How to choose your maternity unit?

You have just found out you are pregnant… It's already time to choose your maternity unit!

In France, there are many different maternity units. They offer the quality of care, safety and secure medical environment you're going to need. That's why this choice is such an important step for you. It should match your needs and wishes, and live up to what you expect from a maternity unit.

You can give birth in a public hospital (public maternity units) or in a clinic (private maternity units). You can also decide to give birth at home with the help of a midwife, although this choice is decidedly rare. In any case, contact a maternity unit quickly and book your place without delay. Places are limited.

Premiers Moments gives you all the keys to choosing the right maternity unit!

The 3 types of maternity unit

In France, maternity units are classified into three categories according to their equipment. This classification allows every mum-to-be to give birth safely and every newborn to receive the right care.

The type 1 maternity unit is the most common across the country. It looks after 90% of pregnant women whose pregnancy has no particular risk factor. It has an obstetrics unit and carries out routine paediatric procedures.

If complications arise, it can arrange for mum and baby to be transferred to a type 2 or type 3 maternity unit. These are better equipped to deal with problems that arise during the birth.

The type 2 maternity unit has an obstetric and neonatal medicine department. It can look after more complicated pregnancies and premature babies who need specialist and intensive care.

Finally, the type 3 maternity unit, usually located in university hospitals (CHU), has a neonatal intensive care unit on top of the facilities of the other two. It is better suited to monitoring high-risk and multiple pregnancies. It can care for very premature newborns at significant risk, including surgical care in the event of a malformation.

But rest assured, a type 3 maternity unit can welcome any mum-to-be who wants to give birth with complete peace of mind, even if her pregnancy is progressing normally.

Every one of you has her own wishes, feelings and worries. So it's up to you to decide which type of maternity unit you'd like to give birth in.

Which one should you choose?

Choosing your maternity unit is essential for the follow-up of your pregnancy. It allows you to prepare calmly for the birth and find the ideal place for baby's arrival.

There are several things to consider when choosing one: where you live (in town or in the countryside), the journey time to the maternity unit, your personal preferences, your gynaecologist's practice, your state of health… Your choice will be shaped by all of these factors.

It's important to choose a hospital that can answer all your questions and meet all your needs.

However, bear in mind that the choice may sometimes come down to the only hospital available.

What budget should you plan for, depending on the maternity unit?

In France, giving birth in a public maternity unit is fully covered. The Sécurité Sociale (French state health insurance) reimburses 100% of maternity costs. However, if you decide to have a private room, a television or a specific gynaecologist, you'll probably have extra costs to pay.

On the other hand, if you decide to give birth in a private maternity unit, costs can vary depending on the services you choose. There are private maternity units that are contracted with the French health insurance system (conventionnées) and others that are not.

In a contracted private maternity unit, the costs of the birth and the stay are reimbursed by the French Social Security. Only medical fees are charged: for example, the anaesthetist, the gynaecologist or the doctor may charge above the standard fees. Also allow for additional comfort charges.

Before you register, it's important to check what your mutuelle (top-up health insurance) covers, to avoid any surprises!

In a non-contracted private maternity unit, the costs of giving birth are very high. What's more, comfort, stay and medical fees are charged at a premium.

Finally, look into the prices: some clinics also charge for the baby's sheets, nappies or even sanitary towels.

How do you register with the maternity unit?

When you register, you'll need to show your ID, your carte Vitale (French health insurance card) and your mutuelle card. Depending on the maternity unit you've chosen, you'll be asked to fill in a registration form with the professional who will follow your pregnancy, and you'll be given a booklet explaining how your stay is organised.

Don't hesitate to look at your maternity unit's website. It will give you all the extra information about how things are organised, the different practices on offer and the formalities to complete.

Finally, it's best to register as early as possible. If you'd like to give birth in a particular maternity unit, book an appointment quickly. Places are limited, especially in densely populated areas.

What should I take to the maternity unit?

Although it is still early to think about it, packing your hospital bag is an important and essential step.

If you're feeling lost, don't know what to take and need some advice, read our article: “What should I pack in my hospital bag?” to guide you with complete peace of mind!

To conclude, have no fear: whatever happens, you'll be in the best possible conditions to welcome your little one!

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.