Gathering to the hospital is an exciting activity: it is not known when things and documents will be needed, because childbirth can begin at any time. It is important that the expectant mother has with her not only all the necessary clothes for herself and the baby, but also a whole list of necessary documents.
You need to collect documents in the maternity hospital in advance. In the last weeks of the term, it is best to keep them with you at all times and all in one place, so as not to run around the house in a panic at the right time.
Basic documents
First of all, you need a passport, because this is a document proving your identity. In the most extreme case, the hospital is obliged to provide assistance even without a passport, but it is better not to allow such a situation. If you forget all the other documents, this does not threaten such troubles and hassle as appearing without this document. If you are changing your passport just at this time, be sure to ask the passport office for a certificate. But it would be wiser, of course, to change your passport as soon as possible and during childbirth to be already with it in your hands.
The second required document will be the compulsory health insurance policy. This will confirm your registration with the medical system for doctors and show them that you can use their services. The lack of a policy is not a reason to refuse timely assistance, and yet it can create additional difficulties. If you do not have a policy, you need to contact the clinic to get it. This process can take several months, but then you will be given a temporary policy that has the same functions as the main one, only limited in time of use.
An exchange card is started in the antenatal clinic for all pregnant women from their first visit. It notes the woman's data, information about her condition during pregnancy, diseases and infections, chronic and hereditary diseases, as well as all information about the fetus and the tests performed. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, this card is issued to the woman in her arms so that she always has it with her. It is imperative to take the exchange card to the hospital so that the doctor taking delivery is aware of the state of health of the pregnant woman and her baby. If a woman enters the hospital without an exchange card, she is placed in the infectious diseases department, since doctors do not know about her state of health and fear that she may harm other women in labor and babies.
Additional documents
For a maternity hospital, you should also have a birth certificate - a document thanks to which the maternity hospital you have chosen should receive compensation for your care. This system is designed to stimulate maternity hospitals and antenatal clinics to provide better services for pregnant women. Such a certificate is issued in consultation after 30 weeks of pregnancy. In addition, if you entered into a contract for paid services with the maternity hospital, you will need to take it with you in order to confirm this agreement. And if a woman takes a partner with her to childbirth - a husband or another relative, then he will need to have a passport and confirmation of the passage of fluorography.
