FAQs: Giving birth in Qatar

Don’t stress about giving birth in Qatar; making a firm plan involving the people who matter, allowing for contingencies, doing your research and setting a budget will help you to relax and enjoy the experience.

To make sure you feel fully informed and comfortable about what may happen during labor and delivery, we found a useful article published by Hamad that answers a list of commonly asked questions to help set your mind at ease.

The new Emergency Department at the Women’s Wellness and Research Center provides care for women who are experiencing an obstetrical or gynecological emergency. This includes women suffering from severe vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, vulval abscesses, and fibroids.

For all other medical emergencies, women should visit the main Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital (or at Al Wakra, Cuban or Al Khor Hospitals)

The hospital also permits a female family member to accompany patients in the hospital, although they will be unable to stay during the actual time of birth.

What should I bring to the hospital?

For the arrival of your baby you should bring clothing, two packets of disposable nappies and a receiving blanket. In terms of your preparation for delivery at the hospital, you should cut your nails short and remove nail polish. You are advised against wearing tight jewelry and bringing food items, extra baggage or valuables with you to the hospital.

If you have had a consultation with any other healthcare facilities other than HMC, you should bring all consultation reports or any other healthcare related documents with you to the hospital.

What should I do if my waters break?

In the event of your waters breaking you should proceed directly to the Obstetrics/Gynecology Emergency Department.

Who can I contact if I am not sure if I am in labor?

You should contact the Obstetrics/Gynecology Emergency Department nurse if you are not sure.

What is the usual procedure if I am in labor and arrive at the hospital?

Please report to the Obstetrics/Gynecology Emergency Department where you will be triaged and assessed. Your attending doctor will decide what the next course of action will be depending on your condition at the time.

What happens after a baby is born by caesarian?

Your baby will be assessed by the pediatrician who will decide whether the baby needs to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Intercare, depending on the condition of the baby.

What happens to the baby right after birth?

After routine care and if there are no complications with the baby, you will be given your baby to initiate breastfeeding. If the baby requires special care, the attending pediatrician will decide the best course of action.

How long will I be in the hospital after delivery?

The period of time you have to stay in the hospital is determined by the attending physician and is based on your condition. General guidance would be:     - For a normal delivery – discharged after 36 hours

- For patients with an uncomplicated caesarian

– discharged after three days