Pregnancy Goal - Not just another expense

Among the various goals, we discussed in the month of Oct 2015, one of prime goal that we didn't discuss then was “Pregnancy Expenses”. We are habituated to include only those goals in our financial plan, which we believe could dig a big hole in our pockets. Rest of expenses, we shun it by saying “Yeh toh manage ho jayega”. So, how well prepared are you for this expense? It could be that you have grown up children and never could it incur to you – that how expensive raising a child could be.

The main purpose of this article today is to highlight some of expenses related to pregnancy.It might be helpful to plan your own family or help some younger sibling in your family. Some of the major heads in which we would like to highlight these expenses are:

a)Pre -hospitalization – It includes all your daily visits to a doctor- including your monthly ones or any special visit for consultation to a specialist. It is on an average Rs 500 – Rs 1000 per visit. 

 

b)Hospitalization – It is your actual delivery expense. It includes doctor's fees, operation charges, room charges or with C- section possibility it may also include various treatments for medical complications.The cost could run something between Rs 75000 – Rs 300000. (depending upon the hospital selected and medical complications)

c)Medicines – With the number of body tests increasing everyday, the medicines suggested for patients are also high. The doctors prescribe various supportive medicines in addition to vitamins and nutritive food supplements. With growing career importance, the average age of mothers' has risen to around 30, which at times requires them to take hormonal injections. You can expect the monthly billing to be on an average from Rs 2000 – Rs 5000.

d)Blood Tests – It is a regular feature to include at least three – five blood tests during any pregnancy. With India on its way to become number one in sugar prone diseases or various viral infections, there are many checks recommended by doctors. The average cost of these could be around Rs.1000.

e)Sonography Expenses –Around three-four sonography are normal for any pregnancy. It could be a simple 2D scan or a clearer 4D scan. The sonography expense increase as the pregnancy advances. The cost could range from Rs.700 -Rs 2500 per sonography. 

 

f)Fitness and Yoga – These are add on costs, which may be incurred or may be avoided. However with stressful life floating around, it is mostly preferred by couples to have a smooth pregnancy. Also, it has only positive impact over long run. It can be a minimal expense or if you take the best Lamaze classes in the city,then it could be a big hole in your pocket.

g)Baby Shower function - Indians celebrate all their life events with equal pompous. So, having a new member join their family is also an important event to be celebrate with all rituals and lavishness. The function could be a traditional one or quick set up with friends. The expense is entirely discretionary. 

 

h) Post delivery - Expenses do not galore only before baby arrival, they are huge even after a baby is born. Some of the commonly incurred expenses include - Stem cell Banking, Basic clothing for babies, Masseur for mother and child, domestic support in case of nuclear family , sweets across families,pediatrician charges, medicines for mother and if required for baby and even basic vaccination charges should be considered.

So, now we understand that the expense that we might just ignore as easily manageable one could actually be more expensive than bringing home a new mid size family car. So, plan for your pregnancy goal and do not ignore it.