Obstetrician & Hospital Costs

Without insurance, a healthy complication free pregnancy and birth costs between $30,000-$40,000. This includes regular doctor visits, tests, delivery and hospital fees.  Costs escalate greatly from that point if you need medication, choose to have an epidural or if you have a c-section (cesarean). Be aware, that while insurance does cover most of the above costs, many plans charge you a premium for an epidural or a c-section. My brother’s wife had a cesarean and discovered after the fact that her anesthesia was not covered by their insurance plan!

Midwives

The cost of hiring a midwife instead of a doctor can range from $3000 to $10,000 depending on if you choose to have a home birth or deliver at a birthing center.  Fees typically include, check ups, standard lab work, delivery, blood work and post-delivery visits. In addition, midwives can also administer sonograms, additional tests for mom and baby, circumcision, and provide other services that are generally covered by insurance. Home births are not covered by insurance, but as mentioned, many midwives who work with hospitals and birthing centers, do take health insurance.

Save Money By Keeping Healthy

Taking care of yourself by eating healthy and staying fit, may be the single most important thing YOU can do to reduce your risk of developing any life threatening and expensive complications.

Our Fab & Fru friend Kate, recently had a home birth, and can’t stress enough how keeping your weight gain to a minimum and staying fit is the key to having a more pleasant and affordable experience.  In fact, she told me that “unless you commit to following a certain diet and fitness program, most midwives will not allow you to deliver your baby at home.  The risks just become too high”.  So even if you would never in a million years consider having a home birth, the philosophy behind keeping yourself healthy, says A LOT no matter what birth plan you choose!

Additional Expenses

Aside from all the specific medical-costs to plan for, there are additional well-being expenses to consider while planning your pregnancy budget.

• Doulas: Doulas have become a popular addition to the birthing team. They are trained birthing coaches who specialize in holistic labor techniques, and offer you extra support through the birth and postpartum process. For more information see http://www.dona.org/
• Prenatal Yoga: Many yoga studios offer prenatal yoga classes. The benefits of keeping fit and limber as well as learning to breathe and relax will help make labor much less arduous. You will also meet other pregnant women and have the chance to become part of a community.
• Prenatal Massages: Massage is key to helping some women alleviate back pain and pressure.  Many spas offer half hour to hour-long massages where they literally “scoop” the baby off your organs to help tense muscles relax.
• Acupuncture: Our own Stephanie recalls having had a pinched sciatic nerve during both her pregnancies and swears by acupuncture.  Acupuncture helps to relieve pressure, increase circulation and relaxation.  It is also often included as a benefit under some insurance plans. So make sure to check!
• Body Pillow: Since you are advised not to sleep on your back during pregnancy, a lot of women find it helpful to sleep hugging a body pillow. It keeps you from rolling over and it makes sleeping on your side more comfortable. Try one out for size before making your purchase!

Don’t let the shadow of poor financial planning fall over what should be one of the most joyous occasions of your life. The best advice for giving birth as healthily and inexpensively as possible is DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Thanks to Steph, Megan, Virginia, Kathy, Sam, Danny, and Kate for your words of wisdom and sharing your experience!

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