The cost of having a baby

FOR MOST women, pregnancy and childbirth are often met with joy and expectation, but these life events are also fraught with unwelcome possibilities, such as disease, injury, and even death. In addition, the financial cost that comes with pregnancy and childbirth is also a major consideration.

Having a baby is a life-changing experience that one needs to prepare for not only physically, mentally, but financially. Preparing for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth begins even before pregnancy, where expenses start to pile up.

How much do you need financially to have a child? Here are some guides to help you come out with a figure.

1. Medication and supplements

The first trimester of a pregnancy is crucial. It’s the time when mothers-to-be are encouraged to take various medications and supplements, such as folic acid tablets and multivitamins, to minimize the risks involved in the pregnancy.

Price of medicines and supplements vary in prices depending on the brand that you are getting, but you may get them at lower price at drug stores selling generic brands.

2. Doctor consultation

Mothers-to-be need to see an obstetrician-gynecologist (Obgyn) regularly to monitor the health of the mother and the baby.

The consultation fee ranges from P350 to P800 and even more depending on the hospital and the doctor.

For a pregnancy check-up involving use the of an ultrasound machine, the fee would be around P770 to P2,500.

In a normal pregnancy, mothers are required to go for a check-up once a month in the first seven months, once every two weeks in the eighth month and once every week in the final month.

3. Delivery

Giving birth in a public hospital is still the cheapest option. It can even be free or as low as P2,000. For a semi-private facility with a common ward (sharing), you may have to shell out more money.

Private hospital delivery cost range from P20,000 to more than P100,000.

Here are some private hospitals and what they charge:

Makati Medical Center: normal delivery, semi private room, P57,000; caesarian, semi private room, P82,000.

Maria Lourdes Maternity Hospital in Makati: normal delivery, ward, P18,000 to P21,000; caesarian, ward, P21,000 to P23,000. Rates are net of Philhealth benefits.

St. Claire’s Medical Center in Makati: normal delivery, ward, P50,000 to P60,000; caesarean, ward, P100,000.

Christ the King General Hospital in Las Piñas: normal delivery, ward, P30,000, semi private room or private, increase of P5,000 to P10,000; ceasarean, ward, P50,000, semi private room, P60,000. Rates are net of Philhealth benefits.

Golden Acres Doctors Hospital in Las Piñas: normal delivery, ward, P25,000 to P26,000, private room, P28,000 to P30,000; caesarean delivery, ward, P70,000 to P80,000, private room P80,000 to P85,000.

Manila Doctors Hospital: normal delivery, ward (five in a room), P37,300; caesarean, ward, P50,300.

St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City: normal delivery, ward, P56,000; ceasarian section delivery, ward P94,000.

Dr. Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center in Mandaluyong City: normal delivery, ward, P53,000, semi-private room, P64,000, private room, P78,000; caesarean, ward, P84,000, semi-private room, P96,000, private room, P109,000. Rates are net of Philhealth benefits.

Unciano General Hospital: normal delivery, ward, P45,000; caesarean, ward, P60,000 to P65,000. Rates are net of Philhealth benefits.

To help with the expenses involved in a pregnancy, it would be a good idea to have benefits, and HMO coverage. This will cover the cost of pregnancy from the check-up to the delivery, and even during childcare period.

Also prepare SSS and Philhealth benefits, which can greatly reduce hospital costs.

4. Child’s health

After the baby is born, more expenses are required to ensure the health of the baby. It is always advisable to get health insurance for both the mother and the baby as this would cover the cost of doctor consultation during pregnancy and after the baby is born.

Also, you will need to ensure your baby gets all the vaccines required. Vaccines that are provided in the health centers are free. However, if you are not willing to go through the long queue, you can opt for vaccination at a private pediatrician. This would cost around P5,000.

The baby would also need a stroller, crib, baby high chair and other things needed by the baby. For the child’s first year alone, you would be spending P20,000 and more just for these things. Diapers, too, are expenses, costing about P500 a pack for two week’s use only.

Many mothers are working moms, so they would require the services of a nanny to take care of the child while they’re at work. An experienced nanny would usually ask for P4,000 a month.

Becoming a mother isn’t an easy task—physically and financially. Couples should plan their family size to be able to provide the best for their children.