Prenatal Care in Italy: What Expat Parents Can Expect

Jan 21
2 min read

Updated: Feb 11

Finding out you’re pregnant while living abroad can bring excitement—and a lot of questions. For many expat parents, understanding how prenatal care works in Italy is one of the first (and most important) steps in feeling confident and supported.

Italy offers high-quality medical care during pregnancy, but the system may feel very different from what you’re used to. Here’s what expat parents can generally expect.

Public Prenatal Care: What’s Included

If you are registered with Italy’s public healthcare system (SSN), most prenatal care is fully covered.

This typically includes:

Regular prenatal check-ups
Blood tests and screenings
Ultrasounds at specific stages of pregnancy
Care coordinated through hospitals or public clinics

Pregnancy is considered a protected state of health, which means many services are exempt from co-payments.

Appointments are usually efficient and medically focused. While the clinical care is excellent, visits can feel brief and may leave little time for in-depth questions or emotional support, especially if you struggle with the language.

Private Care and Mixed Approaches

Many expat parents choose to combine public care with private services.

This might look like:

Using the public system for medical tests and birth
Requesting a private (a specifically assigned or requested) midwife to assist at your birth
Adding private prenatal visits for continuity and reassurance
Seeking independent support for education and preparation

This blended approach allows families to benefit from Italy’s strong medical system while also receiving more personalized, relationship-based care.

The Role of Midwives in Prenatal Care

Midwives (ostetriche) are a key part of maternity care in Italy, but their role may be more limited or involved than in your home country.

You may:

See different providers at each visit
Have less continuity of care
Receive minimal birth preparation through the public system

Because of this, many expat parents seek additional midwifery support for:

Understanding medical recommendations
Preparing for birth
Discussing preferences and concerns
Building confidence ahead of labor

Language and Communication

Even in large cities, English-speaking providers are not always available—especially in public settings.

This can make it challenging to:

Fully understand test results
Ask detailed questions
Feel confident in decision-making

Working with an English-speaking professional alongside your medical care can help bridge this gap, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout pregnancy.

Preparing Beyond Medical Appointments

Prenatal care isn’t only about tests and check-ups—it’s also about preparing emotionally and practically for birth and early parenthood.

Many expat parents benefit from:

Prenatal education classes
One-on-one consultations
Space to talk through expectations and fears
Guidance tailored to giving birth in Italy

This kind of preparation can make a significant difference in how supported and empowered you feel.

How The Mama Place Can Support You

If you’re expecting a baby in Italy and would like personalized, English-speaking prenatal support, The Mama Place offers care designed for expat families.

Support includes: