Planning to have a baby? Get an executive medical aid plan first

This is one of the most exciting journeys of your life and you should be excited! Expanding your family is a big step, surely filled with both anticipation and uncertainty. It is said that you can never be 100 per cent ready for a baby and all of the planning in the world will not be enough to prepare you for the arrival of your bundle. However, there is one thing you must have in place before even considering having a baby; extensive medical aid benefits.

Before the baby

Be sure to cover yourself first to make sure you don’t have any hidden conditions that can potentially harm your baby. If you aren’t taken care of, you cannot take care of your soon-to-be expanded family. Before getting pregnant you need to go have various tests done like your blood glucose levels, cholesterol, an HIV test and a pap smear. Your doctor might also test for various other illnesses such as your immunity against Rubella (or German measles), Chicken Pox and Hepatitis B. In some cases, your doctor will also want to be sure your partner is healthy.

During pregnancy

During these nine months, you need to know every aspect of your pregnancy and the well-being of your baby is covered. Be sure your full medical aid provides an average of 10 consultations per year and at least two 2D ultrasounds. These consultations are of the utmost importance because you will have many questions. During this time your doctor will advise you on how to adjust your vitamin, mineral and food intake for the pregnancy.

After the birth

It is needless to say but your medical aid should cover every aspect of childbirth. An easily overlooked complication, that so many excited new parents forget, is post-partum depression. This is an unfortunate reality. Your medical aid should make provisions for this. Find a plan that can ensure your mental health is well taken care of.

For the baby

Get medical aid for your baby by adding them as a child dependant. This is usually a much smaller payment to make than for an adult dependant. All of the baby’s vaccinations and paediatric check-ups will be covered by an extensive benefits plan. Keeping your baby safe will now be your first priority.

You can’t be too prepared for a baby but do make sure you and your new family are covered by a reliable medical aid with a passion for what they do.