Giving birth is one of the most significant events in a person’s life, and understanding the associated costs is crucial for prospective parents. In Nigeria, the cost of childbirth can vary widely depending on several factors, including the choice between public and private hospitals, the type of delivery, and the healthcare services required during different stages of pregnancy. In this article, we talked to three mothers on their pregnancy journeys, thus offering insights into expenses for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Childbirth

The cost of giving birth in Nigeria varies significantly depending on several factors, some of which have a more significant impact than others:

  • Choice of Hospital: Public hospitals are typically the most affordable option for childbirth in Nigeria. The government subsidises them and offers essential maternity services at lower costs than private hospitals. However, public hospitals may experience overcrowding, have limited resources, and need to provide amenities or personalised care differently from private hospitals.
  • Location: Urban areas in Nigeria generally have higher childbirth costs than rural areas. This is due to several factors, including the cost of living, the availability of specialised healthcare professionals, and the infrastructure of healthcare facilities. For instance, private hospitals with advanced technology and experienced specialists are more likely to be found in major cities, and their services will come at a premium.
  • Type of Delivery: The most significant factor influencing the cost of childbirth is the type of delivery. Vaginal delivery is a natural birthing process and is generally less expensive than a caesarean section (C-section) due to the absence of major surgery and a shorter hospital stay. C-sections involve a surgical procedure to deliver the baby, requiring specialised equipment, an operating room, and additional medical personnel. This significantly increases the overall cost.
  • Prenatal Care: The frequency and type of prenatal visits, tests, and medications can significantly impact the overall cost of childbirth. Regular prenatal care is crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby. However, the number of visits, the type of tests conducted (such as blood work, ultrasounds, or more advanced prenatal screening tests), and any additional medications prescribed can all contribute to the overall cost. Public hospitals typically offer a more standardised approach to prenatal care. In contrast, private hospitals may offer more frequent visits, additional tests, and a more comprehensive range of prenatal vitamins and supplements, all of which can add to the expenses.
  • Complications: In some cases, unforeseen complications may arise during pregnancy or delivery. These complications may necessitate additional medical interventions, extended hospital stays, and specialised care, significantly increasing the cost of childbirth. Examples of complications that can increase expenses include pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, infections, preterm labour, and postpartum haemorrhage.
  • Additional Services:  Expectant parents in Nigeria have a growing range of extra services they can choose from depending on their budget and preferences. These optional services can add to the overall cost but may enhance the birthing experience. Examples include opting for private rooms during hospitalisation, epidural pain relief during labour, newborn photography services, and special dietary options.

Cost Breakdown by Trimester


The First Trimester

The news of Chinyere’s pregnancy brought immense joy to her and her husband, Emeka. However, they quickly realised that this joy came with financial responsibilities. The first trimester involves regular antenatal visits, blood tests, and ultrasound scans to monitor the baby’s development and ensure Chinyere’s health.

In a public hospital, an initial antenatal visit costs from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000. Subsequent visits can cost between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 each. Blood tests and ultrasounds, crucial during the first trimester, can cost an additional ₦10,000 to ₦20,000. On the other hand, private hospitals charge significantly higher fees. 

The initial antenatal visit in a private hospital can range from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, with each subsequent visit costing between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000. Blood tests and ultrasounds in private facilities can range from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000.

Prenatal vitamins are essential throughout pregnancy to support the baby’s healthy development. These typically include folic acid, iron, and calcium, costing between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 per month. Depending on individual needs, the doctor may prescribe additional medications, such as medications to manage nausea and vomiting during morning sickness or antibiotics for any infections that may arise. The cost of these medications will vary.

The Second Trimester

As Chinyere entered her second trimester, she and Emeka began to prepare for their baby’s arrival. This period involves regular check-ups, and additional tests are necessary to ensure smooth progress.

  • Monthly Antenatal Visits: Regular check-ups to monitor the mother and baby’s health. Private hospitals charge between ₦10,000 to ₦25,000 per visit, while public hospitals charge between ₦2,000 to ₦7,000.
  • Anomaly Scan: A critical ultrasound to check the baby’s development and detect abnormalities. This can cost between ₦15,000 to ₦40,000 in private facilities and ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 in public facilities.
  • Glucose Tolerance Test: This test checks for gestational diabetes and typically costs between ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 in private hospitals and ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 in public hospitals.

This exciting phase also involves gathering all the essentials you’ll need for yourself and your newborn after delivery. This includes baby clothes, diapers, wipes, toiletries, breastfeeding supplies (if applicable), crib bedding, a car seat for safe travel home, and other nursery items. 

For basic baby items such as clothing, diapers, and toiletries, costs can range from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000. Including a crib, mattress, and bedding, nursery items can add ₦100,000 to ₦300,000. High-end items such as strollers, car seats, and baby monitors can further increase expenses, with some parents spending between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000 on these items.

The pressure to provide the best for their baby can lead parents to make significant financial investments, sometimes stretching their budgets. However, with careful planning and prioritisation, it is possible to manage these costs effectively.

The Third Trimester

The third trimester brought excitement and anxiety for Chinyere and Emeka. With the baby’s arrival imminent, the frequency of antenatal visits increased, and they had to start planning for the actual delivery.

  • Bi-weekly or Weekly Antenatal Visits: As the due date approaches, visits become more frequent. Costs remain similar to those in the second trimester.
  • Non-Stress Test: This test monitors the baby’s heart rate and movements and costs around ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 in private hospitals and ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 in public hospitals.
  • Laboratory Tests: Additional blood tests may be required, costing between ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 in private facilities and ₦2,000 to ₦7,000 in public facilities.

The Cost of Natural Delivery 

A natural delivery in a public hospital can cost between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000, while a cesarean section can cost between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000. These costs can vary depending on the hospital and the complexity of the delivery.

Private hospitals, however, present a different picture. The cost of a natural delivery in a private hospital can range from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000, while a cesarean section can cost between ₦300,000 and ₦1,500,000. These figures do not include the cost of additional services like epidurals, which can add an extra ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 to the bill.

The Cost of Cesarean Sections

For some mothers, a cesarean section is a necessary, lifesaving procedure. However, this choice comes with significant financial implications. Chinyere, unfortunately, had complications during her pregnancy, and her doctor recommended a cesarean section.

The cost of a cesarean section in public hospitals can vary widely. Basic cesarean sections can cost between ₦70,000 and ₦150,000, but complications or additional care can push the cost up to ₦200,000 or more. The price is substantially higher in private hospitals, with primary cesarean sections ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦1,500,000. Complications, additional care, and extended hospital stays can increase the cost, sometimes reaching ₦2,000,000 or more.

Post-Delivery Care

After the birth of their baby, Chinyere and Emeka quickly realised that post-delivery care also came with significant costs. This period involved regular postnatal check-ups, vaccinations, and care for both mother and baby.

In public hospitals, postnatal check-ups can cost between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 per visit. Vaccinations, which are crucial for the baby’s health, can cost between ₦5,000 and ₦20,000, depending on the type of vaccine and the hospital. Additional care, such as lactation consulting and postpartum physiotherapy, can add to the expenses.

Private hospitals, on the other hand, charge significantly higher fees for postnatal care. Check-ups can cost between ₦10,000 and ₦30,000 per visit, and vaccinations can range from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000. Additional services, like lactation consulting and postpartum physiotherapy, can add another ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 to the bill.

How You Can Plan for the Birth of Your Child

Given the wide range of costs associated with giving birth in Nigeria, financial planning is crucial for a smooth and less stressful experience. Here are some tailored steps to help you prepare:

  1. Create a Comprehensive Budget: Make a detailed list of potential expenses. This should encompass everything from prenatal vitamins and routine check-ups to delivery fees (whether considering a public hospital like Massey Street Children’s Hospital or a private facility like Reddington Hospital), postnatal care, and essential baby items. Don’t forget to factor in transportation costs, medications, and even the ‘omugwo’ tradition (postpartum care provided by family). It’s wise to include a buffer of 10-20% for unexpected expenses.
  1. Explore Health Insurance Options: If you have health insurance, review your policy thoroughly to understand what’s covered under maternity care. This might include consultations, tests, and even a portion of the delivery costs. If your insurance doesn’t provide sufficient coverage, consider purchasing a maternity-specific plan. Several insurance providers in Nigeria offer these, and comparing them can help you find the best fit for your needs and budget.
  1. Save Regularly: Save early in your pregnancy to reduce the financial burden. Consider setting up a dedicated savings account for maternity expenses. Automate your savings by setting up recurring transfers from your primary account to your maternity savings account. This will help you stay disciplined and ensure a steady stream of funds towards your goal.
  1. Risevest is your partner; Use it. Risevest offers a range of financial planning tools and investment options that can help you save and invest towards your child’s birth and future needs. The Risevest Kids Plan, for example, is a flexible and accessible way to start saving for your child’s education, healthcare, or other essential expenses. By investing in this plan, you can use compounding returns over time, potentially accumulating significantly when your child needs it.
  1. Seek Support and Advice: Don’t hesitate to seek support and advice from your healthcare provider, friends, and family. They may have valuable insights and experiences to share on managing costs and finding affordable healthcare options. Additionally, many online forums and communities can offer support and guidance on navigating the financial aspects of pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The cost of giving birth in Nigeria can be substantial, but with careful planning and financial management, these expenses can be managed effectively. Whether you choose a public or private hospital, understanding the costs and preparing accordingly can make the experience less stressful and more manageable.

Remember to consider all aspects of prenatal and postnatal care and plan for unexpected expenses. By creating a comprehensive budget, exploring insurance options, saving regularly, and utilising financial planning tools like the Risevest Kids Plan, you can ensure a secure and healthy start for your child.

Investing in your child’s future is one of the best decisions you can make, and with the right financial strategies, you can provide them with the foundation they need to thrive.