A Nigerian nurse has ignited widespread discussion across social media platforms by providing a comprehensive and eye-opening breakdown of the anticipated costs for delivering a baby in Lagos State, Nigeria, as projected for the year 2026. Her detailed account, focusing particularly on facilities located on the affluent Lagos Island, sheds light on the significant financial planning required by expectant parents.
Core Delivery Expenses in Lagos
According to the healthcare professional, the financial journey begins with antenatal care, which is now estimated to start from approximately ₦450,000 and can increase substantially based on the hospital and services required. For the delivery itself, a standard normal vaginal delivery is priced at roughly ₦800,000 and above. Should a caesarean section be planned, an elective procedure ranges between ₦1.5 million and ₦1.8 million. However, in emergency situations, a CS can escalate to ₦2 million or even more, highlighting the premium on urgent medical interventions.
Additional Medical Procedures and Their Costs
The nurse emphasized that the base delivery fees are just the beginning, as extra procedures can rapidly inflate the total bill. For instance, phototherapy treatment for newborn jaundice costs between ₦25,000 and ₦50,000 per day. Blood transfusions, which are not typically included in standard delivery packages, can add ₦60,000 to ₦100,000, depending on the patient's blood group. Mothers with rhesus-negative blood types face additional expenses, with the essential Rogam injection now priced at about ₦110,000.
High-Cost Interventions and Post-Delivery Services
For more critical cases, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for either the mother or the newborn requires substantial deposits ranging from ₦1.5 million to ₦3 million, and this excludes daily charges that accrue during the stay. Post-delivery, optional services like circumcision for male infants cost ₦40,000 and above, while ear piercing ranges from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000. The nurse also outlined costs for specific medical procedures: evacuation following complications can be ₦300,000 and above, cervical cerclage starts from ₦400,000, and family planning services after delivery are priced at ₦50,000 and above, varying by the method chosen.
Financial Precautions and Insurance Limitations
In her advisory, the nurse stressed a crucial point for parents-to-be: hospitals in Lagos often require upfront deposits before proceeding with any major procedures. She further cautioned that relying solely on health insurance may be insufficient, as many policies do not cover all aspects of maternity care, leaving families to bear significant out-of-pocket expenses. This insight underscores the importance of thorough financial preparation and understanding policy details when planning for childbirth in Nigeria's commercial capital.
