Raising a baby can be expensive in Singapore. There are plenty of expenses parents can expect to shell out for. It’s essential to prepare for your baby’s arrival and consider the expenses, which can help create a more affordable lifestyle for your family.
Here’s a rough estimate of the actual delivery costs in Singapore to help you manage your delivery finances and have a stress-free pregnancy.
Cost of Check-Ups
Prenatal visits usually start at 16 weeks and must be done at least once a month. During your last trimester, it’s a must to see your gynecologist twice or more a month.
The cost of prenatal check-ups may vary depending on the type of hospital– private or public. If you’re looking for a good gynecologist to follow through with your pregnancy, it can be a costly affair. On average, each visit to the ob-gyn could cost you around $150 to $400.
Prenatal care in Singapore usually includes an ultrasound, supplements, additional scans, and tests. It’s also important to screen for genetic defects and conditions. A thorough genetic screening can help you know of any possible problems with your fetus or your baby’s quality of life.
The Ministry of Health suggests that the average cost for such procedures can range from $650 to over $1,500. This will vary depending on the type and number of tests and whether you have them at a government hospital or a private specialist clinic.
Cost of the Actual Delivery
When it comes to delivery, the cost varies. The delivery price will depend on how you will give birth (cesarean or vaginal), the length of your stay at the hospital, and the kind of room you will have. Most of your pregnancy-related expenses will be for the actual delivery, ranging from about S$1,200 for a normal delivery at a government hospital to more than S$13,000 at a private hospital.
Generally, a day’s stay in a Singaporean hospital costs more money in the private sector than in public. In government hospitals, the bill can come to $5,000 for ward A, while in private hospitals, it can cost $8500 for a 1-bedded room.
The hospital or ward you choose for your delivery depends on your preference and budget. If you decide to save money by having your delivery birth at a public hospital, you might consider Ward B2; this ward costs less than $2,000.
Vaginal birth with no complications will cost less, but you can also expect your bill to be higher if complications arise.
Cesarean delivery will cost much more than a normal delivery as it requires a lengthy operation. You may need to stay in the ward for up to 3 to 4 days after the birth so your health can be monitored.
Other Costs
Doctors often recommend supplements for pregnant women, which can be obtained during routine check-ups. You can spend anywhere from S$100 to S$300 a month on vitamins and supplements, depending on the brand you buy and how often you take them.
Pregnancy is an unpredictable time, and complications may occur. Extended hospital stays can lead to higher medical costs, so it’s essential to consider a maternity insurance policy that can provide benefits, help eliminate those costs, and prepare for unexpected expenses. Maternity insurance can help you handle birth and beyond financial risks.
After Child-Birth Costs
After giving birth, mothers commonly hire a confinement nanny during the postpartum period so that they can focus their energy on recovery and replenish the nutrients that have been lost. They are also expected to consume certain health products that have traditionally been thought to be especially beneficial, such as tea, ginseng, and chicken essence. A confinement nanny in Singapore costs around S$3,000 to S$4,000. You can choose to hire a live-in nanny, a part-time nanny, or a freelance one.
Many women may also find massage helpful in managing discomfort during their pregnancies and restoring their pre-pregnancy figures after birth. Postnatal massage helps mothers recover their figure while also reworking the body to help them regain their health.
There are many options for prenatal and postnatal massage services, ranging from basic to luxurious, so you’re sure to find one that suits your budget and preferences.
Once you’ve brought your baby home from the hospital, you’ll need to purchase all sorts of things for the child, from clothes and cribs to toys to diapers.
A baby starter pack includes a cot, pram, infant formula, diapers, and clothing for your baby’s comfort and care. These items can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Once you’ve brought your baby home from the hospital, you’ll need to purchase all sorts of things for the child, from clothes and cribs to toys to diapers.
A baby starter pack includes a cot, pram, infant formula, diapers, and clothing for your baby’s comfort and care. These items can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Managing The Costs of Pregnancy and After-Birth Expenses
Most women worry about the costs of pregnancy and other expenses. The good news is that the government has provided benefits to all mothers who are expecting babies under the Marriage and Parenthood Scheme.
The Medisave Maternity Package (MMP) will cut- down their delivery cost. This can help them better manage their finances as they go through this period of their lives.
However, this may not be enough, so if you want to take care of the high out-of-pocket costs that come with pregnancy & after-birth expenses, consider extending the Medishield plan you have. You can do this by signing up for an Integrated Plan or switching to a project with greater maternity benefits.
The Medisave Maternity Package (MMP) allows parents to use their Medisave to deliver their child and cover pre-delivery medical expenses such as consultations and ultrasounds.
Pregnancy and motherhood have a lot of facets, making it essential to prepare financially before having a baby. Prepare for the bundle of joy in your life by creating a financial plan that covers all expenses, no matter how big or small.