Three Potential Expenses (and Complications) of Giving Birth

Deciding to bring new life into the world is a wonderful step forward in your journey as an adult. However, it’s not a decision to take lightly or spur of the moment.

Babies are expensive, but so is the pregnancy period and the actual birth, especially if there are complications. In the US, around 60,000 mothers experience complications caused by either the pregnancy or the act of giving birth. The complications vary from high blood pressure to heart problems and can impact the mother’s health for long periods of time (if not permanently).

While many of these health issues are treatable (or at least manageable), the healthcare expenses can be debilitating. Add to this the cost of adding a new family member to the monthly budget, and you already have a huge problem on your hands.

Therefore, today we will have a look at some of the most common birth expenses and complications and how you can prepare for such a scenario from a financial point of view.

Common Giving Birth Expenses

Pregnancy and delivery that progresses as expected, without complications, comes with a few pretty significant expenses, such as:

Prenatal care: regular check-ups with a healthcare provider throughout the pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of the mother and baby
Delivery fees: the cost of the actual delivery, which can vary depending on the method of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section), the length of hospital stay, and any complications that arise.
Anesthesia and pain management: pain relief medication used during labor is an added expense.
Postpartum care: this includes any medical care needed after delivery, such as follow-up appointments, breastfeeding support, and postpartum depression treatment.
Supplies and equipment: this can include anything from diapers, baby clothes, breast pumps, and other necessary baby items.

Side note: If the new mother needs to return to work shortly after giving birth, you should also add childcare to the list of expenses.

What if Your Baby Suffers a Birth Injury?

In the US, about 7 of every 1,000 babies are born with birth injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In most cases, the injury is caused by medical malpractice, such as failing to diagnose and treat a pregnancy-related disease or using the forceps incorrectly.

While no one wants to go through such a nightmare, it’s important to know that you have the right to receive compensation for the damage done to your baby, your health (mental and physical), and your budget. To make sure you get fairly compensated, it’s best to seek birth injury claims and guidance from lawyers and legal professionals with proper experience in these cases.

What if the Mother Needs an Emergency C-Section?

Did you know one-third of all US births end up in a C-section? The procedure is not complicated, but it can be dangerous for the mother and baby (depending on the case). And, while a C-section can save the lives of those involved, it can also sink your birthing budget if you didn’t plan for it.

Plus, even if the procedure goes on smoothly, there is always an increased risk of infection and bleeding, which can impact the mother’s well-being and even life. So, when you decide to take the very important step of having a baby, you should also start saving for your B and C scenarios.

After all, it’s best to have the money saved up and not need it than to need it and not have it.

What if there are Pregnancy Complications?

Pregnancies can (and often are) impact a mother’s health for long periods of time. For instance, many mothers-to-be suffer from preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Both health complications can be managed if caught on time, but the treatment and medication can destroy your birthing budget.

Wrap Up

Pregnancy and delivery incur a series of risks and unexpected expenses that you must plan for if you want to make sure you’ll be able to welcome the new baby with open arms and a warm heart. And if something does happen, just remember that you are not alone. There are specialists who can help you get fair compensation or save as much as possible.

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