Childbirth is one of life’s most profound experiences, but for many Nigerians, it also represents a significant financial undertaking. The cost of having a baby in Nigeria differs widely, depending on various factors such as hospital type, delivery method, and the scope of healthcare services required throughout the pregnancy.
In this report, three Nigerian mothers share their pregnancy experiences to shed light on the expenses associated with prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
Key Determinants of Childbirth Expenses
The financial demands of childbirth in Nigeria are shaped by several key elements, each contributing differently to the overall cost:
Hospital Selection:
Government-owned hospitals remain the most economical option for childbirth, thanks to government subsidies that reduce the cost of maternity services. However, these public institutions often struggle with overcrowding, limited facilities, and fewer personalised care options compared to their private counterparts. Private hospitals, though offering enhanced amenities and personalised service, are typically more expensive.
Geographical Location:
Childbirth expenses tend to be higher in Nigeria’s urban centres than in rural areas. The increased cost in cities can be attributed to higher living expenses, better healthcare infrastructure, and greater access to specialised medical professionals. Urban-based private hospitals, often equipped with advanced medical technology, charge premium fees for their services.
Mode of Delivery:
Perhaps the most influential cost factor is the type of birth. Vaginal deliveries are generally more affordable due to the minimal use of surgical resources and shorter hospital stays. In contrast, cesarean sections (C-sections), which involve surgical intervention, require an operating theatre, specialised staff, and a longer recovery period — all contributing to significantly higher costs.
Prenatal Care:
The cost of antenatal care varies based on the number of visits, tests, and medications prescribed. Regular prenatal appointments are vital for ensuring the wellbeing of both mother and baby. Public hospitals typically offer more basic services, while private facilities may recommend more frequent consultations, additional screenings, and a broader range of supplements, leading to increased expenses.
Complications During Pregnancy:
Unexpected medical issues, such as pre-eclampsia, infections, gestational diabetes, or preterm labour, often require additional medical interventions and extended hospitalisation, thereby raising the total cost of care.
Optional Services:
Nigerian expectant parents also have the option to pay for additional amenities to improve their childbirth experience. These may include private wards, epidural anesthesia, maternity photography, and tailored meal services — all of which add to the total bill.
Cost Analysis by Trimester
First Trimester
Chinyere and her husband, Emeka, were thrilled upon learning of her pregnancy. However, they soon discovered the financial realities involved. The first trimester often includes a range of antenatal consultations, blood tests, and ultrasounds to assess the fetus’s health and development.
In government hospitals, the initial antenatal appointment typically ranges from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000, with subsequent visits costing between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 each. Essential blood tests and ultrasound scans add another ₦10,000 to ₦20,000.
Private healthcare facilities, in contrast, charge much more. Initial visits range from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, with follow-ups costing between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000. Blood tests and imaging in these hospitals can cost between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000.
Essential prenatal vitamins — such as folic acid, calcium, and iron — cost between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 monthly. Depending on the mother’s condition, additional medications may be required for nausea, infections, or other ailments, further increasing expenses.
Second Trimester
Entering the second trimester, the couple intensified preparations for their baby’s arrival. Regular check-ups and additional diagnostic tests are customary during this stage.
- Monthly Antenatal Consultations: ₦10,000 to ₦25,000 per visit in private hospitals; ₦2,000 to ₦7,000 in public hospitals.
- Anomaly Scan: ₦15,000 to ₦40,000 in private facilities; ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 in public ones.
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): Used to screen for gestational diabetes, costing ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 in private hospitals and ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 in public ones.
This trimester also sees significant expenses as families begin purchasing baby items. Basic necessities such as clothes, wipes, diapers, and toiletries can cost between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000. Adding nursery furniture like a crib and mattress can cost between ₦100,000 and ₦300,000. High-end products, such as baby monitors, strollers, and car seats, may push the total expense to ₦200,000 to ₦500,000.
Third Trimester
As Chinyere entered her final trimester, the frequency of antenatal appointments increased, bringing additional costs. They also began planning for delivery.
- Bi-weekly/Weekly Consultations: Fees remain consistent with second trimester rates.
- Non-Stress Test: ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 in private hospitals; ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 in public ones.
- Lab Tests: These additional checks can range from ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 in private institutions and ₦2,000 to ₦7,000 in government hospitals.
Delivery Costs
Vaginal Delivery
For natural childbirth, public hospitals charge between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000. A cesarean delivery may cost between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000, depending on the complexity of the case.
In private institutions, the cost of a vaginal delivery can range from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000. Cesarean procedures can attract fees between ₦300,000 and ₦1,500,000, excluding additional charges such as anesthesia (e.g., epidurals), which can add another ₦50,000 to ₦100,000.
Cesarean Sections
Due to pregnancy complications, Chinyere was advised to undergo a cesarean section. In public hospitals, a standard cesarean may cost between ₦70,000 and ₦150,000, but the price can exceed ₦200,000 if complications arise. Private hospital rates start at ₦300,000 and may go as high as ₦1,500,000 to ₦2,000,000, especially with extended hospitalisation or post-operative care.
Postnatal Care Costs
Following delivery, Chinyere and Emeka faced further financial responsibilities associated with caring for both mother and baby.
Public hospitals typically charge ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 per postnatal visit. Infant vaccinations range from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, depending on the vaccine type and hospital policies. Optional services such as postpartum physiotherapy and lactation support can also add to the expense.
Private healthcare providers charge significantly more, with check-ups priced between ₦10,000 and ₦30,000 per visit. Vaccinations range from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000. Ancillary services like lactation counselling and postpartum therapy may add another ₦50,000 to ₦100,000.
Planning Ahead for Childbirth
To manage these costs effectively, expectant families should adopt a strategic financial approach:
Develop a Detailed Budget:
Identify and list all possible expenses, including antenatal visits, delivery (at facilities such as Massey Street Children’s Hospital or Reddington Hospital), postnatal care, medications, baby items, and traditional practices like omugwo. Build in a 10-20% cushion for unexpected expenses.
Consider Health Insurance:
Review your health insurance policy to understand maternity benefits. Some policies cover antenatal services, diagnostic tests, and partial delivery costs. For those without adequate coverage, maternity-specific insurance plans are available from several Nigerian insurers.
Create a Savings Plan:
Start saving early in the pregnancy. Establish a separate account for maternity-related expenses and set up automatic transfers to ensure consistent contributions.
Seek Guidance and Support:
Consult with healthcare professionals and speak to friends or relatives who have had similar experiences. Their advice can help you identify affordable options and avoid unnecessary expenses. Online parenting forums also provide useful insights and budgeting tips.
Conclusion
The financial burden of childbirth in Nigeria is substantial, but with thoughtful planning and informed decisions, these costs can be managed. Whether opting for a public or private facility, understanding the expenses involved and preparing in advance can help ensure a smoother, less stressful journey into parenthood.
