Pregnancy is life’s most transformative journey. Traveling full-time is a transformative journey. Doing both together? Insane. When we found out I was expecting, my husband and I had just sold everything we owned in preparation for our new lives as digital nomads.
Instead, we found ourselves frantically googling the best places in the world to give birth. After a long perusal of our options, we decided to give birth in Thailand. The land of Smiles, with its lush jungles, turquoise waters, and famously friendly locals, was a great place to transition from a couple to a family. But being pregnant in Thailand wasn’t without its quirks, surprises, and cultural learning curves.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be pregnant in Thailand—beyond bump pictures and coconut shakes—this blog is for you.
Why Pregnancy in Thailand Feels Like Paradise
1. Fresh, Affordable Food Everywhere
One of the biggest perks of pregnancy in Thailand is the delicious food. Eating out is the cultural norm in Thailand, and it’s easy to see why. Nearly every meal is made fresh to order, and you can buy fresh tropical fruit on every street corner. My daily breakfast consisted of a fruit bowl, smoothie, and a lavender iced coffee.
Eating healthy during pregnancy felt effortless – even though pregnant me only wanted to eat cake. Local markets overflow with colorful fresh produce, and most restaurants are happy to customize meals in case of pregnancy aversions. Since eating out is so affordable in Thailand, I rarely cooked, which became a huge blessing as my belly grew and my feet swelled.
2. Excellent (and Affordable) Prenatal Care
Thailand’s healthcare system is world-class. I gave birth at Bangkok Hospital in Koh Samui. Here, the multilingual staff spoke fluent english, the facilities were spotless, and the equipment was state-of-the-art.
Prenatal visits cost a fraction of what they would in the USA, and the quality of care was remarkable. My total prenatal expenses? About €550. I purchased a birth package for around €2,500 that covered the delivery (emergency C-Section), a private room, three days in the hospital, and medical care for both me and my baby.
The appointments at Bangkok Hospital were comfortable. I never felt rushed or judged. Every doctor took time to speak to me, explaining everything in detail. I was allowed to choose which tests to have and which not to have – although refusing specific prenatal tests would have made me ineligible for a birth package. I felt comfortable and confident with my birth team.
3. Friendly, Supportive Locals
Thailand’s hospitality is world famous – it isn’t call The Land of Smiles for nothing! Fruit vendors, motorcycle taxi drivers, and our landlady all went well out of their way to make my stay in Thailand comfortable. Locals carried my groceries, gave me seats in public transportation, and helped me up and down stairs.
My favorite memory was an early morning doctor’s appointment. I set off in search of a taxi, wandering the streets of Lamai Beach. A motorcycle taxi driver spotted me waddling around and drove me to the main road, a mere 100 meters away, for free. For the rest of our time in Lamai, whenever I needed to cross the road near our home, a motorcycle taxi driver would magically appear and block traffic, allowing me to waddle across.
4. Thai Massages Are a Pregnant Woman’s Dream
Prenatal massages in Thailand are next-level. Skilled therapists know exactly how to relieve you from swollen ankes, ease your lower back pain, and help alleviate hip pain – for around 300 Baht (€7).
I treated myself to weekly massages. My favorite studio, Impress Massage on Koh Tao, was on the beach. Lying down, feeling my muscles relax and listening to the rhythmic sounds of waves was the best way to relax and unwind after a long week. Baby always kicked happily during head massages, which made the whole experience even sweeter.
The Things No One Tells You About Pregnancy in Thailand
1. Being Far Away from Family
No matter how delicious the food or how beautiful the surroundings, pregnancy feels lonely. Even more so if you’re far away from your friends and family. I missed my family deeply and regretted not being able to share the wonders of pregnancy with them. My parents missed the first kicks and had to see my growing belly over our weekly Zoom calls.
Video calls helped, but there were plenty of times I longed for my mom’s advice. If you’re planning a pregnancy abroad, it’s doable. Just make sure you build communication structures into your routine. That way, you’ll be able to call your mom and chat without it seeming odd. Local mom’s groups are another great way to connect with locals going through the same stage of parenthood. Sometimes, all you need is another pregnant mama to say, “I get it”.
2. Different Cultural Beliefs About Birth and Baby Care
Cultural beliefs around pregnancy, cultural norms around birth, and traditions surrounding newborn care are confusing. As a tri-cultural couple, my husband and I knew we’d be shocking our parents—we just weren’t expecting to shock the Thai people we met along the way!
Some traditions are beautiful, like the belief that calm, positive vibes should surround expectant mothers.
Others are confusing.
I was refused ice cubes at more than one Thai restaurant. Apparently, the cold is bad for the baby.
Breastfeeding in public was another cultural no-no in Thailand that I promptly ignored. Baby equipment, specifically car seats, is rarely used with Thai babies. We realized that when taking our baby home from the hospital, the taxi driver put the car seat in the trunk and the baby on my lap. Adapting to a new culture while navigating new motherhood was both eye-opening and humbling.
3. The Occasional Unpleasant Smell
I’ve always been sensitive to smells, and pregnancy only heightened that sensitivity. Southeast Asia is full of strong smells. Street food stalls, bustling fish markets, and durian (a famously stinky yet delicious fruit) sometimes hit my nose like a wall. I typically love shopping at markets, but in Thailand, I found myself unable to stomach the smells emanating from the meat and fish sections. I shopped in air-conditioned (and refrigerated) grocery stores instead.
Pregnancy Abroad: A Beautiful, Unforgettable Experience
Being pregnant in Thailand was one of the most unique and rewarding experiences of my life. Between the warmth of the people, the abundance of fresh food, and the incredible healthcare, it was a place that nurtured both me and my baby.
It wasn’t always easy—there were days I missed home and craved the comfort of familiarity—but the experience gave me confidence, gratitude, and perspective. I learned that pregnancy doesn’t need to be limited by geography. It can be an adventure—one filled with coconuts, kindness, and endless sunshine.
If you’re considering spending part (or all) of your pregnancy abroad, Thailand might just surprise you. It certainly did me.
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