Pregnancy and childbirth in Spain: free public care, the matrona and what to do
Pregnancy and birth care in Spain's public health system is free and high quality — and pregnant women are covered even without legal residence. This guide explains the matrona, prenatal follow-up, choosing a hospital, the birth and the steps right after (registering the baby).
How maternity care works
Maternity care runs through your centro de salud and a public hospital: your GP refers you to the matrona (midwife) who leads the prenatal follow-up.
Check my maternity care — free
You get the analytics, ecografías (scans) and check-ups, then give birth at a public hospital — all free at the point of use.
After the birth there are concrete steps: register the baby, get the baby a pediatra and a health card.
Who is covered (even without papers)
- Anyone with the health card (tarjeta sanitaria) — access starts from the padrón.
- Pregnant women and minors are always attended, including people without legal residence — pregnancy, birth and post-partum care are guaranteed.
- EU citizens via registration or the EHIC for temporary stays.
NAVILook at my situation and show the right thing to do
NAVI will show the next step.
Your rights
- Free prenatal follow-up, birth and post-partum care.
- A matrona and, for the baby, a pediatra.
- Care cannot be refused on immigration grounds for pregnancy or childbirth.
- Maternity/paternity leave (permiso por nacimiento) is a separate, paid benefit — check it with NAVI.
What you need
- Your tarjeta sanitaria (or the document proving your right while it is issued).
- Padrón and ID (NIE/TIE/passport).
- The pregnancy card / cartilla de embarazo the matrona gives you.
- For the baby afterwards: the hospital report and the parents' documents to register the birth.
From the first cita to after the birth
- Get (or confirm) your tarjeta sanitaria and book a cita with your médico de cabecera.
- You are assigned a matrona who starts the prenatal follow-up.
- Attend the scans, blood tests and check-ups during the pregnancy.
- Choose your reference public hospital and prepare the birth.
- Give birth at the hospital; you receive the medical birth report.
- After: register the baby (Registro Civil), get the baby a pediatra and a health card.
Common mistakes
- Thinking no papers means no care — pregnancy and birth are always covered.
- Not sorting the tarjeta sanitaria / padrón early in the pregnancy.
- Missing the deadline to register the baby after birth.
- Not asking about maternity leave (permiso por nacimiento) in time.
Refused care
- If you are refused maternity care, ask for it in writing and escalate — pregnancy and childbirth care is guaranteed for everyone.
Pregnant in Spain? Check your care with NAVI
Tell NAVI your situation — no card yet, no papers, or after the birth. It explains your right, the steps and the next move, free.
✓ Free · ✓ No account · ✓ A few minutes
Related guides
Key terms in this guide
Maternity care FAQ
Is pregnancy care free?
Yes — prenatal follow-up, birth and post-partum care are free in the public system.
Can I be attended without legal residence?
Yes. Pregnant women (and minors) are always attended, regardless of immigration status.
What is the matrona?
The midwife at your centro de salud who leads the pregnancy follow-up.
Do I need the tarjeta sanitaria?
It is the practical key; if it is still being issued, bring the document proving your right. Pregnancy care is guaranteed regardless.
Where do I give birth?
At your reference public hospital. The matrona/GP helps you arrange it.
What about maternity leave?
Permiso por nacimiento is a separate paid benefit — ask NAVI to check your case.
What do I do right after the birth?
Register the baby at the Registro Civil and get the baby a pediatra and a health card.
Does the baby get healthcare?
Yes — once registered and on the padrón, the baby gets a pediatra and a health card.
Official sources
- Ley 16/2003 del SNS (arts. 3 y 3 ter)
- RD 1030/2006 (embarazo y puerperio)
- Ley 20/2011 del Registro Civil (arts. 44-47)
- Seguridad Social (permiso por nacimiento)
Informational guide; healthcare is managed by each autonomous community, so steps vary. Check your case with NAVI.
📩 Foreigners are the last to hear what affects them directly — laws, rules, new fees and opportunities.
We won't forget you. Leave your email — we'll explain it simply, in your language.
Need everyday protection, not just a one-off check?
Included: checks of Spanish documents, letters, requests and contracts before signing, Action Plans, consultation and sending your claims by burofax.