Pregnancy Costs: What Expectant Families Need to Think About Early

Pregnancy is a very exciting journey, but it does come with some financial considerations. Understanding the options available and the costs involved can reduce unnecessary stress and ensure a smoother journey. Knowing your options will ensure informed choices that will suit your needs and budget.

Costs Within the Pregnancy Itself

Antenatal care is vital to ensure the wellbeing of the mother and baby. Costs vary according to whether you are receiving care in a private or public facility, as well as the healthcare provider from whom you have chosen to receive care.

In a public facility, you will be cared for by a midwife and/or obstetrician, depending on the type of pregnancy. A private midwife or obstetrician within a private facility may come with additional fees.

The frequency of appointments will also affect the overall budget. Typically, in a low-risk pregnancy, you may require between 8 and 12 visits with your chosen healthcare provider. If you have a medical condition or are assessed as having a high-risk pregnancy, the frequency of visits will be more frequent.

You can apply for additional benefits from your medical aid if you are a high-risk patient. Reimbursement does depend on the type of medical aid and plan.

At the very beginning of your pregnancy, if you have medical aid and plan on delivering in a private facility, you need to inform your medical aid that you are pregnant to ensure that additional maternity benefits become available to you. You would need to do this before your first appointment with your healthcare provider.

Medical aids typically pay for two ultrasound scans throughout the pregnancy. This could mean that you may have some out-of-pocket expenses. This also applies to blood tests: standard blood tests like blood group, Rubella immunity, screening for Hepatitis, HIV status, etc are mostly covered by the maternity benefit of every medical aid plan. Blood tests for first-trimester abnormalities or some less common parameters may not be covered. It is therefore recommended that you print out your maternity benefits and have them at hand for ease of reference, to ensure you are well aware of what could be an out-of-pocket expense, and what is included in the benefits.

Delivery Costs

The actual delivery costs are dependent on the type of healthcare provider and the facility. Each will charge differently and may or may not charge above the rates of the medical aid itself. This means that if they charge above medical aid rates, you will have an out-of-pocket expense. Some gap cover plans may cover the difference, but this is subject to the type of gap cover you have.

If you require an epidural or caesarean section, an anaesthetist will be involved. They charge independently from the midwife and/or obstetrician. They are often not employed by the hospital itself and will charge their own rates. The rates depend on the anaesthetist themselves – some charge medical aid rates, while others charge above medical aid rates. 

After baby is born, some private facilities offer private rooms that allow your partner to sleep over. The cost depends on the facility itself. Hence, always enquire with the facility at which you plan to deliver. Ensure this is a facility that is on your designated service provider (DSP) list (provided by the medical aid on an annual basis). Should you choose a facility that is not on the DSP list, you may incur a co-payment at your chosen facility.

You will also require a paediatrician to check in on baby and ensure baby is healthy and thriving after delivery. Paediatricians are vital in providing care and guidance regarding your baby. Since they are not employed by the facility you are delivering at, their billing works the same way as for the anaesthetists, and their fees may not be fully covered by your medical aid.

Allied healthcare professional such as physiotherapists (to assist with exercise and movement after delivery) and lactation consultants (to assist you with breastfeeding, if needed), will assist you in your post-partum journey. Again, refer to your maternity benefits regarding the cover for such providers, and ask the specific provider about costs prior to receiving the service. This allows for no unpleasant surprises.

Additional Pregnancy-Related Expenses

This includes antenatal supplements, which are key in providing you with nutrition and energy during pregnancy and give your baby the best possible start in life. You also have your baby-related expenses, such as the nursery, baby monitor, pram, car seat and much more. Considering the additional costs that come with pregnancy enables you to be financially prepared and reduce any financial stress.

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Medical aids can provide you with a list of healthcare providers and facilities that are on your DSP list to ensure that, as far as possible, you have minimal out-of-pocket expenses, and that the pregnancy and delivery services offered are at medical aid rates. So, even before you conceive, ensure you choose a medical aid and corresponding plan that resonates with your choices for a stress-free pregnancy.