Expats.cz Prenatal & Pediatric Guide

For women living abroad and expecting a child in the Czech Republic, understanding the prenatal and pediatric care system is crucial. The country has made significant progress in prenatal care, with regular checkups scheduled once per month until week 36 and weekly from week 36 until birth, ensuring the health of both mother and baby. Essential screenings and tests are also conducted during this period.

Czech hospitals are slowly but surely taking a more patient-centric approach and allowing for greater flexibility during the birthing process. In some cases, a patient’s obstetrician is allowed to deliver the baby, while fathers or singificant others can now take a more active role in the birthing process as well as visitation times to the hospital.

Pediatric care in the Czech Republic begins with registering for a pediatrician in the final weeks before giving birth. Once the baby is born a mandatory newborn screening test is given within the first 48 hours of birth. This test identifies potential health issues early on, enabling early intervention and treatment. Regular checkups at specific ages follow to monitor the child's development, including assessments of growth, health, and milestone achievements.

Mandatory vaccines against nine childhood diseases are administered in the Czech Republic, while optional vaccines, such as those for chickenpox, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, meningococcus, and HPV, are also available.

When choosing a pediatrician as well as an obstetrician/gynecologist It is crucial to choose a doctor who respects your concerns and provides detailed information about your and your child's care. Finding a physician who puts you at ease and addresses all your questions is vital for a smooth prenatal and pediatric care experience in the Czech Republic.

Private clinics, which offer more time during appointments and multilingual medical professionals, are increasingly sought after due to shortages in the public healthcare system.

Read more about healthcare in Czechia in our health archive.