It Costs You To Have A Baby. Here’s Exactly How Much It Cost Me To Give Birth To My Child. –

This article is part of a larger series called The End of Power. Ulo Here Read more.

Politicians and activists who oppose abortion often outweigh the costs of pregnancy. They suggest that someone with an unwanted pregnancy could adopt a child, or perhaps a family member could take care of her. When Republicans seek to end the right to abortion and the Supreme Court prepares to potentially overthrow Rowe Wade, the proposal seems to be just childbearing and cleansing.

But pregnancy is not that simple.

It is there Physical loss: Fatigue, illness, the possibility of long -term health problems and rarely even death. Emotional distress. Due to the stress of leaving work (I am “only 13”, but those with additional complications can schedule several times a week) and sick days (I will take at least four or more if I have a job that requires me to stand up). Fighting for childbirth and postpartum recovery for a vacation in the country There is no national paid maternity leave (Fortunately, this is not an issue for me personally; my husband has to take paid vacation).

Some of them are hard to count. One thing is uncertain: hospital costs.

The cost of childbirth can vary greatly depending on the type of childbirth, insurance, region and hospital. Almost all pregnancy and childbirth costs are covered for Medicaid patients. These patients make up a large percentage of births: Medicaid paid 42% In the U.S. in 2019. But that leaves a lot of private insurance delivery, where patients often get more money.

ᲠHow much? On average, about $ 2,000. And that was only for birth.

These costs were found to average $ 974 in Michigan to $ 2,685 in Nebraska and $ 1,905 in the national pocket average. Costs may be higher: According to the HCCI review, 90 percent of the cost of delivering patients is $ 4,327.

Cesarean delivery is typically more expensive, costing an average of $ 1,962 out of pocket nationwide, while patients cost an average of $ 1,875 via vaginal delivery.

Based on these payments, HCCI found that the average cost of anesthesia services, such as epidural and vaginal delivery, is approximately $ 200 per patient, according to analysis provided by HuffPost.

My experience in childbirth provides a more concrete example. In many ways, this is the best scenario, without major health problems and employer -based insurance. She ended up with out of pocket expenses and she returned me $ 1,527.93 – a huge amount still, especially with other pregnancy and children -related expenses.

In the evening, I showed up at the hospital and had an epidural for a few hours (for which I paid $ 109.38). The delivery itself is straightforward in a medical sense: my own pocket obstetric care costs $ 292.40. The largest expense was in the hospital, $ 1,126.15. Without insurance, of course, this amount would have been higher: the hospital paid $ 25,887.42 for my total hospital stay and $ 6,479.63 for the baby, but the insurance chose its card.

It’s hard to get the average rate of antenatal care, but you add doctor visits and checkups. HCCI told HuffPost that, on average, patients whose costs were evaluated were paid out of their own pockets more than $ 1,300 in medical bills in the nine months before birth, expenses that were not necessarily associated with pregnancy but serves potential.

We can even break it down a bit.

Most patients, even those relatively low risk, go to multiple appointments. Most of my 13 antenatal appointments had a low co-payment of $ 7.26; Some, for reasons I can’t imagine, are pretty much the same, my entire doctor visit cost $ 162.24. I also paid $ 25 to the OB-GYN office to make a maternity form.

Recommend the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Just an ultrasound Often, but often more – often even two, I’m even four. On average, an ultrasound costs a patient $ 60 to $ 70 out of their own pocket, HCCI found. My pocket ultrasound is cheaper – some are fully covered, while the two that come with the note cost $ 23.06 and $ 17.91 each.

Pregnant women also suffer a lot Evidence And the vaccinations. They’re not very expensive – on average, routine tests cost patients less than $ 10, HCCI told HuffPost – but they can add up. In the early stages of pregnancy, patients are usually tested to determine if they are indeed pregnant, followed by several other factors, including blood type and whether they have various diseases and infections. During pregnancy, along with glucose screening, there are many more blood tests. My tests only cost me $ 27.46 in total, plus $ 8.77 for vaccinations.

But this does not include genetic testing or other services that can be costly to the patient Hundreds of dollars. It cost me $ 309.85.

All of these costs involve low risk, uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, which is insignificant. Severe morning sickness can lead to hospitalization. Six to nine percent of women Develop Gestational diabetes, which means more frequent exams and appointments. Activity and bed limits, ie Controversial But it is still recommended for about 20% of patients, which usually means a break from work.

Some people in the hospital are surprised at an offline provider such as an anesthesiologist, which could potentially increase costs. The variation of insurance and the time of year can also have a big impact on the live price depending on whether or not a person uses part of their deduction.

Postpartum health costs continue. Postpartum care is relatively lacking in the United States – many people only get an appointment within six weeks. But postpartum problems It also has a priceHowever, pocket estimates are difficult because of the number of variables. Some people need treatment for postpartum anxiety or depression – One of eight women Experience symptoms of postpartum depression, including paying for appointments and sometimes medication. Some require postpartum physiotherapy, which is not always covered by insurance (I had to pay $ 20 per appointment).

To be more healthy, there are other expensive factors for a pregnant or postpartum person. Most people need maternity clothes. Some will also need additional clothing for the baby, as many people do not return to size before pregnancy. There are lotions and solutions for discomfort; Sedentary bath for postpartum bait Special underwear and even diapers when the bleeding does not stop after childbirth.

Regardless of whether someone has a desired pregnancy or someone wants to terminate it, most of these costs are unavoidable.

And then there’s the baby. Disposable nappies may be allowed More than $ 900 In the first year. Child care costs have risen on average $ 14,000 per year During the pandemic. Breastfeeding Not free, Because it requires a variety of supplies and long time; The formula also usually does not work From $ 1200 to $ 1500 The first year and the new parent will take time and energy. Babies need clothes, a place to sleep, a stroller, a car seat and more.

Let’s put the baby aside again; As if the costs associated with them were insignificant. Avoid less visible pregnancy complications. Let the fact that pregnancy can be unpleasant. Let’s consider the potential of major medical problems.

Suppose a pregnant woman only needs finances. I am one of the lucky ones: with employer-based insurance, relatively good health, uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth, and a double-income family with no other children. And my total amount in medical bills alone was $ 2,202.22.

Pregnancy is not a health neutral event. We should not think that it is free.