Best Countries to Give Birth in Europe

The anticipation builds up as you plan for one of the most critical moments in life—bringing a new life into the world. For many, choosing where to give birth becomes a key part of the experience. Europe is home to some of the best healthcare systems globally, but not all countries are equal when it comes to maternity care. So, which nations top the list?

Imagine, you’re in the delivery room, and everything is going according to plan. You feel confident because you’ve chosen the right country, one that not only values your well-being but also takes every measure to ensure a smooth and safe process for both you and your child. This article unpacks the best European countries to give birth in, breaking down the factors that matter most—healthcare quality, cost, parental leave, and support services.

1. Sweden: The Gold Standard of Maternal Care

If you’re looking for top-tier healthcare and generous parental leave, Sweden is hard to beat. Sweden's public healthcare system ensures that all citizens and residents have access to medical services, including prenatal and postnatal care, largely free of charge. You won’t be left to fend for yourself; midwives play a critical role in Swedish maternity care, often guiding you through the entire pregnancy and even attending the birth.

Parental Leave Benefits: Sweden offers an astonishing 480 days of parental leave to be shared between both parents, with 90 days reserved specifically for each. This means that you won’t have to rush back to work, and your partner will have the opportunity to bond with the newborn as well.

Here’s a glimpse of what Sweden offers:

Parameter	Sweden
Healthcare Costs	Low (Public)
Parental Leave	480 days
Birth Rate (per 1000)	11.5
C-Section Rate	17%
Infant Mortality Rate	2.1 per 1,000

Sweden’s policies reflect a society that values gender equality, ensuring both parents can equally share in the joys—and responsibilities—of a newborn. With modern hospitals, advanced technology, and world-class healthcare professionals, Sweden is arguably the best place to give birth in Europe.

2. Finland: The “Baby Box” and Beyond

Perhaps you’ve heard of Finland’s famous "baby box", a tradition dating back to the 1930s. But there’s more to Finland than free baby supplies. Finland boasts one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, and prenatal care begins early and consistently.

All expectant mothers in Finland are entitled to free prenatal care and several checkups during pregnancy, ensuring that issues can be caught early. Finland also emphasizes natural births, with most deliveries taking place in homey, comfortable environments designed to reduce stress. Midwives play a pivotal role, and if complications arise, high-tech hospitals are easily accessible.

Key Statistics:

Parameter	Finland
Healthcare Costs	Low (Public)
Parental Leave	9 months
Birth Rate (per 1000)	10.3
C-Section Rate	16%
Infant Mortality Rate	1.9 per 1,000

Moreover, maternity leave begins 30–50 days before the expected delivery date, and both parents are eligible for leave once the baby is born. Finland is a country that supports family formation with policies tailored for the well-being of both the mother and the child.

3. Norway: The Land of Support

Norway doesn’t just provide you with the basic necessities for childbirth—it goes above and beyond to make sure you feel supported. In Norway, prenatal care is comprehensive, and expectant mothers have regular checkups to ensure both they and their babies are in top health.

Norway’s parental leave system is one of the most generous in the world, offering up to 59 weeks of leave at 80% pay or 49 weeks at full pay. Fathers are also encouraged to participate, with at least 15 weeks reserved for them.

Healthcare Accessibility: Norway’s public health system is accessible to all, with little to no out-of-pocket costs. Norwegian hospitals are equipped with the latest technology, and the country prioritizes natural births, though medical interventions are readily available if needed.

Parameter	Norway
Healthcare Costs	Low (Public)
Parental Leave	49-59 weeks
Birth Rate (per 1000)	11.1
C-Section Rate	15%
Infant Mortality Rate	2.5 per 1,000

Norwegian women also benefit from free childbirth classes, lactation support, and home visits from nurses after giving birth. This well-rounded support system makes Norway one of the best places to bring a child into the world.

4. Denmark: Balancing Affordability and Quality

Denmark might not have the longest parental leave, but it certainly compensates with affordable and high-quality healthcare. Danish hospitals are renowned for their emphasis on natural childbirth, with medical intervention only being applied when absolutely necessary.

One major plus is the postnatal care: Denmark offers home visits from midwives or health visitors after the birth, ensuring that the transition to parenthood is as smooth as possible. You’ll also have access to post-birth classes where new parents can share experiences and ask questions.

Key Highlights:

Parameter	Denmark
Healthcare Costs	Low (Public)
Parental Leave	52 weeks
Birth Rate (per 1000)	10.8
C-Section Rate	17%
Infant Mortality Rate	3 per 1,000

Although the parental leave is shorter than in Sweden or Norway, Denmark provides an excellent support system for parents, making it one of the most attractive countries for childbirth.

5. Netherlands: Opting for Home Births

The Netherlands is known for its midwifery-based system, where nearly one-third of births happen at home. This might seem unusual to some, but the Dutch healthcare system is designed around providing safe and comfortable home births, unless there are medical reasons to deliver in a hospital.

Dutch midwives are highly trained, and the option for home births is rooted in the belief that childbirth is a natural process, not an illness. If complications arise, hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art technology are close by, ensuring you’ll get the care you need if necessary.

Key Statistics:

Parameter	Netherlands
Healthcare Costs	Moderate (Insurance-based)
Parental Leave	16 weeks
Birth Rate (per 1000)	10.4
C-Section Rate	15%
Infant Mortality Rate	3.5 per 1,000

While the parental leave isn’t as long as in Scandinavian countries, the flexibility in birth options and comprehensive postnatal care make the Netherlands a unique and appealing choice for expectant mothers.

6. France: Comprehensive and Affordable Care

France has long been celebrated for its healthcare system, which provides universal coverage to all residents. In terms of maternity care, France combines affordability and quality. Expectant mothers receive routine checkups free of charge, and delivery costs are also covered by the public healthcare system.

One of the best features of the French system is the postnatal care. Women are entitled to free pelvic floor therapy after birth, which helps in faster recovery. Additionally, many maternity wards in France offer private rooms, allowing for more privacy and comfort during the recovery process.

Parameter	France
Healthcare Costs	Low (Public)
Parental Leave	16-26 weeks
Birth Rate (per 1000)	11.3
C-Section Rate	21%
Infant Mortality Rate	3.6 per 1,000

With a robust support system and a strong emphasis on postnatal care, France offers one of the best environments for childbirth in Europe.

Conclusion

Each of these countries offers something unique, from generous parental leave in Sweden and Norway to the natural birth focus in the Netherlands and Denmark. Whether you prioritize affordability, quality of care, or parental support, there’s a European country that can meet your needs when it comes to giving birth.