different from what you might be used to, offers quality care at reasonable costs. Communication is key, so don't hesitate to ask questions and advocate for your preferences. Many expats have found their birth experiences in Poland to be wonderful, professional, and surprisingly affordable.