Having a baby can be a wonderfully joyous experience. The thrill of seeing the baby move inside you as well as the delight of creating new life can be one of the greatest experiences you will ever have. However, babies also come with costs. These include fees for obstetrical visits, maternity clothing, childbirth classes, anesthesia and items that must be purchased for a new infant, such as a car seat.
Doctor's Visits
You'll need to visit a doctor specializing in maternal health at least once a month early in your pregnancy, and more frequently thereafter. If you have health insurance, you may only have to pay a small fee for each visit. If you don't have health insurance, you may have to pay the full cost, which can be $100 per visit and up. Many doctors will negotiate with uninsured patients. If you meet certain income guidelines, federal and state assistance may be available to you.
Maternity Clothing
Maternity clothes are designed to accommodate your uterus as it expands during each trimester. Expect new items to cost as much as similar non-maternity garments. Used items can be purchased at garage sales, online auctions and consignment shops. Used items generally retail for 25 percent of the cost of a new item.
Childbirth Classes
Many doctors recommend childbirth classes to prepare you for labor and delivery. Such costs may be covered under your medical insurance as part of your maternity coverage. If they aren't covered, expect to pay about $10 to $25 per class for at least four classes.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is given during childbirth to lessen pain and make it easier to endure hours of labor. Anesthetics are commonly given through an intravenous line in the spine, called an epidural. Epidurals are generally covered under maternity health insurance. If you don't have medical insurance, expect to pay $1,000 and up for the services of an anesthesiologist.
Car Seats
Many hospitals require you to demonstrate that you have a car seat for your new baby before they will release the infant into your care. Car seats can be purchased new for $50. Used car seats should be checked very carefully to make sure that no cracks exist or that the make and model has not been subject to a recall for an underlying defect.
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