Pregnant in Spitsbergen? Discover why giving birth on Svalbard is prohibited

Welcome to Spitsbergen: The Curious Case of Giving Birth on Svalbard!

Have you ever wondered why women in Norway have to leave Spitsbergen to give birth? Are there any medical facilities in the region? Or is there some other reason behind this phenomenon? In this article, we will answer all your questions related to giving birth on the Svalbard archipelago.

What is Spitsbergen?

Spitsbergen is a Norwegian archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, situated about midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. It covers an area of approximately 61,000 square kilometers and is home to about 2,600 people. The largest settlement of Spitsbergen is Longyearbyen, which is considered to be the world’s northernmost town, with a population of around 2,000 people.

Why Can’t You Give Birth on Svalbard?

Now, coming to the main question. The reason why women cannot give birth on Spitsbergen is because there are no hospitals or medical facilities in the region that are equipped to handle childbirth. Pregnant women are required to travel to the mainland for delivery, where they can receive proper medical care.

Did you know? In the early 20th century, women on Spitsbergen did give birth at home with the assistance of midwives. However, as the population grew on the archipelago, it became increasingly difficult to provide proper medical facilities to the locals.

What Are the Risks of Giving Birth on Spitsbergen?

As mentioned earlier, there are no proper medical facilities on Spitsbergen to handle childbirth. In case of any complications, pregnant women would have to be flown to the nearest medical facility on the mainland, which could take several hours and would put the lives of both the mother and child at risk. Therefore, it is always recommended that pregnant women travel to the mainland to deliver.

What Are the Alternatives?

For women who choose to live on Spitsbergen, there are alternatives available for childbirth. Some women choose to travel to the mainland during their third trimester and stay there until after the delivery. Others may opt to give birth in another country or choose to have a planned cesarean section to ensure a safe delivery.

Fun Fact: Did you know that in 2016, a baby was born on a Norwegian Coast Guard vessel en route from Spitsbergen to Tromsø, after the mother’s water broke prematurely?

Conclusion

Wait, what? There’s no conclusion?

No, there isn’t. But we hope that this article has answered all your questions about giving birth on Spitsbergen. While the lack of medical facilities may seem like an inconvenience, it is always better to prioritize the safety of the mother and child.

If you are planning to visit Spitsbergen, it is recommended that you consult your doctor beforehand to plan your trip and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.