Childbirth: Why expectant fathers should have fat bank accounts, say gynaecologists

Pregnancy specialists recommend that soon-to-be dads should prepare financially for their partners' deliveries, pointing out that childbirth often involves unexpected medical situations which may lead to substantial expenses.

While highlighting the significance of financial readiness for prospective dads, the obstetricians pointed out that inadequate planning similarly plays a role in preventable maternal fatalities within the nation.

In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, doctors advised prospective dads to focus on ensuring their partners' well-being and to be prepared financially for possible delivery-related issues, instead of depending on guesses or presumptions regarding the expenses involved in childbirth.

Lately, some expecting fathers have reported that hospitals are declining to assist with their wives' deliveries due to an inability to cover the high expenses involved.

Several husbands who shared their experiences online reported that their spouses faced neglect and struggled to receive proper medical care, resulting in severe complications for some pregnant women, with tragic outcomes including fatalities in certain instances.

In early April, PUNCH reported on Akinbobola Folajimi, a mourning husband, who alleged that a private clinic in Lagos declined to provide medical care for his expectant wife, Kemi, because he was unable to pay the required advance fee.

In a widely shared clip, Kemi, who appeared frail, was spotted inside a vehicle as her spouse frantically attempted to prevent her from losing consciousness.

He called out her name again and again, begging, "Goodness gracious! Kemi, look at me. Keep strong; focus on me. Please think about your children. You've got to stay resilient for my sake."

Later, Folajimi asserted in a social media post that following their rejection at the private hospital, they were directed to a general hospital in Epe, where his wife passed away halfway through treatment.

In individual conversations with our reporter, maternal health specialists emphasized that most maternal deaths could be avoided through proper planning of deliveries.

They mentioned that although certain families have the financial means to cover delivery expenses, they frequently decide against setting aside sufficient money for critical health issues such as cesareans, hypertension problems, or severe hemorrhaging.

As per their view, numerous Nigerian males often underestimate the significance of being prepared for childbirth, resulting in perilous circumstances.

An obstetrician and gynecologist professor from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, named Ernest Orji, urged prospective dads to actively ensure the well-being of their spouses during delivery.

The maternal health specialist highlighted that a significant contributor to the nation's high rate of maternal mortality was the lack of financial preparation by numerous husbands for their wives' childbirth, which led to preventable complications and fatalities.

The veteran in maternal healthcare, boasting more than four decades of experience, stated, "A majority of men fail to adequately prepare for their spouses' childbirth."

They do not grasp that complications may occur during delivery and that adequate medical attention necessitates a monetary investment.

The problem isn't their lack of funds; it's that they don't perceive the worthiness of allocating resources towards deliveries. Instead, they prefer to use this money for celebrations or alcohol.

The physician emphasized that soon-to-be dads should comprehend the financial impacts of having a child, especially when unexpected issues occur during delivery.

He pointed out that giving birth in either a public or private hospital involves various expenses related to medical equipment, medications, and required procedures. These costs may differ based on the kind of delivery and the specific facility.

The doctor pointed out that although vaginal deliveries at public hospitals might range from ₦80,000 to ₦100,000, families ought to be ready for unforeseen complications which can substantially increase the expenses.

Often, individuals do not perish during pregnancy due to lack of funds but rather from their reluctance to allocate them. A person ought to set aside between ₦400,000 and ₦500,000 for potential cesarean delivery expenses.

"Regardless of whether you're in a public or private hospital, expenses will be incurred. However, numerous men do not adequately prepare themselves for these costs. It is this inadequate preparation that frequently results in unfavorable consequences. The expense of childbirth is not an indulgence but rather a requirement," he emphasized.

The elder advised expectant fathers to prepare for emergencies, such as potentially requiring a vehicle to rush their spouses to the hospital if they reside far from medical centers.

He mentioned that soon-to-be dads should make sure they have all required medical supplies and medications prepared beforehand.

The gynecologist highlighted that numerous Nigerian men fail to attend prenatal appointments with their spouses, thereby limiting their comprehension of the difficulties and hazards associated with pregnancy.

He stressed that it is important for men to educate themselves about the pregnancy process, discuss potential risks with healthcare professionals, and ensure that funds are set aside for any unforeseen complications.

" numerous men think that pregnancy consistently proceeds without issues, yet complications may emerge at any moment. Future dads should comprehend these risks and prepare themselves to provide financial, emotional, and physical support for their partners," he cautioned.

The professor additionally pointed out that although government hospitals offer more budget-friendly childbirth alternatives, these expenses may still pose a significant burden for certain households.

He proposed that a possible approach might involve setting up a shared funding system wherein future dads contribute a modest amount, akin to an insurance plan, to help with delivery expenses.

He argued that this fund could assist families dealing with urgent situations that demand prompt medical care.

Although recognizing that financial limitations frequently pose difficulties, Professor Orji encouraged the administration to investigate strategies that could render prenatal care more budget-friendly. This includes programs aimed at decreasing expenses related to childbirth for those who are most disadvantaged.

"Reducing maternal mortality isn't solely dependent on adequate facilities; it also involves making sure each expectant parent is economically ready to handle the costs associated with child birth," he stated.

Supporting this claim, Prof. Kayode Ajenifuja, a gynecological oncologist from OAUTHC, mentioned that numerous childbirth complications are unforeseeable, and being financially prepared can be crucial for survival.

He mentioned that even apparently simple deliveries can quickly become complicated by factors such as fetal distress, hypertension, or retained placenta, situations that may necessitate immediate surgery.

"You can label it as a routine delivery only in hindsight, once the baby and placenta have emerged without issue. Up until that point, many things could still go awry," Ajenifuja cautioned.

He observed that the Federal Government's latest instruction to provide free deliveries at federal institutions of higher education in the medical field is a positive step; however, he cautioned families against depending exclusively on this system.

"Despite having access to free services, not all necessities might be readily available when needed. You could still find yourself required to purchase medications or cover costs for immediate testing. Therefore, planning your finances remains crucial," he clarified.

The doctor highlighted the significance of preparing for childbirth and attending prenatal check-ups regularly, warning that insufficient initial medical care can result in expensive and risky complications.

By making early reservations, monitoring blood levels, conducting required scans and tests, and organizing transport, these steps are crucial," he recommended. "Ensure the car has fuel, nighttime access to the hospital gate is secured, and have an emergency plan in place.

He suggested that soon-to-be parents begin financial preparation well before conceiving, emphasizing that prenatal care is an extended process lasting many months that needs active management.

Regarding strategies to decrease expenses related to maternity care, the professor promoted increased availability of community-focused health insurance programs and stringent laws prohibiting unqualified individuals as well as religious institutions from managing childbirth procedures.

“Ajenifuja pointed out that childbirth is more than just a spiritual matter; it is also a genuine medical process involving risks. Similar to all significant life events, it requires thorough preparation.”

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).