Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life and is certainly a time of extra care, preparation and knowledge gathering. This is especially true when you are an expectant expat mother in a foreign country. In this article, we will look at what services and facilities are available, costs, insurance, and the cultural aspects of pregnancy in the Philippines.
Health services for expectant mothers in the Philippines
After finding out you are pregnant, one of the most important decisions during your pregnancy will be to choose the hospital for your prenatal checkups and where you will eventually give birth in the Philippines.
Public or private hospital?
Public hospitals in the Philippines are often of a lesser standard to Western Hospitals or many other countries in Asia. Therefore it would be advised to give birth at a private hospital. In fairness, most public (government) hospitals do have a fairly high standard of operating, just as private hospitals do, but private hospitals will have better facilities and private rooms.
Private hospitals in the Philippines will mostly offer the same experience that you would expect in your home country. Facilities and equipment are as good as you will find anywhere in the world, which is not the case with public hospitals.
- Recommended private hospitals for expectant mothers in the Philippines are the following: Christ the King Maternity and Lying-in Hospital, Abucay. Bataan;
- Maria Lourdes Maternity Hospital, Makati City
- Malolos Maternity Hospital (044) 791 1938, Malolos City;
- Perpetual Succor Hospital and Maternity, Manila.
Private hospitals in the Philippines offer maternity packages in different price ranges, depending on your budget and health insurance plan. If you prefer to give birth in a private room in one of the most salubrious hospitals in Manila, you should expect to pay somewhere between 175,000 to 350,000 pesos. This can be done cheaper if you choose a midrange private hospital in Manila that offers a shared room for approximately 150,000 pesos with 2-3 postnatal care in the hospital.
Prenatal care in the Philippines
Taking care of yourself and the baby is essential through prenatal care, otherwise known as antenatal care in the Philippines. Regular prenatal doctor visits and prenatal ultrasounds are available through public and private hospitals.
Some average costs in the private sector are:
- Prenatal GP visit: 700 pesos to 1,250 pesos per month
- Prenatal ultrasound: 1,150 pesos to 4,000 pesos (USD 22 to USD 78)
Make sure to consult your health insurance provider for more information.
How to find a gynecologist in the Philippines
Finding the right gynecologist/ OB/GYN/ obstetrician in the Philippines is the difference between a less stressful pregnancy abroad and one that may encounter added irritations.
Most medical centers in the Philippines will have a gynecologist. Finding a good gynecologist can depend on your connection and trust in the practitioner, their expertise, what appointments they have available, and if they hold clinics in your nearest hospital.
The cost of giving birth in the Philippines
Having a baby in the Philippines can be costly, with or without health insurance. Filipinos have access to universal health coverage through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth. This state-sponsored insurance offers plans that cover hospital deliveries and homebirth and midwifery clinics.
If you're a foreign or non-resident visitor or tourist, you're allowed to give birth in a Filipino hospital. Expats tend to prefer hospitals over home births due to the higher standards of care in facilities, although, at times, this is not possible in some remote areas.
Long-term expats have access to the state-sponsored health coverage PhilHealth, which will cover delivery and prenatal treatment for all mothers who will give birth soon.
Regarding private healthcare plans, each plan is different, and it is advised to read the fine print sooner rather than later.
Cultural aspects of giving birth as an expat in the Philippines
Giving birth as an expat in the Philippines means you will encounter a few cultural differences. For example, although frowned upon, it is not uncommon for mothers to give birth at home. Hospitals are, of course, the main port of call. As mentioned, public hospitals may not be up to Western standards, unlike private hospitals.
There are a number of ‘old wives tales' — traditions which you, as an expectant mother will hear. For example, is it folklore that coconut water induces birth, and squashing leaves on the abdomen helps also. Another tradition is getting the placenta burried by the father — this signifies the end of the birthing ritual and is a sign of good luck.
The good news is that post-natal care in the Philippines favors the new mother. Congratulating and taking care of the new mother with gifts, helping with housework and cooking from relatives and neighbors is a custom that is always welcomed.
Abortion laws in the Philippines
Abortion is illegal in the Philippines — a majority Catholic country and former American colony – and has been for over a century. Under the law, women found to have aborted their fetuses face prison terms of between two to six years.
Doctors and nurses caught performing abortions or providing assistance are also subject to harsh punishment by the state.
Parental leave in the Philippines
As a pregnant expat living in the Philippines or a partner of someone who is pregnant, it is vital to be aware of the parental leave available for pregnant women both during pregnancy and post-natal care.
The Republic Act No. 11210 provides for the following: “An Act Increasing the Maternity Leave Period to One Hundred Five (105) Days for Female Workers with an Option to Extend for an Additional Thirty (30) Days Without Pay, and Granting an Additional Fifteen (15) Days for Solo Mothers, and for Other Purposes.”
If you are employed in the Philippines, consider speaking with your line manager regarding the maternity pay/remuneration in your company.
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