In Brazil, foreign women can benefit from various obstetric services that do not yet exist in many countries around the world, where childbirth is not yet a national policy.

Let's briefly review the main ones and their advantages compared to similar services in other countries:

1. Prenatal Care (Antenatal Care)

• Description. Regular visits to your obstetrician for ultrasounds, tests and health counseling.

• Benefits. Brazil pays attention to cultural sensitivities, the doctor can offer a more individualized approach.

Prenatal care, or antenatal care, is a series of medical examinations and counseling for pregnant women to ensure the health of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy. It involves monitoring the health of the mother, the development of the fetus, and the prevention of possible complications.

Objectives of prenatal surveillance:

• Early detection of problems. Detecting diseases or complications at an early stage, such as diabetes, hypertension and others.

• Ensuring healthy fetal development. Monitoring fetal growth and development at every stage of pregnancy.

• Education and counseling. Providing information on healthy lifestyles, nutrition and birth preparation.

Prenatal care in Brazil is:

1. Service structure

• Federal Health System (SUS). In Brazil, prenatal care is available through the Federal Health System, which provides free health services, including regular checkups for pregnant women. This is a basic service, the minimun that all women must have.

• Private clinics. Many women also choose private medical facilities for prenatal care, where they can receive more personalized care.

2. Number of visits

According to the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, pregnant women should have regular visits (usually every 4 weeks in the first trimester, every 2-3 weeks in the second trimester and every week in the third trimester). In general, at least 6-8 visits are recommended throughout pregnancy, but often 10-12 visits can be done.

3. Examinations and tests

• General blood and urine tests.

• Ultrasounds (at least two main ultrasounds (morphological) - one in the first trimester and one in the second trimester). At private clinic, you'll do as scans as you need.

• Screening for infections (protection against syphilis, HIV and other diseases).

• Blood pressure and weight measurements.

4. Educational programs

Brazil also offers courses for expectant parents to help prepare for childbirth and caring for a newborn.

5. Access to health information

Women can access information on healthy lifestyles, nutrition and physical activity tips.

Prenatal care in Brazil plays a key role in maternal and child health. It includes regular check-ups, tests and monitoring, so that any problems can be detected and addressed in a timely manner.

2. Childbirth support (Labor Support)

• Description. Midwives and Doulas can provide support during labor, together with your partner, you don't have to choose one.

• Benefits. Practices are common in Brazil, including the use of doulas, who can facilitate labor both emotionally and physically.

Childbirth support, or "labor support," is the process of supporting a woman during labor to reduce stress, relieve pain, and create a comfortable environment for childbirth. In Brazil, it is accompanied by both medical and non-medical approaches. Let's take a closer look at what it involves and how it is implemented.

Basic aspects of labor support:

• Physical Support:

  • Comfortable positions. Help in finding comfortable positions for childbirth (sitting, standing, kneeling).

  • Massage and pressure. Using massage and pressure on the back and lower abdomen to relieve pain.

  • Exercises. Offering breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.

• Emotional support:

  • Moral support. Encouragement and moral support, help with anxiety.

  • Communicating with medical staff. Assist in communication with doctors and nurses to ensure that the woman's wishes are honored.

• Informational Support:

  • An explanation of the different stages of labor and the options available, including pain management techniques such as epidural anesthesia or natural methods.

• Partner Support:

  • Including the woman's partner in the process so that he or she can also provide support and be part of this important situation.

How childbirth support is provided in Brazil:

• Doulas. In Brazil, the work of doulas (professional birth attendants) is becoming increasingly popular. Doulas are trained to provide both physical and emotional support during labor. They can work both in birthing centers and in home births.

• Medical personnel. Medical personnel (doctors and midwives) are always present during labor and delivery to monitor the condition of the mother and baby. They may also provide support, but their main responsibility is to ensure medical safety.

• Maternity centers and clinics. Many birthing centers in Brazil offer childbirth preparation programs where expectant parents can learn supportive techniques and information about the process.

• Culture. Brazilian culture increasingly recognizes the importance of emotional and physical support during childbirth, and this influences the approach of health personnel to the birthing process.

Childbirth support is an important element of preparation for this significant event in a family's life. This support helps to create a more positive and comfortable birth experience for women and their partners.

3. Choice of Birth Settings (Choice of Birth Settings)

• Description. Ability to choose between birthing centers, home births, or birth centers.

• Benefits. Women can choose the appropriate location, which can reduce stress and provide comfort.

Choice of Birth Settings refers to the choice of where a woman can give birth to her baby. In Brazil, as in many other countries, there are several options, each offering different conditions and approaches to childbirth.

The main options for birthing sites:

• Hospitals

  • Medical facilities. Most women choose to give birth in hospitals where all necessary medical services are available in case of complications.

  • Services. Hospitals can offer both traditional natural childbirth and options for cesarean sections.

• Maternity homes (Casa de Parto)

  • Alternative option. These are specialized facilities that offer a more intimate setting for natural childbirth.

  • Approach. Often there is more emphasis on the natural birthing process, support is provided by midwives and there may be a choice of water for birth.

• Home birth

  • Home birth. Some women choose to give birth at home with the help of professional midwives or doulas.

  • Comfort. This allows you to be in a familiar environment and have control over the process, but requires careful preparation and planning.

  • Risks. Brazil do not encourage women to give birth at home. Obstetrician and Pediatrician are forbidden to do birth at home. If something goes wrong or there is an emergency, you may not be able to get to the hospital in time, putting your life and the life of your baby at risk.

• Water birth

  • Water birth. Some facilities and birthing centers offer the option of water birth, which can help ease pain and make the process more comfortable.

How the choice of places to give birth in Brazil is made:

• Accessibility: In large cities, such as Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state, the variety of birthing sites is greater than in less populated areas.

• Education and training. More expectant parents are becoming informed about the different birthing options, making more informed decisions.

• Support for midwives. In Brazil, there is a movement to support natural childbirth and the use of midwives, which has contributed to a growing interest in birthing centers and home births.

• Financing.It's important to consider financial coverage issues: not all childbirth options may be covered by health insurance.

• Culture and public opinion. Different regions of Brazil have their own traditions and approaches to childbirth, which also influences the choice of places to give birth.

Advice for expectant mothers

If you are considering different options for childbirth, excluding our suggestion is important:

• Research the available institutions their reputation.

• Consult your doctor or midwife.

• Discuss your preferences with your partner and provide support during the preparation process.

Each birthing location offers unique benefits, and the choice depends on personal preference, medical conditions, and availability of services.

However, many foreign women trust our company because we take care of all the arrangements, labor, and all the household problems that may arise for the woman in labor and her support group.

You only need to contact our consultants, and you can ask without hesitation in our feedback form (link to the form, or form below) or on WhatsApp (contact number), and our consultant will answer any question you may have. And if you are satisfied with everything we can immediately start making preparations for your reception in Brazil.

4. Pain Relief Options (Pain Relief Options)

• Description. Pain management options during labor, including epidural anesthesia, migratory anesthesia, and others.

• Benefits. A wide range of choices and the opportunity to discuss with your doctor.

Pain management techniques are various techniques and medications used to manage pain, both in daily life and in medical practice, such as during childbirth. Several methods of pain management are available in Brazil, both medication and non-medication.

Let's take a closer look at them basic methods of pain relief:

1. Medication methods

• General painkillers (Analgesics). These can be over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, which are used to relieve mild to moderate pain.

• Opioid analgesics (Opioids). For more severe pain, narcotic analgesics such as morphine may be used. These drugs are usually prescribed in hospitals and are closely monitored.

• Epidural Anesthesia (Epidural Anesthesia). The most common method of anesthesia during labor. It involves injecting an anesthetic into the epidural space, which helps to effectively block pelvic pain.

• Spinal Anesthesia (Spinal Anesthesia). It is used during a Caesarean section and provides fast and effective anesthesia to the lower body.

2. Non-medicamentous methods

• Relaxation techniques. This can include deep breathing, meditation and yoga to help reduce stress levels and relax muscles.

• Aromatherapy. The use of essential oils to increase comfort and create a relaxing atmosphere.

• Massage and physical therapy. These methods can help relieve muscle tension and improve your overall health.

• Hydrotherapy. The use of warm water or showers to relieve pain and tension.

3. Physiological methods

• Extreme precautions. This may include temperature regulation (e.g. cooling compresses) or changing posture for comfort and to reduce pain.

In Brazil, access to pain management varies by region and specific health facilities. However, in general, all of our proposed hospitals and maternity hospitals offer the following services:

• Preparation and information. Women are provided with information about available anesthesia methods and advice on choosing the appropriate option.

• Medical supervision. During labor, patients are monitored by physicians who can prescribe appropriate pain management methods according to the woman's condition and preferences.

• Team of specialists. The medical teams include obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and nurse practitioners who help ensure the most comfortable environment possible during labor and delivery.

It is important that moms-to-be discuss their pain management preferences and options with their doctors ahead of time to be prepared for labor.

You can also feel free to contact us for advice on this topic. If you need help, you can ask in our feedback form (link to the form, or the form below) or on WhatsApp (contact number) and our consultant will answer any question you may have.

Moreover, all our consultations are free of charge and do not oblige you to anything. Once you have all the answers to your questions, you can continue to explore and search for the most suitable option for you.

However, if you need practical help, please do not hesitate to contact us, we in Brazil are always ready to help our fellow countrymen, and not only in choosing a maternity hospital.