Sweden – Maternity and Giving Birth

What maternity care options are available in Sweden?

Once you discover you are pregnant, your first step is to contact a maternity care centre (mödravårdscentral, MVC) and arrange an initial registration appointment (inskrivningssamtal). You are free to choose any maternity care centre within your regional health authority’s network. The MVC serves as your main point of contact throughout pregnancy, with a dedicated midwife guiding you from the earliest stages through to the postnatal period.

All pregnant women in Sweden are entitled to free check-ups during pregnancy, though attendance is voluntary. The initial appointment typically takes place between weeks 8 and 12. From the seventh month onwards, you will see your midwife every two weeks until delivery. Your birth preferences are noted and forwarded to your chosen hospital. Midwife clinics may also offer classes covering breathing exercises and general information about labour and delivery.

Your first ultrasound scan is generally scheduled around week 18 of the pregnancy, during which a range of assessments are carried out. Most women also undergo a KUB test at this stage, which measures the thickness of the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck. An unusually thick measurement can be associated with Down’s syndrome and is typically detectable between weeks 12 and 13. This test is used to assess the statistical risk of the condition.

The vast majority of births in Sweden — around 95% — take place in a maternity unit at a local hospital. Many hospitals have an adjoining accommodation wing where new parents can stay for two or three days following delivery, with nurses on hand to support both mother and baby. This post-birth stay is almost entirely funded by the state.

Planned home births or deliveries at birth centres are possible, though these are typically arranged privately through midwife-run companies. As of May 2024, Sweden has just one birth centre, situated in Gothenburg. Some regional health authorities provide financial support for home births under certain conditions. If you are considering either option, contact your regional health authority to find out what provisions currently apply in your area.

Unlike systems such as the UK’s NHS, where a GP referral is generally needed to enter antenatal care, Sweden places the midwife — rather than an obstetrician — at the heart of routine pregnancy management. The entire birthing process is led by midwives (barnmorskor), with hospital doctors involved only when a pre-existing health condition or a complication during labour requires their expertise.

All legal residents of Sweden, including expats holding a residence permit and a personnummer, are automatically enrolled in the public health insurance system. EU/EEA citizens can access emergency healthcare using a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to registering as residents. For non-emergency care, residency registration and a personnummer are required. Those from outside the EU/EEA must hold a valid residence permit and be registered in Sweden to make use of the public system. The personnummer itself is obtained through the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).

Visits to midwifery clinics (barnmorskemottagningar) and child health centres (barnavårdscentraler, BVC) are free for those holding a personnummer. If you have recently moved to Sweden and have not yet obtained one, maternity care is still accessible. Because it is classified as medically necessary care (nödvändig vård), it is available to you at reduced cost in the interim.

After returning home from hospital, you should contact your local child health centre (barnavårdscentralen, BVC) to arrange an appointment with a paediatric nurse, who will monitor your child’s development until the age of five. You may also receive home visits from midwives through the BB Hemma programme during this early postnatal period.

How much does it cost to give birth in Sweden?

Sweden’s public healthcare system provides extensive coverage, encompassing preventive services, primary care, maternity care, inpatient and outpatient specialist treatment, emergency care, and prescription medications. The country’s maternity benefits are comprehensive, and the large majority of services are entirely free. Even if your midwife or doctor recommends additional tests — such as a glucose screening — these are typically provided at no charge.

The maximum annual out-of-pocket expenditure for outpatient care is approximately 1,450 SEK (as of 2025), set at the national level. Once this threshold — known as the högkostnadsskydd (high-cost protection) — is reached, all further public healthcare during that year is provided free of charge. In practice, for most registered residents, the total expense of having a baby through the Swedish public system is very modest.

The situation differs considerably for those without full residency status or an EHIC. For individuals who are not registered residents, do not hold a European Health Insurance Card, or whose home country has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Sweden, the cost of giving birth is approximately 65,000 SEK. This figure is a guideline only; always contact the relevant regional health authority or hospital directly to confirm current pricing.

For those being billed privately or without entitlement to the public system, indicative costs include: a straightforward vaginal delivery in the range of SEK 10,000–40,000; a caesarean section from SEK 25,000–80,000; and a standard package of antenatal consultations and routine tests from approximately SEK 3,000–10,000 (approximate 2024 range). These are estimates only — billing practices differ between providers, so always verify with the specific hospital or clinic concerned.

Private health insurance in Sweden is supplementary and optional, offering faster access to specialists and a greater degree of personalised service. Many employers include private health cover as part of their benefits package. If you plan to use international health insurance for maternity coverage, note that most insurers apply waiting periods — commonly 10 to 12 months — before maternity benefits take effect. Review your policy terms carefully before committing to a provider, and confirm that childbirth in Sweden is specifically included. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) is the authoritative source for understanding state-based entitlements.

What is the standard of maternity and neonatal care in Sweden?

Sweden consistently achieves outstanding health outcomes at a population level. The country records low rates of infant mortality, high life expectancy, and robust preventive care programmes. It is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world in which to give birth, with a maternal mortality rate of fewer than four deaths per 100,000 live births each year.

Sweden’s caesarean section rate stands at 16.4% of live births, well below the OECD average of around 28%. This reflects a well-established culture of midwife-led, low-intervention birth care — something that may feel noticeably different to those arriving from countries where surgical delivery rates are considerably higher.

Karolinska University Hospital in Solna was ranked the 7th best hospital in the world in Newsweek’s 2024 report and has consistently featured in the global top ten since 2020. Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg is Sweden’s largest hospital and the third largest in Europe. These major centres maintain highly specialised neonatal and obstetric units capable of managing complex pregnancies and premature births.

Because healthcare in Sweden is administered at the regional level, co-payment rates for outpatient visits and inpatient stays may vary between counties. Expats and visitors should be aware that services can differ from one region to another. In more rural or remote areas, the nearest maternity unit may involve a longer journey, and the breadth of specialist services available on-site may not match what is found in Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö.

Access to private medical facilities in Sweden can be more limited than in many other countries. The country actively seeks to prevent profit-driven healthcare in the public sector, meaning private providers are regulated by county councils and often operate on a contractual basis within the public system. As a result, the gap in clinical outcomes between public and private maternity care is notably smaller than in many comparable countries.

If your Swedish is limited, you have the right to an interpreter at any appointment related to your pregnancy or delivery. Inform the clinic when you book so that arrangements can be made in advance. Being clear with your midwifery team about your preferred language — and requesting a translator wherever necessary — ensures you can make fully informed decisions before entering hospital. The national health information portal 1177.se, along with most major hospital websites, also offers a degree of content in languages other than Swedish.

A national maternity care strategy introduced in 2024 aims to establish consistent, high-quality services across all regions. The plan sets out a clear framework for maternity care spanning pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, while driving targeted improvements across the country. It represents a formal recognition that regional variation has historically been a challenge, and a commitment to raising care standards more uniformly nationwide.

What should expats know about maternity rights and leave in Sweden?

For the past five decades, Sweden has structured its leave entitlements around parental leave rather than separate maternity or paternity provisions. In 1974, Sweden became the first country in the world to replace gender-specific maternity leave with a unified parental leave system enabling both parents to remain at home with their child. This framework recognises both parents as equal participants, regardless of gender.

Parental benefit (föräldrapenning) is available for a total of 480 days per child. Where two parents are involved, each is allocated 240 days. Of each parent’s share, 90 days are exclusively reserved for that individual and cannot be transferred; the remaining 300 days may be distributed between the two parents as they choose. Leave can be taken at any point until the child turns 12, though the first 390 days must be used before the child’s fourth birthday. The remaining 90 days may be saved and used up to the child’s twelfth year.

For 390 of the 480 days, parental benefit is paid at 80% of the parent’s calculated income, provided they have been continuously employed for at least 240 days before the birth. Those who do not meet this threshold receive the basic amount of 250 SEK per day (as of 2025). As of March 2025, the daily maximum benefit is approximately 1,223 SEK. The remaining 90 days are paid at the minimum level of 180 SEK per day.

Expats employed in Sweden and covered by Swedish social insurance are entitled to parental leave and benefit on the same terms as Swedish citizens. If you are working in Sweden, insured under the Swedish system, and your child will be resident in Sweden, you will qualify for parental leave. Entitlement is based on your employment and insurance status in Sweden, not your nationality.

The non-birthing parent is entitled to take ten days of leave with parental benefit around the time of the child’s arrival. This period can be taken while the birthing parent is also on leave and must be used within 60 days of returning home from the hospital.

Under the Parental Leave Act, a parent may also take up to 18 months of unpaid leave with full job protection, entirely separate from the 480-day benefit entitlement. Self-employed individuals who are insured under the Swedish social security system are also eligible for parental benefit, though the calculation of income-based payments may differ from that for salaried employees. Consult Försäkringskassan (the Swedish Social Insurance Agency) for the rules that apply to your specific circumstances.

Your midwife will issue a pregnancy certificate (intyg om graviditet) during your antenatal care. This document should be submitted to Försäkringskassan well before the expected birth date, as it functions as an application for parental benefit. You may also be asked to present it to your employer or in other contexts where proof of pregnancy is needed.

How do you register a birth in Sweden?

In Sweden, birth registration is largely an automatic process initiated by the hospital, meaning parents are not generally required to take separate action through government offices. However, expat parents should familiarise themselves with the full process and be aware of the additional steps needed to register their child with their home country.

1. Birth notification by the hospital: When a child is born, the hospital reports this to the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), which in turn registers the birth in the population register. In connection with this, the child is assigned their personal identity number (personnummer).
2. Receive confirmation by post: The child’s mother receives an extract from the population register by post, along with a form to register the child’s given name(s) and possibly surname and/or middle name(s). The extract from the population register shows what is registered about the child with the Tax Agency.
3. Register the child’s name: The child’s name must be registered within three months of the birth. The child’s name is registered with the Swedish Tax Agency. Fill in and return the name registration form you receive by post.
4. If you are not registered in Sweden: If you have given birth to a child in Sweden but are not registered there, you need to fill in the form Komplettering till födelseanmälan and send it to the Swedish Tax Agency.
5. Understand the birth certificate equivalent: Sweden does not issue international birth certificates as other countries do. The document corresponding to the birth certificate is the population registration certificate — the Extract from the Population Register — and this is the document you will use for official purposes, including applying for a passport.
6. Register with your home country’s embassy or consulate: Expat parents should contact their home country’s embassy or consulate in Sweden as soon as possible after the birth to register the child as a citizen of that country and apply for a newborn passport. Requirements and deadlines vary by nationality — always verify with your relevant embassy before the birth, not after.
7. Apply for a residence permit if required: If the child’s parents are citizens of a country outside the EU or EEA, the parents must apply for a residence permit for the child. Contact the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) for current requirements and forms.

Birth registration through Skatteverket is free of charge. For current procedures and any updates to requirements, visit the Skatteverket new parents page.

What nationality will my child have if born in Sweden?

A child born in Sweden inherits the citizenship of their parents. Sweden’s nationality system is founded principally on the principle of parentage (jus sanguinis) rather than birthplace (jus soli). Simply being born on Swedish territory does not, in itself, confer Swedish citizenship on a child whose parents are foreign nationals.

When a child is entered into the population register, the Swedish Tax Agency assesses what citizenship the child has acquired. A child acquires Swedish citizenship at birth if the father is a Swedish citizen, is not married to the child’s mother, and the child was born in Sweden; or if the father had died before the birth but was a Swedish citizen at the time of his death and the child was born in Sweden; or if the father had died before the birth but was a Swedish citizen at the time of his death and was married to the child’s mother.

Where neither parent holds Swedish citizenship, the Tax Agency determines the child’s nationality based on the parents’ respective citizenships and the relevant laws of their countries of origin. In practice, the child will ordinarily hold the nationality or nationalities of the parents in accordance with those countries’ legislation.

A child born to non-Swedish parents does not automatically become a Swedish citizen merely by virtue of being born in Sweden. Foreigners may, however, apply for Swedish citizenship through the naturalisation process. The eligibility criteria and required residence periods for naturalisation should be confirmed directly with the Swedish Migration Agency.

It is essential that expat parents familiarise themselves with the nationality laws of their country of origin, as the rules governing whether citizenship is transmitted to children born abroad differ considerably from one country to another. Some countries require a birth to be registered at an embassy or consulate within a fixed time limit in order to confirm the child’s citizenship. Nationality law can be complex, and individuals should verify their specific situation with their relevant embassy or consulate and, where appropriate, a qualified legal adviser. The official Sweden Abroad portal (swedenabroad.se) offers links to Swedish embassies and consulates for those seeking guidance from the Swedish side.

What are the laws and attitudes around abortion in Sweden?

Sweden operates one of the most permissive abortion frameworks in the world, and access to termination services within the public health system is well established and readily available. The legal basis is the Abortion Act (Abortlagen), and the supervisory authority is the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen).

As of 2025, abortion in Sweden is available on request up to the end of the 18th week of pregnancy without any requirement to provide specific grounds. There is no mandatory waiting period or compulsory counselling, which sets Sweden apart from a number of European countries where such procedural steps are legally required. Beyond week 18, a termination requires formal approval from the National Board of Health and Welfare and must be justified on specific medical or social grounds. Terminations after the point of foetal viability are not permitted; in practice, this threshold is assessed individually by the Board but approval is generally not granted after week 22.

Abortion services are provided through the public healthcare system and fall within the same funding structure as other healthcare. For registered residents, the cost is subject to the standard patient fee framework and the annual high-cost protection cap. The maximum out-of-pocket expenditure for outpatient care per 12 months is approximately 1,450 SEK (as of 2025). Individuals without full residency entitlement may face higher charges; contact your regional health authority for current pricing information.

Compared to many countries — including those where abortion is restricted to narrow medical or legal grounds, or where mandatory counselling and waiting periods are imposed — Sweden’s approach is widely regarded as notably progressive. Swedish law contains no conscientious objection clause for healthcare providers, meaning access to services is not typically disrupted by individual staff preferences in the way it can be in certain other healthcare systems.

For the most up-to-date information on abortion law and access in Sweden, refer to the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) and the national health information portal 1177.se.

Frequently asked questions: having a baby in Sweden as a foreigner

Can I access public maternity care in Sweden if I am not a Swedish citizen?

All legal residents of Sweden, including expats with a residence permit and a personnummer, are automatically covered by the public health insurance system. Once you have your personnummer, you access maternity care on the same terms as Swedish citizens. EU/EEA nationals can use their EHIC for emergency care before they register as residents.

What is a personnummer and why do I need one?

The personnummer is Sweden’s national tax identification number and serves as the key that unlocks subsidised healthcare and public services for both you and your child. It is issued by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) once you have a registered address in Sweden and meet the conditions for population registration — typically by holding a valid residence permit or EU/EEA right of residence.

Is it free to give birth in a Swedish hospital as a foreign resident?

For registered residents, maternity care and hospital births are largely free of charge. Minor co-payments may apply to some outpatient consultations, but these are subject to an annual cap. The maximum out-of-pocket cost for outpatient care per 12 months is approximately 1,450 SEK (as of 2025). The great majority of antenatal appointments and additional tests are also provided free of charge.

Do I need to do anything to register my baby’s birth, or does the hospital do it automatically?

The hospital automatically notifies the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) when your child is born, and Skatteverket registers the birth and assigns the child a personnummer. The mother then receives an extract from the population register by post together with a form for registering the child’s name. Expat parents must, however, separately register the birth with their home country’s embassy or consulate to secure their child’s foreign citizenship and obtain a passport.

What nationality will my baby have if born in Sweden?

Children born in Sweden inherit the citizenship of their parents. A child born to non-Swedish parents does not automatically acquire Swedish nationality simply by being born on Swedish soil. The child will ordinarily hold the nationality or nationalities of its parents in accordance with those countries’ citizenship laws. Always verify the position with your home country’s embassy or consulate and, if necessary, seek legal advice.

How does Sweden’s parental leave work for foreign nationals in employment?

Expats who are employed in Sweden and covered by Swedish social insurance are entitled to parental leave and benefit on exactly the same terms as Swedish citizens. Parental benefit is available for a total of 480 days per child; where there are two parents, each is allocated 240 days. Benefits are administered by Försäkringskassan — visit forsakringskassan.se for full details.

What language will my care be provided in — can I get an interpreter?

If your Swedish is limited, you have the right to an interpreter at any appointment connected to your pregnancy or delivery. Simply let the clinic know when you book. Major hospitals in urban areas are experienced in supporting patients across multiple languages, and the national health portal 1177.se also provides information in a range of languages.

Do I need private health insurance before moving to Sweden if I am pregnant?

If you will obtain a personnummer and valid residence status before or shortly after arrival, you will be covered by the public healthcare system, which provides comprehensive maternity care. Short-term visitors without a personnummer should arrange private health insurance, or use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if they are EU/EEA nationals. If there is a gap between arriving in Sweden and obtaining your personnummer, private or international health insurance can bridge this period. Always check the maternity waiting periods on any private policy before purchasing.