How much does it Cost to Have a Baby in the Philippines: Cost of Normal and Caesarean Delivery

Having a baby can be a tiring and rewarding experience at the same time. Parents feel a sense of accomplishment every time they see their child hit every milestone in preparation for life. They are prepared to sacrifice everything in order to give their baby a loving home and healthy childhood.

That being said, kids are expensive and can easily drain your wallet. If you want to have a baby in the future, it is best that you prepare your money as early as now. It is difficult to provide for a baby if you don’t have enough money to begin with.

In this blog post, we will break down the costs of having a baby in the Philippines.

Parental Check-up Price in the Philippines

It’s important that you remain healthy and receive the best medical care possible as you go through the trimesters of pregnancy. Regular prenatal check-ups will keep you up to date with you and your baby’s well-being and spot conditions that may negatively affect your pregnancy.

Pregnancy check-up costs in the Philippines can vary depending on your healthcare provider and frequency of visits. Consultations start at Php 500 and prices can go higher if you’re in a private hospital. The first trimester is the most delicate part of pregnancy, so expect to have constant follow-ups with your doctor.

Up until your eighth month of pregnancy, you may be required to visit your doctor every two weeks. In your ninth month, your visits may be increased to every week.

You also need to undergo ultrasounds which cost Php 500 and above. 2D ultrasounds are the cheapest and most commonly recommended to pregnant women. More sophisticated scans like 3D and 4D ultrasounds have higher prices, ranging from Php 1,500 to Php 4,000.

As you reach weeks 18 to 20, you should undergo the Congenital Anomaly Scan (CAS). It helps check if the baby is developing normally. Besides, the CAS confirms the patient’s due date. This type of medical research costs from Php 400 (1).

There is also a total OB-Gyne check-up, which allows to identify potential health risks for both the pregnant woman and the baby. The doctor checks the patient’s health and looks for any signs of problems. Besides, the specialist analyzes the future mother’s lifestyle, eating habits, chronic diseases, mental health concerns, and more to detect and eliminate medical issues that may affect pregnancy.

The total OB-Gyne pregnancy check-up price in the Philippines depends on the woman’s age and overall health. It approximately costs Php 700 to Php 1000 and above (2). All in all, a woman may need 10 to 12 consultation visits with an OB-Gyne check-up for the whole duration of pregnancy.

National health insurance program covers prenatal check-ups through the Maternity Care Package (3). You can also use your husband or partner’s national insurance  number for maternity costs.

Things to Prepare Before Giving Birth

Now that you’ve taken care of your prenatal check-ups, here are the things you need to prepare before giving birth in the Philippines.

NEEDS	BUDGET
🟣 Doctor’s visits	Php 500 per visit
🟣 Tests	Php 5,000
🟣 Ultrasound & Scans	Php 500 to Php 4,500
🟣 Vitamins & Supplements	Php 5,000
🟣 Maternity clothes	Php 3,000

Let us consider this list in more detail and discover what you will need in different trimesters.

👉 First Trimester (0 – 3 months):

Estimated total expenditure: Php 20,000.
During the initial three months of pregnancy, prenatal care is crucial to ensure your baby receives optimal nutrition for development. Depending on your health status, this care typically involves visiting the doctor once or twice a month. The cost of these checkups ranges from Php 200 to Php 1,500 per appointment.

Your doctor may recommend prenatal vitamins or supplements to support your and your baby’s health. These supplements typically cost between Php 120 to Php 3,400 per bottle (4).

Additional expenses during the first trimester might include preparing the home for the baby, for example renovating a room. Basic repainting for a small room starts at Php 2,000. Baby essentials in the Philippines can be pricey, so it’s wise to budget accordingly. A minimum of Php 850 for a crib (5), Php 500 for baby cabinets, Php 3,000 for baby clothes, and Php 2,000 for baby bedding should be anticipated.

👉 Second Trimester (4 – 6 months):

Estimated total expenditure: Php 18,000
The second trimester of pregnancy spans from the fourth to the sixth month, or from week 13 to week 28. It is generally considered the most comfortable phase, when the expecting mothers have adjusted to their bodily changes, with fatigue diminishing.

Nevertheless, the second trimester entails more frequent medical consultations and the necessity of acquiring maternity attire. You will need from Php 3,000.00 for maternity clothes for the entire period of pregnancy.

Assuming a standard pregnancy devoid of health complications, expenses for supplements and obstetrician-gynecologist appointments may mirror those of the initial trimester. Additionally, your healthcare provider might suggest procedures such as pap smears, amniocentesis, ultrasounds, and blood tests, incurring expenses of approximately Php 5,000.

👉 Third Trimester (7 – 9 months):

Estimated total expenditure: approximately Php 158,000.
The third trimester marks a thrilling yet demanding phase of pregnancy. During this period, the baby undergoes significant growth in preparation for birth. It is also a time when expectant mothers may encounter various discomforts such as abdominal pains, bleeding, contractions, discharge, and frequent urination.

The third trimester typically incurs the highest expenses due to the inclusion of costs related to normal or cesarean delivery. To manage expenses effectively, explore maternity package options available in your region. Seek recommendations from your obstetrician-gynecologist or individuals within your social circle who have recently undergone childbirth. Additionally, researching maternity packages offered by hospitals in advance enables you to align your budget accordingly and make financial preparations.

Necessary Documents:

You will also need some paperwork for you and your baby. Here are the documents needed when giving birth:

• Patient’s information form. You or your companion will be asked to fill out this form upon your arrival at the hospital or lying-in clinic. You have to give out information such as date of birth, place of birth, medical history, etc.
• Government IDs. Hospitals may ask you for government IDs to confirm your identity.
• SSS and National Health Insurance forms. You will need these forms if you’re planning to apply for maternity benefits.
• Admission slip from your doctor. This contains doctor’s instructions on what to do once you get admitted.
• Birth plan. This outlines your preferred method of delivery, pain relief, allergies and complications, and other health information.
• HMO, life or health insurance card. If your HMO or insurance policy covers maternity and childbirth, bring your card or a copy of your policy.
• Marriage certificate, if applicable.

Childbirth: Delivery Costs in the Philippines

If you think preparing for your baby’s arrival is already expensive, think again – we’re only halfway done. We still have to cover delivery costs here in the Philippines, from childbirth to postnatal care.

But before you head over to the hospital to give birth, you can avail of maternity packages that can help you save lots of money. If you are an SSS member, you can apply for maternity benefits where you can get up to Php 80,000 (6).

✓ Cost of Normal Delivery in Private Hospital in the Philippines

The most common way of giving birth, normal delivery is usually more accessible and costs are cheaper. You can even have a normal delivery in Philippine public hospitals for free!

But if you’re giving birth in private maternity hospitals, be prepared to shell out at least Php 25,000 for just the delivery. Of course, the cost is higher if you’re giving birth in a mid-range or high-end private hospital. You also need to consider doctor’s fees, medications, anesthesia, and the maternity room that you’re going to stay in and for how long. Opting for an epidural anesthesia may cost you from Php 25,000 to Php 40,000, maybe even more.

All in all, you have to prepare at least Php 300,000 for the whole procedure (7).

✓ Cesarean Delivery Cost in the Philippines

The cost of a Caesarean section (C-section) in a private hospital can vary significantly, ranging from around Php 80,000 to as high as Php 250,000​​ or more. These figures are averages, and the actual cost can be influenced by several factors:

• The specific hospital you choose can have a significant impact on the cost.
• The level of medical services and care you receive can also affect the cost.
• If any complications arise during the C-section or postoperative care, this can lead to additional medical expenses, including extended hospital stays and further treatment.
• The cost of medication, medical supplies, and equipment used during the C-section will also be factored into the final bill.

For example, in the Makati Medical Center C-section costs Php 250,000 and in the St. Luke’s Medical Center – Php 300.000.

✓ Public Hospital Cesarean Cost in the Philippines

Your doctor may elect that you go through a cesarean section (C-section) to deliver your baby, or you can plan to have one yourself. C-sections are recommended in situations such as obstructed labor, twin pregnancies, high blood pressure, and fetal distress.

The cost of cesarean delivery in the Philippines typically costs Php 60,000 to Php 150,000 (8).

✓ Painless Normal Delivery Price

The typical fee for standard delivery services at maternity hospitals averages around Php 25,000. In contrast, painless normal delivery expenses might span from Php 50,000 to Php 120,000. These costs fluctuate based on various factors including the hospital’s classification (public or private, metropolitan or provincial), the accommodation type (ward, private room, suite, etc.), and the duration of hospital stay.

Be ready to pay for epidural anesthesia. For example, in the VRP Medical Center in the Philippines, the epidural price is Php 72,400 (9).

Maternity Packages

Hospitals and maternity clinics offer maternity packages to moms-to-be at affordable rates. Such packages usually include delivery (normal or cesarean), doctor’s fees, maternity rooms, medicines, and other professional fees.

These are just some of the hospitals in Metro Manila that offer maternity packages, and for how much:

HOSPITAL	COST (estimate)
Philippine General Hospital (10)	Php 45,000 – Php 60,000
UST Hospital	Php 150,000 (c-section)
Makati Medical Center	Php 80,000 (standard delivery) Php 125,000 – Php 250,000 (c-section)
Capitol Medical Center	Php 20,000 – Php 30,000 (normal delivery) Php 35,000 (c-section)
St. Lukes Medical Center	SLMC QC: Php 60,000 – Php 80,000 (normal delivery) Php 100,000 – Php 300,000 (c-section) SLMC BGC: Php 101,000 – Php 165,000
Marikina Valley Medical Center	Php 50,000 (normal delivery)
Perpetual Help Medical Center (11)	Php 75,000 – Php 100,000

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Postnatal Check-ups

Following childbirth, it’s essential to schedule postnatal checkups for your baby within the first month, with the frequency continuing for several more months thereafter.

During these consultations, your physician will offer guidance on regaining your strength and enhancing your overall well-being as you care for your newborn. Additionally, the doctor will assess your baby’s health and growth progress.

Similar to prenatal care, postnatal consultations typically begin at a rate of Php 500.00 per visit.

Newborn Baby Needs Checklist

Having a baby is a blessing but also a responsibility. You should know and prepare everything that your newborn baby needs before bringing your little one home from the hospital.

Here is a checklist of a newborn baby’s needs in the Philippines.

 

👶 NEEDS	💳 BUDGET
Crib	Php 1,000
Baby clothes & accessories	Php 5,000
Baby care products	Php 10,000
Stroller	Php 3,000
Baby bottles	Php 1,000
Bottle sanitizers	Php 1,000
Vaccinations for baby	Php 2,500 each

For milk, the WHO recommends that you breastfeed your newborn exclusively up until 6 months of age, followed by continuous breastfeeding coupled with appropriate food up to 2 years old (12). That means you don’t need the most expensive milk for babies in the Philippines, at least not until your baby is two years old.

But if your baby needs formula milk to supplement breastfeeding, talk to your doctor first to ensure that your baby will still get enough nourishment from the bottle. A can of formula milk will range from Php 800 to Php 2,000 depending on the brand and kilogram.

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Expenses in the First year of a Child’s Life

Congratulations! Your baby just turned 1. You’re now quite past the stage of crawling and sleepless nights. But such a milestone does not mean that the growing pains are over: a one-year-old will have more needs than a newborn and expenses will only go higher from there.

Here are just some of the expenses in the first year of your child’s life.

🍼 Milk. The average cost of formula milk for a 1 year old is Php 4,000 per month. The cost can go lower or higher depending on the brand, size, and if your child has specific dietary needs. You can still opt to breastfeed your child to supplement formula milk in order to cut down costs.

👚 Clothes. Your child will need new clothes as he/she grows! Prepare to spend at least Php 2,000 on clothes, though you can save money if you buy from discount stores or receive second-hand clothes from relatives and friends. You can also repurpose clothes if you have older kids!

🧸 Toys and educational material. Kids are playful and inquisitive by nature, so what better way to indulge their budding imagination by giving them toys and educational materials? Prepare to have a budget of a maximum Php 1,000 on these items, though you can always save up by buying affordable but high-quality toys.

👨‍⚕️ Healthcare. Healthcare is expensive even if your kid does not get sick often. Your kid will need regular check-ups, vitamins and vaccinations in order to build their immune system and keep them healthy. You must have a budget of at least Php 5,000 per month, in order to cover emergencies as well.

👶 Baby care products.  Such as baby shampoo, lotion, diaper rash cream, and baby-safe laundry detergent. Diapers and wipes. You should have a minimum budget of Php 2,000 per month

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Tips to Reduce Newborn Costs

There are several strategies to trim the costs of welcoming a newborn.

• Leverage your health insurance and maternity benefits:

Many HMOs in the Philippines cover pregnancy-related tests and OB-Gyne fees. Ensure you utilize these benefits. If you lack HMO coverage, explore health cards tailored for expectant mothers, offering consultations with specialists. Updating your PhilHealth contributions can also offset hospital bills during childbirth, whether at a clinic, birthing center, or home. Upon obtaining your baby’s birth certificate, claim SSS maternity benefits to ease other newborn expenses.

• Purchase essentials only:

While crafting a baby shopping list, resist the urge to splurge excessively. Opt for practicality over extravagance. Does your newborn truly need designer sneakers? They’re cute, but exorbitant. Since babies outgrow attire swiftly, prioritize basic essentials like onesies, socks, and bibs. Reserve fancy outfits for special occasions.

• Embrace hand-me-downs:

Newborns don’t necessitate brand-new items. Incorporate secondhand goods into your essentials checklist without compromising safety. Seek hand-me-downs from friends and family for costly items like cribs and strollers.

• Opt for multi-functional baby gear:

When outfitting your baby’s space, choose versatile pieces to maximize utility. Convertible cribs, dresser tops doubling as changing tables, and adaptable high chairs are prudent investments. Similarly, select a car seat that transitions seamlessly between stroller and car use.

• Consider cloth diapers:

Inexpensive and eco-friendly, cloth diapers offer a sustainable alternative to disposables. While initially pricier, their reusability over years offsets costs and benefits your baby’s skin health.

• Breastfeed whenever possible:

Nursing or expressing milk saves significant expenses on formula. Breast milk boasts superior digestibility and immune-boosting properties, benefiting both baby and mother.

• Prepare homemade baby food:

Crafting homemade meals ensures freshness and quality, surpassing store-bought options. It’s cost-effective and guarantees knowledge of ingredients, promoting your baby’s health.

• Trust family for childcare:

Post-maternity or paternity leave, childcare concerns loom large. Engaging a nanny is convenient but costly. Consider enlisting a stay-at-home parent or trusted family member for affordable, reliable care, ensuring peace of mind for all involved.

Conclusion

Giving birth and raising your own child can definitely be a learning experience – no wonder so many people find it very fulfilling! But being a parent is also expensive and can easily drain your wallet if you’re not financially prepared for it. That’s why it really is important to save money before you even plan on having a baby.

Nonetheless, emergencies do happen which can affect your finances even if you have ample savings. If you don’t have enough money to cover your baby’s expenses, you can always apply for quick cash loans as a last resort.

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