Pregnant in Sweden

Step 1: register at an MVC

Pregnancy care happens at a MVC (mödravårdscentral, maternity clinic), led by a barnmorska (midwife) rather than a doctor. Once you have a positive test, choose an MVC near you and book through 1177.se or by phone. The first visit is usually around weeks 8–12.

Care is free with a Swedish personal number. Ask for an interpreter if you need one — it's free too.

Check-ups and scans

• Regular midwife visits: blood pressure, blood tests, baby's growth and heartbeat.
• Early screening (KUB or NIPT) is offered in many regions, around weeks 11–14.
• A routine ultrasound around weeks 18–20.
• Visits get more frequent in the third trimester.

Parent groups (föräldragrupp)

Many MVCs offer a parent group in the second or third trimester, with classes on birth, breastfeeding and life with a newborn. It's a great way to meet local parents — and Circle can help you find moms who speak your language too.

Giving birth

Most births happen at a hospital förlossning (labor ward). You usually don't book in advance — you call the ward when labor starts and they tell you when to come. Save the number in your phone and pack a bag around week 35.

Pain relief options include gas, TENS, sterile water injections and epidurals. Talk it through with your barnmorska.

Money and parental leave

From week 20 you can get a pregnancy benefit (graviditetspenning) in some physically demanding jobs. Parental leave (föräldrapenning) is 480 days per child, shared between parents, through Försäkringskassan. See our parental leave guide for details.

When to call for help

• Bleeding, strong pain, or fluid leaking.
• Baby moving less than usual in the later weeks.
• Severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling.

Call your förlossning or 1177 any time, or 112 in an emergency. If you feel low or anxious for more than two weeks, tell your barnmorska.