There is no getting around it; babies cost money. And pregnancy is challenging enough without having to figure out how to pay for it, especially if your insurance coverage is minimal or non-existent.

For women who find themselves pregnant and in need of assistance, the Maternal Health and Family Planning Clinic, which is a service of the Department of Health, offers help to fill in some of the gaps of much-needed prenatal care.

“The vast majority of women who approach our clinic for prenatal care are uninsured, some for reasons of unemployment, others due to part-time work without the usual benefits,” says clinic physician, Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball.

According to Dr. Peek-Ball, an initial appointment is made during the first 12 weeks for a prenatal booking.

“This includes an in-depth history, physical and lab studies. Subsequent visits are every month until about 28 weeks’ gestation, then every two weeks until 36 weeks’ gestation. Final visits are weekly from 36 weeks until delivery.”

Each woman is also assigned a private obstetrician, depending on their due date and the rotation schedule of obstetricians at the hospital.

“Women attend the obstetrician for visits at 28 weeks, 36 weeks and as needed given their obstetrical situation,” Dr. Peek-Ball explains.

Clinical director for the clinic, registered nurse Gaynell Hayward, adds: “The high risk clients would be referred to the obstetrician for continued care throughout their pregnancy.”

Both women emphasise the need for mothers-to-be to understand that maternity care is not free.

“I think the misconception is that there is 100 per cent coverage by the clinic,” Dr. Peek-Ball explains. “Prenatal costs are free at the clinic. Delivery and postpartum care costs are set by the private OB-GYN and are the responsibility of the patient.”

There is quite a lot that still has to be paid for, including the cost of ultra sounds, screenings and some of the lab work, as well as the actual delivery and hospital stay and any complications that might arise, she adds.

“Women are responsible for making arrangements with the hospital for payment of their tests and hospital stay,” Ms Hayward forewarns.

“Most complications are managed by the private obstetrician and/or paediatrician. The patient is responsible for these costs,” Dr. Peek-Ball says.

“A healthy pregnancy and delivery cost between $1,200 and $3,000, depending on the particular obstetrical outcome, vaginal delivery or C-section, anaesthesia choice and so on. Complicated pregnancies can be many times this cost.”

She explains that the obstetricians deliver all clinic patients. This arrangement is called ‘shared care,’ as this term more accurately describes what happens. Patient care is managed collaboratively by the obstetrician and the clinic staff.

For women who do have insurance coverage, Dr. Peek-Ball strongly recommends they seek care from their private physician from the beginning.

“Ideally, if patients are insured, they should be managed during their pregnancies by a single qualified physician,” she advises.

Care does not end with delivery, and women seen through the clinic are given postnatal visits at two and six weeks to discuss issues related to breast feeding and contraception options. Community health visitors are also key in this area.

In addition to maternal care and counselling, the Health Clinic also offers a variety of other services.

Childbirth classes are offered twice a year. The hour-long classes run weekly for six weeks. “They are taught by a certified childbirth educator with other qualified professionals presenting on topics such as infant massage, nutrition in pregnancy, dental care, child development, breastfeeding and comfort measures in labour.”

The clinic also offers contraceptives at a minimal cost, to offset the high costs for such prescriptions at pharmacies, as they are generally not covered by insurance, a major issue for Dr. Peek-Ball, who seeks greater equality for women’s health care coverage.

The Maternal Health and Family Planning Clinic is located on the second floor of the Victoria Street Health Clinic and can be reached at 239-3575.