Kun olet raskaana
"With a child comes bread to the house."
(Finnish saying)
Women should visit a maternity clinic as soon as they become pregnant or before the end of the 4th month of pregnancy. The clinic monitors the health of the pregnant woman and the child and organises antenatal classes for mothers and fathers. The services are free of charge for the customers of the clinic. Once the infant is born, the doctors and nurses of the infant healthcare clinic take care of the health and vaccinations of the child. Information on the topic can be found on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
Your local health centre will provide you with more information on maternity and infant healthcare clinics.
Pregnant women who are permanent residents in Finland are entitled to Maternity Grant (äitiysavustus) as long as certain conditions are fulfilled. The Kela Websitehas more information on who qualifies as a permanent resident in Finland. Maternity grant is available either as non-taxable financial aid or as a Maternity Package (äitiyspakkaus).
Pregnant mothers who have been permanent residents in Finland for a sufficient period of time are entitled to a Maternity Allowance (äitiysraha).
Having Children in Finland – guide available in the following languages:
English
Finnish
Albanian
Arabic
Kurdish
Farsi
Swedish
Serb Croat
The Children and Young People page has information on the benefits available for families with children.
Are You Pregnant and in a Difficult Situation?
If you are pregnant and do not have a partner to support you, you can receive support for instance from the First Home (ensikoti). In First Homes families receive support in relation to parenthood and life management. Mothers are welcome to the First Home while they are pregnant or when they have already given birth.
Are you pregnant and have not got a partner to support you? The website of the Association of Single Guardians and Joint Guardians (Yksinhuoltajien ja yhteishuoltajien liitto) has information on the topic.
Information on Abortion is available on the Sexuality page of the Info Bank.