FIRST TRIMESTER.Pre-natal Needs: Tests and Costs, Vitamins and Supplements.

Being a first-time mom, I sure was clueless on pre-natal care, needs, prices, and costs. Learning how to spend your money wisely and work on a budget was my first task on being a new mom.You wouldn’t imagine the costs of bringing a child into this world! So, I wanted to give myself a lot of options when it comes to choosing the proper pre-natal health care provider, hospital, medicines/supplements, and budget-friendly ultrasound or testing centers.

Pre-natal care requires a lot of tests to ensure you and your child’s health, so it’s very important that you find affordable, yet credible testing and ultrasound centers.

Here are what you’ll need for your First Trimester Pre-Natal Care,including prices and rates:

Your OB-GYN.

Your OB will be with you and take care of you and your baby throughout your pregnancy, so it’s very important that you choose one that you’re very comfortable with. My OB is Dra. Bautista at St. Luke’s Medical Center. I’m usually very curious and have all these questions and she patiently addresses all my concerns.

You can visit her clinic at St. Lukes Medical Arts Building (right building, beside the hospital).

Tests.

• Transvaginal Ultrasound:

Transvaginal ultrasound is a type of pelvic ultrasound. It is used to look at a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina.

The test would give you an idea on your baby’s age, size, whether you’re having one baby, twins, triplets, etc; your baby’s heart rate, the health of your reproductive organs, and your estimated due date (EDD). This will be your first ultrasound and the sonologist will show you your baby’s heartbeat and give a photo of your baby- your baby’s first picture!

I had mine done at St. Luke’s Women’s Health Care Unit for P2,730.Results are released in an hour or less.

• Pap Smear:

A Pap Smear test is used to check for abnormalities in your cervical cells and to detect potentially pre-cancerous cells.

My OBGYN did my procedure. The costs were P1,200 for the procedureand P1,050 for the laboratory fee. Results are released in 1-4 days.

• CBC (Complete Blood Count and Blood-type)
• Urinalysis
• Glycohemoglobin (HBA1C) *requires 8-14hours of fasting
• Anti HbsAg
• Anti-HCV
• HbsAg

These tests would cost a lot cheaper when done at different or independent testing labs, than at St. Luke’s. I went to an independent laboratory for my tests where I had my blood drawn (blood will be drawn out only once for all tests) and a urine sample (the common pee-in-a-cup sample). The costs for the tests and results were P1,400.

Supplements.

• Milk: Enfamama A+/Anmum Materna

My doctor gave me a sample of both and told me to start drinking milk, twice a day. Expecting moms have different and increased nutritional needs, to supplement you and your baby’s development, health and growth. I learned that it’s very important to drink lots of calcium (some mom’s lose their teeth while pregnant or when giving birth as a result of calcium deficiency, scary!). Maternity Milk also has DHA which I learned is very important for your baby’s brain development. You can also get DHA from fish or fish oil. I drink 2 capsules of Fish Oil every day, so baby’s brain will grow big and bright!

If you want to learn more about Maternity Milk,  consult with your doctor for a milk that’s best suited for your needs.

• Folic Acid: Purifol

Folic Acid is very important in preventing Neural Tube Defects ( such as spina bifida and anencephaly). It aids in your baby’s brain development. It’s very important to follow and drink all medications and supplements prescribed by your doctor to ensure you and your baby’s health.

Purifol Capsule 500mg costs P240 for 30 capsules at Mercury Drugstore.

• Molvite OB: Supplement

Based on what I’ve searched online, Molvite OB contents are Iron, B Vitamins, Vitamins A C D, Calcium Lactate.

Molvite OB Caplets costs 232.50 for 30 caplets at Mercury Drugstore.

Additional Supplements I take:

• Vitamin C for my health, to lower the risk of premature birth, and for healthy gums, teeth, and bones for baby.
• Omega 3 Fish Oil for baby’s brain and nerve tissue development.
• Calcium: Lactasoy Soymilk with Black Sesame. For baby and I’s calcium needs. Soymilk also has DHA, B Vitamins, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E.
• Oranges for additional fiber and vitamins. (You can get constipated when pregnant.)
• Plenty of water (extra liter or more for me). It’s very important to keep you and baby well hydrated. Proper hydration is also crucial in maintaining amniotic fluid levels (the fluid that baby swims in).

Remember: It is always important to consult with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements as everything you take in can an will affect your child’s health and development. Do not use this post as a substitute for proper pre-natal care supplements. This is only a guide on the costs and tests, to give you a peek on what you’ll need to prepare for and learn about. ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

Mommies, feel free to post your concerns or ask questions. I will respond to them the best way I can!