When my wife and I found out we were expecting, we were filled with joy… and then panic. One of the first questions that popped into my tatay brain was: “Magkano kaya manganak sa Pilipinas?” Because let’s be honest, raising a child is expensive—but the cost starts even before your baby takes their first breath.
As a dad blogger in the Philippines, I want to help fellow parents understand the real cost of giving birth—from check-ups to delivery—so you can prepare wisely and welcome your little one with less stress and more love.
1. Prenatal Check-ups and Labs
Before you even get to the delivery room, you’ll be spending on monthly (and eventually weekly) check-ups, ultrasounds, and lab tests.
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Check-ups (Private OB): ₱500 to ₱1,500 per visit
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Ultrasounds: ₱500 to ₱2,500 each (more if it's a 3D/4D scan)
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Lab tests & supplements: ₱2,000 to ₱10,000 total
Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, government hospitals and health centers offer free prenatal care through the barangay health system.
2. Normal Delivery vs. C-Section (Private Hospital)
Private Hospital (Mid-Range to High-End)
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Normal Delivery (NSD): ₱40,000 to ₱120,000
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C-Section (CS): ₱80,000 to ₱250,000
Your total cost depends on:
- Hospital tier (community, private, or top-tier)
- Type of room (ward, semi-private, private)
- Length of stay
- OB-GYN and pedia professional fees - yes you need to pay both.
- Any complications during delivery
Our Story: We gave birth in a mid-range private hospital. For a 3-day CS stay in a private room, we spent around ₱110,000 including doctors’ fees, labs, nursery fees, and meds.
3. Public Hospital or Government Facility
For those under PhilHealth and availing government facilities:
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Normal Delivery: ₱5,000 to ₱10,000 (sometimes even less and some are FREE)
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C-Section: ₱10,000 to ₱30,000
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PhilHealth coverage: Up to ₱19,000 for CS and ₱6,500 for NSD (if eligible and properly filed)
Tip: Apply for the Maternity Care Package at barangay health centers or PhilHealth-accredited lying-in clinics.
4. Hidden Costs to Prepare For
Aside from the delivery itself, here are other expenses new parents should expect:
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Baby essentials (diapers, bottles, clothes): ₱5,000 to ₱15,000
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Hospital deposit (private hospitals): ₱5,000 to ₱20,000 upfront
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Newborn screening, hearing test, vaccinations: ₱1,500 to ₱5,000
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Postpartum meds and check-ups for mom: ₱2,000 to ₱10,000
5. Insurance, HMO, and PhilHealth Matters
✔️ Check your HMO — Some HMOs cover maternity-related costs, but usually only for dependents and only after 1 year of enrollment.
✔️ PhilHealth is helpful — Make sure all requirements are complete (monthly contributions updated, MDR submitted).
✔️ Pag-IBIG or SSS Maternity Benefits — If employed, your wife may be eligible for SSS Maternity Benefits, which can go up to ₱70,000 depending on contributions and delivery type.
Final Thoughts from This Dad Blogger
The cost of giving birth in the Philippines really depends on where, how, and what you choose. Whether you go for a top-tier hospital or a barangay health center, the most important thing is to prepare emotionally, physically, and financially.
As a tatay, part of our role is to plan ahead and take care of our growing family’s needs. It doesn’t matter if you spend ₱10,000 or ₱150,000—what matters is your baby is born healthy, your partner feels supported, and you welcome your child into a home filled with love.
Papa Jomsi
Dad Blogger in the Philippines | Helping fellow dads survive parenting one diaper, budget, and blog post at a time.
Have questions about budgeting for childbirth? Comment below or message me—I’d love to help!
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