Pregnancy and Baby Delivery: A Handy Financial Guide
1. Doctor’s Appointments
A full-term pregnancy takes 37 to 42 weeks and is broadly divided into three stages: the first trimester (1st-12th weeks), second trimester (13th-27th weeks), and the third trimester (28th-40th weeks). The expectant mother is advised to visit the gynaecologist/obstetrician once a month in the 1st to 24th weeks; once every two weeks from the 24th to 36th week; and once every week until the 40th (or 42nd) week.
The cost of a doctor’s appointment will differ according to whether you opt for the public or private option. Your nearest Klinik Kesihatan (public/government) is free of charge, but the downside is that these clinics tend to be very busy. Each visit will possibly require up to four hours, including taking your queue number. You can expect speedier service at a private maternity clinic, with your appointments scheduled in advance to reduce wait times. A doctor’s appointment can set you back about RM200; so, if you see the doctor about 16 times (until week 40), this would add up to a total of RM3,200.
2. Pregnancy Scans
These are important for you and your doctor to keep tabs on the overall health and development of your baby. If you go for the government option, scans are free – but do note that Klinik Kesihatan usually offer 2-3 scans for the whole term of your pregnancy, which might not be enough. You can do as many scans as you require by opting for a private healthcare provider. Here are the recommendations of one maternity clinic:
- Dating scan (8th-12th weeks): RM28-RM53 (2D growth scan)
- First trimester scan (11th-13th weeks): RM80-RM120 (NT scan)
- Anomaly scan (20th-24th weeks): RM88-RM168 (anatomy scan)
- 4D/5D scan (25th week onwards): RM58-RM118
- Third trimester scan (32nd-36th weeks): RM28-RM53 (2D growth scan)
3. Supplements and Medication
Expectant mums need additional nutrition and will often be directed to take certain supplements and possibly medication. But given that every pregnant woman’s body and health are different, it is hard to estimate the amount of medication needed. An expectant mum will need iron, calcium, and folic acid daily to ensure normal foetal development. In general, iron and folic acid tablets cost RM1.14 each, while calcium tablets cost 85 sen per tablet. The dosage and frequency of taking these supplements and other medicines will be entirely dependent on your doctor.
4. Maternity Necessities
There are items that mums-to-be should consider getting before the baby arrives:
- Clothing: Prices of maternity clothes and underclothing start from RM10 per piece. A set of seven pieces, one for each day, is a good starting number. Bear in mind that clothing worn in early pregnancy will likely be too tight in the later stages.
- Pregnancy pillow: Prices range from RM20 to RM80 per pillow, which helps pregnant women sleep comfortably on their side.
- Supportive shoes: Prices start from as low as RM8 to RM40 per pair. She will need these shoes to walk around comfortably as feet tend to swell during pregnancy, and to prevent back pain.
- Compression socks: from RM5 to RM25 per pair. This is needed to deal with swelling in the legs during pregnancy.
Note that postnatal items like breast pumps, milk bottles, and sterilisers are not included here. In total, the price of maternity garments could range from RM43 to RM180 or more, depending on the brand.
5. Hospital / Birthing Expenses
With a government hospital, hospital and birthing costs tend to be minimal: a normal delivery could cost less than RM100, but should there be complications, it could cost up to RM2,000. A caesarean delivery would cost from RM100 to RM800. Crucial services such as doctor’s checkups and scans will cost more but tend to be more time-saving at private hospitals.
6. Postnatal Care
Postnatal care is crucial to ensure Mum’s proper recovery. There are several options:
- Confinement centers: Dedicated postnatal-care centers offer five meals a day, round-the-clock care for your baby, and classes you can take to learn about looking after your baby.
- Confinement lady: This involves a dedicated nanny who cooks for you and cares for your baby. They might stay with you temporarily or come in for a full day.
- ‘Do-it-yourself’: This is when new mums are cared for by their own family members or relatives.
A one-month stay at a confinement center is estimated to cost between RM5,400 and a whopping RM52,000, depending on the specific services required. Meanwhile, a confinement lady is estimated to cost about RM5,000 monthly. You will need to book their services early, and will need to factor in ingredients for meals.
The Bottom Line
Taking everything into account, you would have to invest anywhere from RM100 (for the cheapest government options and DIY confinement) to RM70,000 for the most expensive private options, from the start to the end of pregnancy. Of course, all of the above are just estimates, and there are other factors and costs that could increase expenses. Nevertheless, this should provide a ballpark figure for you to start planning financially should you wish to expand your family.
FAQs:
Q: How much do doctor’s appointments cost?
A: The cost of a doctor’s appointment can vary from RM200 to RM3,200, depending on whether you opt for a public or private option.
Q: How much do pregnancy scans cost?
A: Scans can cost between RM28 and RM168, depending on the type of scan and the provider.
Q: What are some common maternity needs?
A: Mums-to-be should consider getting maternity clothing, pregnancy pillows, supportive shoes, and compression socks.
Q: What are some postnatal care options?
A: Postnatal care options include confinement centers, confinement ladies, and ‘do-it-yourself’ care.
Q: How much does hospital and birthing expenses cost?
A: Hospital and birthing costs can range from RM100 to RM2,000, depending on whether there are any complications. A caesarean delivery can cost from RM100 to RM800.