A Nigerian nurse has sparked widespread discussion after sharing a detailed breakdown of the estimated costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care in private hospitals across Lagos State.
The investigation, based on enquiries at many medical facilities, aims to create awareness for families who often encounter unexpected hospital bills during pregnancy and delivery. Many couples conceive and approach delivery without knowing the costs involved or saving to meet them.
According to the nurse, basic delivery preparation alone starts from ₦450,000 and above, depending on the hospital.
For women who deliver vaginally, costs are estimated at ₦800,000 and above. However, the figures rise significantly for surgical deliveries.
A planned (elective) cesarean section may cost between ₦1.5 million and ₦1.8 million, while an emergency cesarean section can exceed ₦2 million.
The nurse also highlighted additional expenses that may arise due to complications.
If a newborn develops jaundice and requires phototherapy, parents may pay between ₦25,000 and ₦60,000 per day, depending on the duration of treatment.
Blood transfusions, which are not included in delivery fees, cost approximately ₦60,000 to ₦100,000, depending on blood type.
For mothers who are Rhesus negative, there is a strong likelihood of needing a RhoGAM (anti-D) injection after delivery, which currently costs about ₦110,000.
She further warned about the high cost of critical care.
Admission into an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for either mother or baby requires an initial deposit ranging from ₦1.5 million to ₦3 million, noting that this amount is only a deposit and not the total bill.
Postnatal procedures also come with added costs.
Male circumcision starts from ₦40,000, while ear piercing ranges between ₦20,000 and ₦30,000.
For women opting for family planning after delivery, expenses begin at ₦50,000, depending on the method chosen.
The nurse addressed sensitive pregnancy-related procedures as well. She explained that most hospitals do not perform pregnancy terminations unless medically indicated.
However, complications from unsafe attempts outside medical facilities may require uterine evacuation, which costs ₦300,000 and above, often excluding medications.
Similarly, women diagnosed with incompetent cervix and requiring cervical cerclage should expect fees of ₦400,000 and above.
Emphasizing hospital policies, the nurse noted that no medical procedure is carried out without an initial deposit, a requirement that often catches families unprepared.
She concluded by stressing that these figures reflect costs in Lagos State, particularly for services not covered by insurance, urging the public to plan ahead and share the information to help others avoid financial shock during medical emergencies.
The investigation covered delivery in private medical facilities; costs are lower in public hospitals.