Prenatal Care in Canada: Hospital Options for Expectant Mothers

Question
QUESTION: Dear Helen,
I am from india never visited canada but yes visited America a lot of times,Me and my husband are planning a babby and i want to give birth in canada,I don't know anyone in canada my question is are there any hospitals in canada that provide services for keeping me for last 4 or 5 months and take care fo me till i give birth please inform me as i need a list of hospital.I would be graeful.

Regards
Rebecca

ANSWER: In Canada, health care is provided by the government. So if you are not a Canadian citizen and you do not have a serious medical condition that would require you to be in the hospital for 4 months, it is highly unlikely you would be able to receive that care.

I recommend that, if you are intent on having a baby in Canada, that you rent a home or apartment there and hire a pregnancy doula and a midwife or home nurse. They can provide the level of care that you would like while being in a comfortable, home setting.

It is extremely rare- in the United States or anywhere else- to be kept at the hospital for more than a month during pregnancy. If there is a serious medical condition, the hospital will generally treat you and then release you to bedrest at home.

Please let me know if I can help you further or with anything else.

Best wishes,
Helen =)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Helen,

Thanks for the answer,Please let me know if i am not a citizen will any hospital in america or canada give me permission to give birth in their hospital when i am ready in the last few days.If yes then please let me know and give me some names of hospitals if you have.Waiting for your response.
Regards
Rebecca

Answer
In the United States, any hospital will take you whether you are a citizen or not. I recommend doing a Google search of the city where you wish to give birth and choosing a hospital that looks the best to you.

I do not know what Canada's hospitals are like as I've never been there and that is very much outside of my expertise. However, most hospitals anywhere will not refuse medical care due to being a citizen in another country.

I highly recommend speaking with a travel agent and making arrangements with an agency that will know more about the specific cities and locations you had in mind. Canada and the United States are both HUGE countries with many, many cities and often several hospitals even within a single city as well as numerous extended stay living options. A travel agent will be able to assist you in planning your trip.

Best wishes,
Helen =)