Are you already living in Mexico or thinking about relocating and planning on extending your family? This article will explain everything you need to know in case you are (getting) pregnant while living in Mexico.
General information about having a child in Mexico
Birth and pregnancy are already difficult for new moms, but it's even more challenging when you're overseas without a support system. They have to consider so many factors, from medical to legal aspects. The stress and confusion of accessing maternity care may increase for expat women relocating in the middle of their pregnancy or finding themselves here while receiving the news. This article is a helpful starting point if you are pregnant and currently in Mexico or are planning to get pregnant at some point in the future.
Cultural differences
Adapting to different cultural practices can be challenging, especially being a new mother. According to Mexican culture, a new mom should stay home for at least 40 days after giving birth. Expect to get some looks when you go out with your baby early after birth. Nevertheless, Mexicans will be very friendly with you and your newborn.
Furthermore, you must be aware that your child just like you, will be born an expat! Unlike you who probably grew up in your native country, children who spend most of their early years away from their native countries may consider themselves as a third-culture-child. It's something you should be mindful of and assist your child in reconnecting with its heritage.
Things to think about before giving birth in Mexico
Obviously, there are a number of things you have to consider before actually giving birth to your baby in Mexico. We have tried to gather the most critical points to make them easily accessible and understandable for you.
Access to healthcare facilities
Depending on your area, it can be pretty easy to find a suitable doctor and hospital or pretty challenging. Bigger cities usually have a decent healthcare system and easy access to hospitals and other facilities.
If you are an expat woman giving birth in Mexico, outside of your native country, you must select to utilize public or private medical facilities. When you have admission to Mexican national insurance through the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social, you will be able to use public hospitals. Maternal leave is also part of this social safety net. You'll have to choose a private clinic if you do not have general insurance.
Different hospital types
Whether you choose to give birth at a public or a private hospital might vary depending on your personal situation and your preferences as well.
Take into consideration that public hospitals in Mexico won't likely have the same quality as other western countries. Waiting times can be dauntingly long, and the staff probably will not have an adequate level of English or your mother tongue.
In private facilities, the picture is quite a different one. Excellent technology is paired with a highly trained staff that usually has a professional grasp of the English language.
If you want to avoid the expensive costs of giving birth in a private hospital in Mexico, you can opt for maternity insurance. Just be sure to get it done early in your pregnancy!
Things to consider during your pregnancy in Mexico
Prenatal care
The most important thing is to find a gynecologist you feel safe and comfortable with. So it might be best to look into someone that speaks your native language or at least English.
There are also many prenatal courses and prenatal yoga options if you do not want to skip your practice.
Important dates in your pregnancy are :
- Week 4-28, where you should pay a monthly visit to get a check-up done.
- After that, until week 36, you should do a prenatal visit every two weeks and in your last weeks before giving birth, once a week.
Different types of births in Mexico
There are three types of births: 1) Homebirth, 2) Hospital birth, and 3) Birthing Centers.
Which type you feel most comfortable with is absolutely up to you. The concepts are very different, and every woman has different needs, so this is an absolutely personal choice.
It also depends on your money situation, as the costs vary greatly.
The most common type is hospital birth, and if everything went well, you could leave the hospital after 24 hours. Still, there is a long tradition of home birthing under the guidance of a midwife in Mexico if you want to experience a more natural style of birth.
Once your baby has arrived in this world
Postnatal care
One important thing to know is that vaccinations are mandatory for babies in Mexico, and Mexico has one of the most developed immunization programs in Latin America. Every Mexican child must be immunized, and in reality, most Mexican childcare institutions and public schools need a kid's national immunization card before admission.
Birth certificate
Once your baby is born, the clinic completes a Spanish form providing data about the mother. When you are married, you must submit your surname as it is on your birth certificate instead of your spouse's family name. To record the birth in person, you must go to the" Registro Civil" as soon as possible after the birth. You will also have to bring two witnesses to testify. This is free of charge, and you won't have to pay anything. The "Registro Civil" will provide you with an official birth certificate, known as "Acta de Nacimiento." It is always a good idea to request numerous copies because you will need them for many things to come.
Additionally, it is advised to notify your home country's embassy about your child's birth. This is especially important for the following procedure for the passport application. Depending on the laws of your home country, your child can have dual citizenship or not.
Medical insurance during pregnancy
You, like citizens and other residents, can use the IMSS system if you are a legal resident. This does not, however, apply to births in public hospitals. If you choose a private hospital, a more comprehensive expat medical insurance coverage is recommended. You may also add a maternity insurance plan that covers prenatal diagnostics, the mother and child during labor, and the newborn infant for 30 days following delivery.
Good to know:
Mexico allows its citizens to hold another citizenship!
Useful links:
Prenatal Care
Registro Civil
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
