pregnant in Italy | FAQs, navigating healthcare system, language barriers

answering your most frequently asked questions about pregnancy and talking through my experience so far with the Italian healthcare system. a long video, but hoping it can help one of you starting a similar journey! 🤍
_____________________________________
00:25 welcome
02:24 where will we have the baby?
03:24 fears of giving birth
06:48 maternity leave in Italy
08:23 multilingualism with baby
09:32 first trimester tips
11:11 cravings + body changes
18:46 reaction to pregnancy
19:44 where will we raise the baby?
20:19 supplements + vitamins
21:46 Italian healthcare system
23:48 Italy vs USA
25:18 challenges + feeling alone
25:54 once I found out I was pregnant
26:36 finding a gynecologist
27:49 setting up first appointment
28:59 obtaining the libretto di gravidanza
33:40 scheduling public appointments
35:56 public system confirming pregnancy
37:05 mandatory public appointments
39:12 what I've had to pay so far
41:26 private gynecologist accessibility
42:03 is the public system efficient?
45:45 pregnancy binder organization
49:36 tips, advice & conclusion
_____________________________________
◤Ciao! I'm Sofie. Originally from the States, I've been living in Italy for a total of almost 6 years now with my Italian husband. We were first based in Rome and we have now been in Florence for 2 years and we are now preparing to welcome our first baby!
Welcome as I share my reality living in Italy 🇮🇹
◤You can also find me here:
/ sofies.world
◤ For Business Inquiries ONLY:
(USA) [e-mail]
(Italia) [e-mail]
#lifeinitaly #pregnancyjourney #FAQ

[@CapturingSpain]

No matter how fluent you are in another language, communicating with doctors is soooo hard!! I completely understand you! But you are doing so well, you will rock it!! ❤

[@sofiesworld]

Thank you!!!🙏🏽🫶🏽🤍

[@dianafoley6926]

I live in the U.S. and have traveled to Italy 4x, two of those times with my three young children. You mentioned feeling like you receive special treatment in Italy being pregnant. I’m not surprised, based on my experiences being in Italy with young children. It’s not that way in the U.S., and after my travels to Italy with young kids I was left with the impression that there is much more respect for motherhood in Italy than there is in the U.S.

[@sofiesworld]

Definitely! I feel as though kids are welcome and embraced everywhere in Italy. The way they view and approach pregnancy is kind and beautiful 💓

[@mariax876]

Don’t stress too much RE the dual language - it will work out! My mom spoke English to me and my dad spoke spanish to me and it worked for me 💚

[@amyanderson-locke4822]

Having a baby is a crazy emotional, overwhelming experience. I can not imagine how stressful figuring out all the healthcare stuff felt at the beginning. You are doing great, even when you feel like you might not be, just remember that from here on. As a parent you will have days you feel like you are winning and days you can't do anything but cry, it is ok!!!!! All of my pregnancies were high risk, I had a very strict bed rest, I definitely understand the added fear when you hear those words. I did get fmla for taking off work, but it was without pay...of course. I have enjoyed your videos and post and love watching your pregnancy progress, you are glowing and absolutely beautiful.

[@sofiesworld]

Thanks so much for your kind words and support, really appreciate it! 🙏🏽🤍

[@obliviate2738]

Sofie sei bellissima! I know the comment is not pertinent with the video topic but you're really glowing 💘💘

[@sofiesworld]

Aw thank you so much! 🤍✨

[@calise8783]

People are crazy nice to pregnant women in Italy. Everyone congratulated me, gave up a seat, asked questions, helped. It was insanely fun. Not so in Germany. 😆

[@sofiesworld]

😅

[@serendipitylife15]

It you follow Kylie Flavell. Had her son a year ago in Florence. May be good source to find out info about the hospital and experience she had.

[@Emily_Hurley]

What is her channel?

[@1963manuela]

Sofie, sono al diciannovesimo minuto del tuo video: FREGATENE di tutti i consigli e fai quello che ti senti di fare!...e non piangere:-)...sei in formissima!

[@sofiesworld]

Grazieee🙏🏽🤍

[@1963manuela]

@@sofiesworld:guarda che noi italiani se andiamo da uno specialista privato, poi dobbiamo per forza andare dal nostro medico di base che farà le ricette seguendo quello che ha scritto lo specialista e preparerà l'impegnativa per il famigerato CUP. Quando sono nata io e i miei fratelli le donne che andavano dal ginecologo erano poche: mai madre andava dal nostro medico di base ed era molto bravo.Ha seguito lui mia madre per tutte le gravidanze ed è andato tutto bene.Adesso le cose sono cambiate ma non ti preoccupare: al massimo dirai le parolacce in inglese durante il travaglio e loro non ti capiranno;-).Poi adesso c'è l'epidurale,negli anni Sessanta no.

[@katialamanna173]

You are a warrior- never forget that you are stronger than you think you are… Baby X will be so lucky to have you as her mama!❤

[@sofiesworld]

❤️❤️❤️

[@quidest5]

It would be nice to get Emilio answering some questions as well

[@autumnl3954]

I highly recommend getting the epidural as soon as possible. I was induced and got my epidural at 1cm dilated and had an amazing labor because I didn't feel anything!! I slept on and off the whole time (23 hours) until it was time to push and never felt any contractions. I think a lot of women want to wait it out until they can't handle the pain but if you're going to get the epidural anyway there's no point of putting yourself through the pain! You will need the rest when baby is here. It will all be okay!! :)

[@sofiesworld]

Yesss I’m all here for the epidural 👏🏽

[@Kbydfrsghusy]

Healthcare is overwhelming anywhere you go if you haven’t grown up in the country or speak the language to a native level. In the USA you get a more personal approach that often makes people feel less overwhelmed, but access to good healthcare is often a privilege. In Italy is less of that but you never have to worry about money. Florence also has some great hospitals that have been awarded to an European level. The reason she gave you a prescription to take to your doctor is because you won’t have to pay for them. The system wants that whoever goes private pays for everything trough private (meaning you pay a lot out of pocket and nothing trough the public system and tax payer’s money) . People nowadays use it when they want a visit faster, but not for long term care (most of the times). Private and public medical records systems often (if not almost always) don’t communicate with each other.

[@sofiesworld]

That’s a great way of looking at it! Thank you✨

[@isagoldenjewels]

It’s nice to have a long Vlog from you 🤍🙌🏼

[@sofiesworld]

I’m so glad you think so! I thought maybe it was too long, but as long as you enjoy it 🥰🙏🏽 thanks for watching!

[@sarahferrara4770]

Thanks for sharing. I found the antenatal care in Italy challenging and stressful. That’s great that you have a private gynaecologist who you can text. If I have another baby I will definitely do that. I’m glad they picked up on your high risk and you’re being looked after. Questions : how easy has it been deciding on a name, middle name(s) and one or 2 surnames?

[@sofiesworld]

Thanks for watching! It hasn't been that easy because we've been focusing on a name that can be pronounced in both languages, and I think we'll just end up using my husband's surname or else it will be too long of a name😅

[@southerngirlinterrupted6572]

You look radiant! Even though I’m past having kids (had my last with my younger 2nd husband when I was 49.5 years old!) 😜 I find the differences in Italy from American OBGYN’s fascinating and would probably be very confused too! Seems you are navigating it well. Wow, it’s nice to be free too but I know you pay for it in your taxes as you mentioned! We just returned from Italy the end of September and were in Florence 9/14-16… I’m in love with that city! So bummed we couldn’t stay longer, must come back! Best of luck on your continued Pregnancy journey. I will be following along, and wishing you the best! 💕 Ciao! 😘

[@sofiesworld]

Thank you so much for watching and your support!🙏🏽🤍

[@giovannamarchesan1820]

Congratulations Sofie! I am Italian and have lived in Italy all my life. When I was pregnant with my first girl 10 years ago I was just as lost and confused as you have been! Once I got into the system I was taken very well care of (even without a private gynecologist) but understanding what to do in the first month was a nightmare! Even my GP had no idea how to help me.

[@sofiesworld]

Yes it is definitely overwhelming at first! But as you said, then you get the hand of it✨

[@AntonioDellElceUK]

Not true for "all paper" part, my doctor (GP) sent my bookings/"Prenotazioni" (the ones you have printed containing bar codes, at my email address), also the results at the hospital were available both printed and in PDF format at the hospital website. It depends on which ASL but I guess it should be better in Tuscany than Abruzzo.

[@sofiesworld]

Yes my GP emails them to me too. But everything else with all the pregnancy-related appointments and briefs is all given paper-based. At least that has been my experience.

[@annab3252]

[@josealfonsosilvalatorre1826]

Congratulations😊

[@sofiesworld]

Thank you!

[@kerig8392]

Congrats! 🎉❤

[@sofiesworld]

Thanks!🫶🏽

[@Jackferrett6781]

Hey Sofie have you experienced any nausea or vomiting while you’ve been pregnant

[@sofiesworld]

I answer it in the video 🙃 Starting at 11:11

[@Akkesunamun]

Your video has been like a lifeboat for me when I was trying to stay afloat navigating the system. I still am, but this gives me some hope. Unfortunately getting bookings from CUP is proving to be very challenging since they never pick up. Spent an entire day trying to get in touch with them just for my test appointments. And the dates available on the system for 1st trimester eco unfortunately fall into my second trimester 😅. I stay in Rome and now am seriously considering travelling back home by a 13 hr flight to pay more and give birth. Especially since our grasp of the language is not yet up to the mark, we just barely scrape through. I was so hoping for this to be better😢. But I'll keep my hopes up for some more time after your video 👍

[@Emily-ig4si]

Hahahah Bilingual problems I love that you said you have to get 'controlled' for hypoparathyroidism because it's controllare lol

[@rightmindset-]

If you think the Italian healthcare system is less personalised… Wait to know about the UK one. This is typical of free healthcare services: one cannot expect things to be made personal, however, you do not need to pay an insurance to be treated like a human! All the best for your journey❤

[@marievtbxviiii]

You’re going to make the best baby scrapbook for your little girl! Auguri bella!

[@claudiaemme1219]

You're doing a great job! I think this is pretty complicated for Italian women too. Usually we choose a gynecologist who is working at the hospital we want to give birth to (which sometimes means that you choose a different doctor for the pregnancy than your standard gynecologist) to make things "easier".

[@sophiemom2003]

Non ci sono i sottotitoli ...😢

[@sofiesworld]

Mi dispiace tanto, ma è un video così lungo che non sono riuscita anche ad aggiungere i sottotitoli. c'è una domanda in italiano a 09:31 💖

[@sophiemom2003]

​@@sofiesworldnon c'erano in inglese appena il video è uscito. Poi sono apparsi. Mi è difficile comprendere tutto solo ascoltandoti , i sottotitoli in inglese mi facilitano la comprensione e nello stesso tempo imparo sempre qualche nuova parola ! Il tuo racconto è stato molto piacevole e l'ho seguito fino alla fine. Un video non è troppo lungo se ha contenuti interessanti ! Buon proseguimento di gravidanza ! Il librone è anche la prova fisica e materiale che le donne in gravidanza qui in Italia sono seguite e tutelate. E comunque cara Sofie, incinta sei ancora più bella !! Dai che non vedo l'ora di vedere il prossimo video 🤗

[@sofiesworld]

@@sophiemom2003 grazie mille cara 🫶🏽🤍

[@jacquelinegraham1746]

The hair Friend!!! Looks amazing

[@mr.dsproductreviewchannel]

In this Video You mention about NEEDING the Paper Book instead of doing it Electronically. Is the Paper Book Only for Pregnancy or is the Paper Book Needed for ALL kinds and types of Doctor Appointments and for Both Men and Women? Please Let Everyone know the Answer about this.

[@sofiesworld]

Just for pregnancy - it’s called “Libretto di Gravidanza” specifically for pregnancy.

[@calise8783]

I had both my children in Germany. My German wasn’t great back then. But honestly, it wasn’t bad. Everyone treated me with respect. I hear you on being your own advocate in a second language. But you can do it. As for not wanting a “natural” birth, I didn’t either. With my first, my contractions were so bad but not effective, I was giving the epidural at 4cm without asking but with pitocin. The entire long labor was difficult. My second, I never needed an epidural. Yes, it was tough in transition but my body knew what to do and it wasn’t as bad as with pitocin. I I simply remained open to the entire situation. I say, go with the flow. In Germany, it was more similar to the US, I just called my OB/GYN who followed me until the birth. He did not deliver me as the hospitals have OBs who do that in the delivery department along with the midwives. Funnily enough, the OB who delivered me, was my OBs brother. 😊 Like Italy, in Germany we get ( but from our regular GYN) what is called a mother passport. All the info from every appointment is written in this booklet and you carry it with you so if something happens, you have all your info right there. But my GYN can order any tests and meds. So my two children are 19 and 17. They are fluent in English and German. Basically I spoke English to them, my husband German. Obviously they heard me speak German as well because I brought them to Kindy/school, to the pediatrician, to stores…. I had to speak German. Here is the key though, it’s not just the speaking. It’s reading stories to then in English, singing songs in English, watching shows in English and here is the most important aspect, that they see the need for English such as visiting family in the US often where they must speak English. We went twice a year to the US and the kids and I stayed for 6 week stretches until they entered school. They wanted to play with their cousins, spent alone time with nonna and nonno ( my parents are from Italy) they had to speak English and found value in speaking English. By age 4, my oldest would get on the plane and say to me in German, now we switch to English ( Delta airline). Once we flew German Lufthansa and I said, you can keep speaking German until we land if you want. 😂 Other passengers were amazed and envious. Kids are amazing!

[@sofiesworld]

Thank you for sharing and thank you for your support! An insane yet fun journey awaits 🥰

[@tbrough90]

I love everything you shared in this video! It's so interesting seeing this from your perspective having experience with different kinds of health care. I had my first baby in the height of COVID-19 2020. I didn't know if my husband would be allowed in with me until the day before, and they were saying that I might not even be able to see my baby unless I had clear tests, and all kinds of things.. it was so stressful. When I got pregnant with my second baby (who is turning 1 this Friday), I was so terrified. It was like reliving all of the stress, and fear from my first all over again. My second pregnancy was completely different, and after my baby was born, I was so sad that I had let my fears and worries, and the opinions of others, steal so much of the joy from my pregnancies. Advice can be great, but really, pregnancy is like a super power. Trust yourself. Your body is built for this. You are going to rock this, and I hope you soak in every ounce of joy that you can. Im not sure if you are religious or not, but I am sending prayers for peace to be with you in this process, and for baby to be healthy and arrive safely. ❤

[@sofiesworld]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and congrats on your two babies 💞 Appreciate the prayers and your support. 😘

[@Twogirlsabroad]

No stop I’m 18:28 into this video. Your doing this all the right way. I had a crap childhood and life. I wish I would have had all you have. Do you and your baby your way. Because all the hater’s in our world will say what ever they wish their life to be. But in reality it’s your life and your babies life. If any person calls crap on you. Just understand it’s their insecurity in their life. Girl my daughter started her sophomore year of college and it’s about to be over when I blink. Just do your family your baby and screw all the other comments on this channel. Those of us who want your life to be the best will continue watching. The haters well just block them. You don’t need that negativity. I’m not saying you’ll make mistakes that’s life I’m just saying it’s your life and you will. That’s normal no one is perfect and babies don’t come with a manual. Girl makes this the best moment of your life. Screw everyone else!!!

[@sofiesworld]

Thank you! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@Ryanlexz]

Congrats!!

[@sofiesworld]

Thanks!

[@bettycesky4947]

Hearing your experience being pregnant in Italy is a good form of birth control. Holy sh-t !!! Sounds so confusing.

[@sofiesworld]

Ha! Here’s hoping to getting through the other side 💪🏽✨

[@camporosso]

Congratulazioni Sofia! Video istruttivo e interessante. Anche se non vivo lì sono nato anch'io a Firenze, al Careggi. Vi auguro il meglio.

[@sofiesworld]

Grazie mille✨

[@marisolcorona5920]

You are doing AMAZING!!! 😘🤗

[@sofiesworld]

Thank you so much💕🙏

[@MsBaby1959]

Hi Sofie, stay strong my dear, I had two babies here in the early nineties and believe me somethings weren't easy for me either, no epidural here back then, I had complications so I had two C sections, so in a way I was spared the labour pains. You'll be fine, I'm sure they'll let Emilio stay with you 😘🥰. Live you and keep us updated 🥰

[@MsBaby1959]

*Love

[@sofiesworld]

Grazie for sharing🤍

[@salariganello7046]

OMG AN HOUR VIDEO AHHHHHHHH WOOOOOOW

[@sofiesworld]

😅

[@lucindawinehouse2002]

I thought you already speak Italian. ?

[@sofiesworld]

I do, but it’s not my native language and I’ve had struggles with a lot of the medical terminology.

[@lucindawinehouse2002]

@@sofiesworld Oh right thanks for clarifying that

[@salariganello7046]

Ok, Im not having kids any time soon but this video was sooooo interesting! Also I cant help but think that the italian stuff is for sure more complex! As a Canadian most of our stuff is free too, but we have one dr and almost everything in the same building like in the States! And like you said most stuff is online, or on file, for sure wayyyy less paper

[@nicolettastrada5976]

Good for you😊