Pregnancy and childbirth in Åland

Åland Health Care (ÅHS) is responsible for all public healthcare in Åland. This includes maternity and child health clinics as well as specialised care, such as childbirth care. If you are pregnant, you should first contact the maternity clinic, which will then provide support and guidance to the family.

Åland and ÅHS are home to Finland's smallest maternity ward. They work together with the maternity clinics, which provide advance information about pregnancy and then offer individual and family-centred care before, during and after childbirth. The ÅHS webpage on maternity and childbirth has more information on preparations and practical arrangements for childbirth, as well as other important information for visitors and relatives.

The maternity and child health clinics at ÅHS offer professional support before and after childbirth. Health checks are carried out at the clinics, and families can get individual support and follow-up as needed.

Maternity clinics

Contact the maternity clinic once your pregnancy has been confirmed. At the maternity clinic, the development of the foetus is monitored through regular check-ups throughout the pregnancy. The maternity clinic also provides support and education in parenting and works to identify any difficulties at an early stage. If necessary, additional care and support measures are arranged. 

The ÅHS website has more information about what the maternity clinic can offer and what a visit entails. There is also other useful information about preparing for parenthood and childbirth.

Child health clinics

Children up to the age of six attend child health clinics. Child health clinics carry out health checks, assess children's growth and development, check their eyesight and hearing, and administer vaccinations in accordance with the national vaccination programme. The child health clinic also monitors language development, gives dietary recommendations and offers breastfeeding advice. 

On the ÅHS website there is information on which municipalities have child health clinics, information for new residents, information on annual check-ups and other important patient information.

Anyone who is a permanent resident of Åland has full access to the services offered by ÅHS, including child health and maternity clinics as well as childbirth care. However, everyone is entitled to emergency care within the public healthcare system. This right applies regardless of country of origin or nationality. Read more on the page Right to healthcare in Åland.

Anyone who is covered by health insurance in another Nordic country and is staying temporarily in Åland is entitled to childbirth care at the same patient fee as permanent residents. Entitlement  to childbirth care can be verified by presenting a valid identity document and providing your permanent address in your home country. A European Health Insurance Card can also be used.

If you are from an EU or EEA country, Switzerland, Great Britain, Northern Ireland or Australia and are staying temporarily, you are entitled to essential childbirth care for a fee. A doctor assesses the need for care, taking into account the length of the stay. Essential care includes maternity and child health clinics.

It is possible to opt for a planned delivery in Åland if you are resident in another Nordic country or abroad, if your own healthcare provider approves a payment undertaking or certificate stating that they will cover the cost of the treatment in question.

Parents of young children are entitled to family leave, such as maternity leave and parental leave. Your employer must be informed in good time of the leave and its duration. During family leave, family benefits may be paid, and in some cases salary may also be paid if you are in employment Allowances include maternity grant, parental allowance, child benefit or child home care allowance. Find out more on the page Parental allowance in Åland or on the Kela webpage Families.

On the Info Norden website there is information on pregnancy and childbirth in the other Nordic countries, as well as contact details for the relevant authorities who can answer your questions.