Pregnancy and childbirth are two of the happiest but life-changing experiences in life. It is also quite expensive. From prenatal care, cost of deliveries to baby supplies, the costs can quickly add up. However, with some smart financial planning and creative fundraising ideas, you can ease the financial burden and focus on what really matters—your expanding family.
Congratulations to you on your baby! As you prepare to welcome your new bundle of joy, it’s essential to plan for the added expenses that come with parenthood. It is important that every woman navigates this exciting and overwhelming time with confidence and financial peace of mind.
In this article, you will get valuable financial tips on how to get financial assistance during pregnancy, especially fundraising ideas.
Expenses During Phases of Pregnancy
Understanding these costs can help you prepare and manage your finances effectively. Here are the typical expenses during the two main phases of pregnancy.
Prenatal Phase
This phase spans from conception to delivery. It covers both the period of antenatal and delivery phase.
- Prenatal care and doctor’s visits
- Ultrasounds and medical tests
- Prenatal iron supplements, malaria drugs
- Medications for any potential illness due to pregnancy
- Maternity clothes and accessories
Post-natal Phase
- Hospital stay
- Hospital delivery cost, which could be vaginal and caesarean births
- Paediatrician visits and baby’s medical care
- Diapers and wipes
- Formula and baby food
- Baby gear and equipment
The estimated costs of the above expenses may vary depending on your insurance coverage, lifestyle, personal choices, more of delivery, and even inflation, if you’re Nigerian.
Avenues for Financial Support
- Insurance
Insurance can play a vital role in helping women cover the financial costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and post-natal care.
Most health insurance covers prenatal care, including doctor’s visits, ultrasounds, and medical tests. They also cover hospital stays, delivery costs, and anaesthesia fees. In addition, a good majority caters to paediatrician visits, baby’s medical care, and post-natal check-ups for the mother.
Some insurance plans offer partial income replacement during maternity leave and provide additional services like lactation consulting, breastfeeding support, and newborn care.
Pro-tip: As a woman planning to have a child sometime in the future, review and choose a plan that covers pregnancy-related expenses.
- Government Support
Some government programs aim to reduce financial burdens and improve access to healthcare and resources, by supporting healthy pregnancies and parenting.
Do your research to find out whether the government of your state provides financial allowance for pregnant women. You also want to find out if you’re eligible for them. This is a great option because it doesn’t come at any extra cost to you.
- Charity organisations
There are some charity organisations and
non-governmental organisations can extend a helping hand for pregnant women. They provide vital assistance to struggling women with various forms of support. From offering financial assistance, baby supply, emotional support to providing educational resources on pregnancy and childbirth.
These organisations often rely on donations and volunteers to provide their services, making every contribution count. So, you can access much-needed support and resources to ensure a healthy pregnancy and post-natal experience by reaching out to them.
- Support from family and friends
Your family and friends can be a reliable source of all round support. They can assist you in different ways during pregnancy and postpartum, including by helping reduce financial burdens. It is okay to ask for their help. Remember, every bit of help counts, and even the small gestures.
Best Tips for Fundraising for Pregnant Women on YouTube
If you’re in a position where you can’t secure government support or a decent insurance coverage, then you might want to consider crowdfunding online. Online fundraising is a lifesaving option, especially for a woman who needs money for an emergency caesarean section.
Helpa serves as a suitable crowdfunding platform for Nigerians. With Helpa, you can start receiving funds immediately when you launch a campaign from friends, family and strangers from any part of the world.
For best results, it is advisable to make an estimate of prenatal expenses to help you set a fundraising target early. By doing this, you can launch a campaign early enough to meet your
target. Once this is complete, you will be able to save more of your money for newborn items or your baby’s future.
Launching a Helpa Campaign is made easy for everyone, to enable you to raise money without technical hassle. All you have to figure out is your financial target; how to tell a compelling story, find the best pictures and videos, and how to promote your campaign on social media.
Takeaway
In conclusion, pregnant women need all the support they can get, especially financial support. With the right support and resources, women can navigate this life-changing experience with confidence and financial peace of mind. By exploring insurance options, government programs, charity organisations, and crowdfunding platforms like Helpa, pregnant women can access much needed financial assistance and support. Start planning, seeking help, and raising funds early to ensure a healthy pregnancy and post-natal experience.
