UPDATE SUMMER 2021: Practical pointers for being pregnant in Madrid during COVID-19

With the coronavirus lockdown causing changes to regular check-ups we prepared some practical pointers for being pregnant in Madrid!

With COVID causing changes to regular check-ups, ultrasound appointments, antenatal classes,  and other support networks usually open for business in Madrid, those pregnant mums in our midst are facing huge challenges during an already pretty scary time! That’s why we prepared some practical pointers for being pregnant in Madrid that might come in handy – with the first-hand experience of one of team who’s pregnant with her first baby.

Getting appointments

Pregnant in Madrid - appointmentsPregnant women are still being seen and the utmost care is being taken to make sure they do not expose themselves to the virus when attending appointments. If you’ve just found out your pregnant, contact your GP/family doctor/médico de cabecera and let them know the happy news! They’ll take your details and refer you to get your blood work done and you’ll be put into the system for your check-ups and scans.

You might find that you have in-person appointments followed by a phone appointment so always check which one it is.

You will need regular scans and bloodwork done and, while you might not want your partner there for all of them, as of July 2021 they’re allowed to accompany you for all your appointments should you wish.

Antenatal classes

Most English-speaking first-time mums giving birth in Madrid turn to the private sector to provide them with antenatal classes in their mother tongue. Here at Kids in Madrid, we recommend contacting Bel & Mums or Hypnobirthing Madrid for the best attention during these times of crisis. Both Belen Chocano and Elisabeth Tallon-Banks offer classes online. Another trusted provider with many English-speaking professionals is the International Women’s Health Center Madrid.

If you’re happy to continue with the antenatal classes through the public system, you will probably be offered online

Where to give birth

Dad in Madrid - 2For those readers who speak Spanish, the best online resource supporting our right to a natural birth during the Covid-19 lockdown is El Parto es Nuestro who have long advocated for better perinatal care in a country famous for overly medicalised births. Everyone has the right to a companion of choice, and everyone has the right to the birth position of choice, even during the Covid-19 crisis.

Breastfeeding and new-born childcare

The World Health Organization has provided a detailed Q&A on Covid-19 including sensible advice on how to breastfeed if you are showing signs of Covid-19. New-born childcare is considered essential and therefore uninterrupted pediatric services are being provided across the Comunidad de Madrid, although not necessarily in your health centre of reference. Check here to find out which number you are to ring and where you are likely to be seen.

Paperwork

How to register your baby's birth in Madrid and SpainFirst appointments for registering births, obtaining a health card for your baby, and adding your child to the padrón (census) are continuing as usual during the crisis. Births are registered in person by one authorized adult (parent or representative) at the Registro Civil on Calle Pradillo 66, 28002 Madrid between 9am and 2pm, no appointment required. Health cards are being issued by local health centres and you can add your child to the padrón over the phone by ringing 010 and requesting assistance in English. This free telephone service is run by the local government and the phone operators really do bend over backward to help.

Please remember, you are not alone… we at Kids In Madrid have a thriving online community that you can rely upon too. Get in touch!

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