Family
FIT FAM
with Zoe Belhomme
Labour Pains F
or women nearing the end of their pregnancies this spring, the coronavirus outbreak may have added further considerations to their birth plan. The Hong Kong Hospital Authority has put in place temporary measures that some families may not be fully comfortable with in order to reduce the infection risk for mother and baby. Precautions include partners not being allowed in the birthing suite, a reduction or cancellation of visitation hours and potential isolation of the baby straight after delivery. As a response, two of the city’s leading medical clinics have teamed up with private international hospitals to offer fixed price packages to women who were planning to give birth in the public system but are now reconsidering their options. These packages don’t just provide a lower price point for private obstetric care, they also cap the cost of vaginal and cesarean deliveries (ensuring that costs don’t spiral out of control) giving new parents peace of mind during these unsettled times.
OT&P & ANNERLEY WITH GLENEAGLES HOSPITAL
CENTRAL HEALTH & MATILDA INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL Central Health and Matilda International Hospital have teamed up to provide their own package. Costs are clearly broken down for clarity and include a Central Health obstetrician for delivery, a paediatrician and two to five nights in a shared room (max. 4 mums). A separate fee is charged for induction and additional overnight stays but this is capped. Currently available until 30 April 2020. Vaginal deliveries from $71,350 including epidural anaesthesia, up to $112,800 for emergency cesarean. centralhealth.com.hk 36
Costs for vaginal birth (spontaneous or assisted), epidural anaesthetic, elective cesarean section and emergency cesarean section are transparent and fixed. Packages include between two to four nights in a standard room (sharing with one other mother) at Gleneagles Hospital, and the delivery will be attended by the on-call OT&P obstetrician and paediatrician - no choosing your OBGYN, unfortunately. Also included is a postnatal visit by one of the Annerley midwives for added reassurance. Currently available until May 30, 2020. Vaginal deliveries from $60,300 excluding epidural anaesthesia, up to $102,700 for an emergency cesarean. otandp.com
