Normal Delivery Cost in Chennai

What Impacts the Normal Delivery Cost in Chennai ? 

Normal delivery cost in Chennai typically range from Rs.30,000 to Rs.80,000, but they differ based on the hospital type (government vs. private), the specific hospital's location, etc. Free options are available in government hospitals. The cost of normal delivery also differs based upon the amenities offered, the doctor's experience, and whether or not the patient has health insurance coverage.       

What is a Normal delivery? 

A normal delivery, also called vaginal birth, refers to the occurrence when a baby is born through the birth canal (vagina) without the requirement for major surgical intervention such as a caesarean section. A normal delivery is a natural process in which the labour starts on its own, and the baby is delivered without the use of instruments or major medical help.   

What affects the cost of normal delivery?

The cost of normal delivery is influenced by many factors, like the type of hospital, the doctor's experience, the patient's health, health insurance coverage, and the requirement for any extra services. Let’s have a look at the factors that affect the cost of normal delivery.

1. Hospital Reputation and Infrastructure : Hospitals having higher reputations and better infrastructure in general charge more.
2. Location of Hospital : Hospitals in metropolitan regions or that have specialised facilities might charge more costs.
3. Doctor's Fees : The experience and expertise of the obstetrician (OB/GYN) affect the cost. A more experienced doctor might charge more.  
4. Type of Hospital Room : The choice of room (like private, semi-private, etc.) impacts the total cost.
5. Anaesthesia : In case an epidural or some other pain management has been used at the time of delivery, then the cost of anaesthesia services will also be included.
6. Length of Stay : The number of days a patient remains in the hospital post-delivery can also affect the overall cost.
7. Pre-existing Conditions : In case the patient has any pre-existing conditions or difficulty at the time of pregnancy, then that results in the increased medical care and costs.
8. Complexity of the Pregnancy : A complex pregnancy, which needs extra monitoring or interventions, will increase costs.
9. Post-delivery Complications : If there are any health risks after delivery (e.g., infection), this will result in the additional treatment and expenses.
10. Health insurance coverage : Getting good health insurance coverage can lower the out-of-pocket expenses for both the mother and the baby.
11. Baby's Health : If the baby requires any specialised care in the nursery or has any health problems, it will be included in the total cost.
12. Government Subsidies or Policies : In a few places, there might be government subsidies or policies that can help lower the cost of delivery.
13. Birthing Centres : Birthing centres are usually less expensive than hospitals, but they might not be apt for all pregnancies.   
14. Payment plans : Hospitals might provide payment plans to help patients handle the delivery cost.    

What are the benefits of normal delivery?

The normal delivery offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby.

Benefits for the Mother

1. Quick Recovery : A faster comeback to normal activities and a shorter hospital stay are general outcomes of vaginal delivery.
2. Reduced Risk of Infection : Normal delivery eliminates the surgical incision of a C-section, thus lowering the risk of infection at the incision region.
3. Less Risk of Complications : A few studies recommend a lower risk of blood clots, respiratory issues in the newborn, and surgical risks associated with the C-sections.
4. Quicker Skin-to-Skin Contact : Vaginal delivery permits quicker skin-to-skin contact, which can be important for bonding and breastfeeding.
5. Potential for Fewer Interventions : Normal delivery permits for a natural birth experience with fewer medical interventions such as medication or anaesthesia.   

Benefits for the Baby

1. Healthy Gut Microbiome : Babies born vaginally generally get exposed to beneficial bacteria in the birth canal, which will aid in the establishment of a healthy gut microbiome.
2. Less Risk of Respiratory Issues : The pressure of passing through the birth canal will aid in the clearing of the fluid from the baby's lungs, thus lowering the respiratory problems.
3. Reduced Risk of Allergies and Asthma : A few studies say that babies born vaginally might get a reduced risk of developing allergies and asthma later in life.
4. Stronger Immune System : The exposure to beneficial bacteria at the time of vaginal delivery can give a stronger immune system.   

Which type of hospitals offer normal delivery?

Several hospitals that offer maternity services, like those specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology, will offer normal delivery as a choice. These hospitals usually have dedicated maternity wards or units with facilities to support both vaginal and caesarean births. In general, maternity hospitals are designed to meet the particular requirements of pregnant women and their newborns.

Maternity Hospitals

These hospitals are particularly designed to offer comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They provide a range of services, like prenatal care, labour and delivery, and postpartum care, with an aim of creating a comfortable and supportive environment for both mother and baby.    

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN) Hospitals

These hospitals have teams of doctors who are specialised in women's health, like pregnancy and childbirth. They are equipped to manage both normal and high-risk pregnancies; thus, they provide different delivery choices, like normal delivery.   

General Hospitals with Maternity Units

Several general hospitals have dedicated maternity units or wards that offer normal delivery services. These units are equipped with the necessary facilities and staff to manage childbirth, like labour and delivery rooms, postpartum rooms, and neonatal care units.    

Specialised Hospitals

A few hospitals specialise in specific things, like fertility or women's health, and might also provide normal delivery as a portion of their services.

What happens during a normal delivery?

Normal delivery will involve the spontaneous onset of labour, generally between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, and the delivery of a single infant in a vertex position without any risks. The process will have three stages, like dilation and effacement of the cervix, the birth of the baby, and the delivery of the placenta.   

1. First Stage: Dilation and Effacement

This stage starts with the onset of regular uterine contractions that make the cervix dilate (open) and efface (thin). This is further classified into latent and active phases. In the latent phase, the cervix dilates from 0 to 6 cm; meanwhile, in the active phase, this dilates from 6 cm to 10 cm. Contractions grow heavier, more persistent, and closer together at the time of the active phase. The amniotic sac may rupture ("breaking of waters") during this stage, but this can also happen earlier in labour.

2. Second Stage: Delivery of the Baby

• This stage starts when the cervix gets fully dilated (10 cm) and halts with the birth of the new baby.
• The contractions and the efforts of the mother's pushing will help the little baby descend through the birth canal.
• The baby's head will eventually emerge (crowning), which will be followed by the shoulders and the rest of the body.
• The head of the baby will enter the pelvis in a transverse position and rotate internally to an anterior-posterior position for easier passage.
• Extension of the head happens as it passes below the pubic bone, which is then followed by external rotation or restitution. The baby then gets expelled from the birth canal. 

3. Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta  

• This stage starts after the birth of the baby and finishes with the delivery of the placenta (afterbirth).
• Mild contractions will continue that will help expel the placenta. The doctor or midwife will check once to make sure that the placenta is intact and no fragments stay in the uterus.

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