The safest countries for giving birth, based on extremely low newborn and maternal mortality rates, consistently include Japan, Iceland, Singapore, Finland, and South Korea, known for their strong healthcare systems, advanced neonatal care, and emphasis on prenatal/postnatal support, with Japan often leading in newborn survival. Other highly-rated countries for safety and support are Canada, New Zealand, and Nordic nations like Norway, offering universal care and midwife-led systems.
Countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Nordics have invested heavily in both maternal care during pregnancy and intensive care units after birth. That explains why their neonatal mortality rates are so low.
Babies born in Japan, Iceland, and Singapore have the best chance of survival, while for newborns in Pakistan, the Central African Republic, and Afghanistan the chances are the worst.
Japan gets top marks for best newborn/infant outcomes. UNICEF announced their list of the best places to give birth in 2019: Japan, Iceland, Singapore, Finland and tie on the number 5th spot is Estonia and Slovenia.
Japan has one of the world's lowest infant and neonatal mortality rates due to a highly structured and safe maternity system, and universal healthcare access.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the #1 safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index (GPI), a position it has held for over a decade due to extremely low crime, no standing army, high social cohesion, and minimal conflict, though some other reports might place Switzerland or the Netherlands first based on different survey criteria.
The 5-5-5 rule for birth is a postpartum recovery guideline for the first 15 days, emphasizing rest: 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days near the bed, with gradual activity increases to support physical and emotional healing, bonding with the baby, and setting boundaries for visitors and chores. It's a framework for prioritizing self-care, but it's flexible, and full recovery takes longer, so listening to your body is key.
Throughout the world, the following countries have the lowest infant mortality rates:
If you're strictly concerned with maternal health, Italy is the place to be. In 2010, the country was rated the safest place to have a baby, with just 4 maternal deaths per 100,000 births.
Countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Nordics have invested heavily in both maternal care during pregnancy and intensive care units after birth. That explains why their neonatal mortality rates are so low.
Having a baby in Australia is generally very safe. However, complications can sometimes arise that may affect you, your baby, or both. Your chance of complications may be higher if you have certain pre-existing health conditions or pregnancy complications.
While you are pregnant, you should not travel to areas where there is risk of malaria, including Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. If you can't avoid travel to these areas, your ob-gyn may prescribe an antimalarial medication that is safe to use during pregnancy.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the #1 safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index (GPI), a position it has held for over a decade due to extremely low crime, no standing army, high social cohesion, and minimal conflict, though some other reports might place Switzerland or the Netherlands first based on different survey criteria.
All figures are estimates. In 2024, the fertility rate in Taiwan was estimated to be at 1.11 children per woman, making it the lowest fertility rate worldwide. The fertility rate is the average number of children born per woman of child-bearing age in a country.
Best Countries to Give Birth (Global Top Picks)
Of all live births in the United States during 2021-2023 (average), 25.3% were Hispanic, 50.5% were White, 13.9% were Black, 0.7% were American Indian/Alaska Native and 6.2% were Asian/Pacific Islander.
The highest fertility levels are observed in Niger (13.6 children on average), South Sudan (13.5 children), Chad (12.1 children) and in the Sahelian countries more generally. In only four countries (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia) is male fertility below 6 children per man.
Ranked: Countries With the Fewest Children by Population Share. Hong Kong (12.6%), South Korea (12.9%), and Japan (14.0%) have the fewest children as a share of the population in 2025. Relatedly, they also have some of the highest shares of seniors.
Babies born in Japan, Iceland and Singapore have the best chance at survival, while newborns in Pakistan, the Central African Republic and Afghanistan face the worst odds.
The period of 30 minutes after birth is called the partunate period. During this period a child continues to be a parasite until its umbilical cord has been cut and tied.
Key Findings. In support of the widely held understanding that first babies are more likely to be born “late,” we found that deliveries go beyond 41 weeks' gestation 1.53 times more frequently among mothers with a first-time delivery compared to those who have previously delivered, confirming anecdotal wisdom.
Maintaining a healthy pregnancy is not hard when you know how to do it! The three golden rules are to always listen to your doctor's advice, eat healthy, and stay active. Remember, don't focus only on your baby's growth because ultimately keeping yourself healthy is the first step to keeping your baby healthy!