Moving to a new country raises many questions, especially around healthcare. And when you're expecting a child, the uncertainty can feel even more intense.
Today, we're sharing a real story from one of our community members, who is currently going through her third pregnancyâher first in Finland. She moved here from another country and kindly allowed us to share what it's like to navigate pregnancy care in a new system, with limited Finnish skills.
â Language barrier
What stood out immediately was the accessibility of the system: throughout her appointments at Neuvola (the Finnish maternity and child health clinic) and screening ultrasounds, everyone spoke English, even without advance notice. That made a huge difference in comfort and confidence.
â Standard pregnancy care in Finland
Since this wasnât her first pregnancy, she followed the standard Finnish model:
One doctorâs appointment at 36 weeks
All other check-ups with a nurse at around 10, 16, 24, 30, 37, and 39 weeks
A visit at 41 weeks if labor hasnât started
She had two ultrasound screenings (at 12 and 20 weeks), both held in Helsinki, though she lives in Espoo. A tip for others: these appointments must happen within a specific time frame, and booking slots fill up fast. When she couldnât find a time online, a quick call to the hospital helped her get a reserved slot that wasnât visible in the system.
â Fewer tests = less stress
Compared to her previous experience abroad, she noticed fewer medical tests in Finland. While this initially felt unfamiliar, it ultimately brought peace of mind. Fewer tests meant less stress and more focus on overall well-being.
The Finnish system places a high level of trust in the patient: you measure your own weight and blood pressure before appointments, perform a quick urine test, and share the results with the nurse.
Personal tips from her journey:
1. Glucose tolerance test
She didnât meet the official criteria, so the test wasnât offered automatically. But when she requested it, she got a referral right away.
2. Thyroid hormone check (TSH)
She had thyroid issues in a previous pregnancy. In Finland, TSH isnât tested routinely unless there's a risk. Because she shared her medical history early, she got tested, received medication, and was monitored through pregnancy. Always share relevant medical background.
3. Specialist visit at 36 weeks
Due to previous complications, her 36-week appointment took place at a maternity hospital, not at Neuvola. She wasnât told in advance that this visit would include a small fee. It wasnât significant, but itâs a good reminder to ask about potential costs, even in a mostly free system.
Neuvola appointments are simple and to the point. For her, they included:
Quick hemoglobin check (on request)
Listening to babyâs heartbeat
Measuring the size of the uterus
Checking blood pressure, weight, and urine (for protein and glucose)
Finlandâs approach may feel minimalist at first, especially compared to some other countries, but it's designed to reduce stress and support families with calm, science-based care.
Even without speaking Finnish, itâs possible to feel safe, respected, and supported, as long as youâre willing to ask questions and share your story.
đ Looking for resources or planning your own journey in Finland? These links can help: