Is your birthing plan covered?

Giving birth probably has to be one of the most exciting moments in any woman’s life, unless your medical aid scheme doesn’t cover all the necessary aspects. In case you’re planning to fall pregnant soon, or you recently got the surprise of your life – planning is key to creating the type of birth you’re after.

Three types of birthing options:

1.     Hospital Birth:

Advantages -

• Easy access to emergency care
• Ideal option if you have existing health conditions
• The option exists to have a C-section
• Excellent care options for your baby
• The option to have your own room is available

Disadvantages -

• There’s always movement and noise
• It smells very “medical”
• You deliver in a cold, uninviting room
• You recover next to another new mom, with little privacy (unless you can afford a private room)

2.     Birthing Centre:

Advantages -

• Easy access with a hospital close by
• Water birth option is available
• Family and friends can be present during labour
• You can deliver naturally without being medicated
• Childbirth and parenting classes available
• You can wear your own clothes, instead of a hospital gown.

Disadvantages –

• No epidural option available
• This option is unavailable to you if you have existing medical conditions
• They offer minimal medical support for your baby

3.     Home Birth:

Advantages –

• It’s in the comfort of your own home
• You can have your whole family there if you want
• You can choose any setting you choose-including a water birth
• It’s more natural and convenient

Disadvantages –

• The risk of infant death is two to three times higher than giving birth in hospital or a birthing centre
• You need to be completely healthy in order to choose this option
• Seeking medical treatment in case anything goes wrong will take longer
• It’s not recommended if you’re having twins or multiple births
• There’s no epidural option

Tip:

Check with your medical aid scheme whether or not they cover your specific birthing option before setting your heart on it. If possible, choose a medical aid scheme that covers multiple birthing options in case you have to change your mind mid-way.

Good luck and congratulations!

Source: http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/childbirth-options-whats-best?page=4