Real Cost of Pregnancy and a Newborn Baby in Philippines
Ready for a pregnancy and a newborn baby?
You may be mature enough to be a parent, but are you financially ready?
If you just learned you are pregnant. Congratulations!
Now that you know your baby will be coming out in a few months, it is your responsibility to be healthy and financially prepared. Do not get stressed out. Here is the list of fees to help you plan your pregnancy and a newborn baby’s costs.
The Cost to Having Pregnancy and a Newborn Baby in the Philippines
Often, people get excited about a pregnancy and a newborn baby. They go a long way from dreaming about what it looks like up to their future career. With overflowing emotions, people become overwhelmed with the expenses that come with it.
Prenatal Check Up Cost in Philippines
The Department of Health (DOH) encourages all pregnant mothers to have at least five to six visits with their obstetricians. Filipinos usually say, “nasa hukay ang isang paa ng mga buntis.” This is more than just an old saying. According to the DOH, in 2015, 80 mothers died in every 100,000 newborn babies during the perinatal period.
While it involves various reasons, you can lessen the risk by frequenting prenatal checkups. You might have to get more checkups if you are younger than 18 or older than 35 years old, as these ages can put you at a higher risk of complicated pregnancy and a newborn baby’s life.
OB-Gynes in public hospitals and midwives in Rural Health Units/Center give free checkups, however, you have wait in line for a few hours as many other pregnant women will be there. On the other hand, you can have your checkup with a private doctor for Php300 to Php500 per visit. They usually charge higher for the first checkup, and then ask for lower fees on the succeeding ones.
Ask around for an OB who gives free ultrasound sessions. Some OBs have their own ultrasound machines in their private clinics. You will just have to pay Php50 if you want a printout.
Do not forget to tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or if you are experiencing pain, such as a throbbing headache, severe toothache, muscle cramps, and abdominal pain. A simple pain can be a symptom of an underlying problem.
Prenatal Medications and Supplements
If you are concerned about the costs of your vitamins and the Tetanus Toxoid vaccination, you can get them for free in public hospitals and health centers. However, if you experience spotting and severe abdominal muscle cramps, you might be asked to take additional medications to stop the muscle contractions and bleeding.
OBs usually prescribe Duphaston and Duvadilan for a couple of days. Also, you have to relax and get a lot of bed rest. If bleeding and pain persist, you must strictly be in bed. Some doctors even prohibit going to the comfort room.
Baby Stuff
As a Filipino tradition, we use bigkis over the babies’ navel. Apparently, pediatricians are now discouraging mothers as it might delay the drying of the umbilical cord.
You do not have to buy a lot of baby clothes as they literally grow very fast, and we usually wash baby clothes every day. You can invest more in a crib, stroller, feeding bottles, and breast pumps as you will use them longer. If you want to lessen your expenses, you can borrow old baby clothes from your friends and relatives.
Take note that if you are going to formula feed your baby, you must not do it in hospitals and lying-ins. Health care facilities encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies.
If you want to switch to a formula, have your baby checked by a pediatrician first. If you are a first-time mom, you must ask the right way on mix feeding (feeding both formula and breastmilk) your baby to avoid problems such as constipation or diarrhea.
Maternity Package Costs
Prices may vary depending on your pregnancy and a newborn baby’s status. Also, it includes your medications and other needs such as blood transfusion and other emergency procedures. A lot of things may happen in just a few minutes. A lot of mothers experience serious complications without any warnings. Many had to get through C-Section. This is why though we all hope you are going to have a normal spontaneous delivery, you must be financially prepared for a C-Section.
If you are not yet a member of PhilHealth, you can easily apply for it. If you are a single mom and not applying as an indigent, you have to pay Php300 a month. PhilHealth is usually honored only if you have paid the last six months prior to delivery.
If you are an SSS member, you should apply for the SSS Maternity Benefit. This way, you can add more to your savings.
If you are a first-time mom, you must also know the signs you are about to give birth to avoid complications. As soon as you feel pain in your lower back (not just abdominal), your bag of water breaks (feels like non-stop peeing for others), or you feel contractions in very short intervals, seek medical help immediately.
While you are excited about your bundle of joy, be financially prepared for a smoother and less hassle experience. Need money to get your baby’s needs? Apply for a personal loan in the Philippines through Cash Mart now. Cash Mart is an online lending company you can always rely on for your pregnancy and a newborn baby’s needs.
