In Search of Gynaecologist (Gynae)

After knowing that Momi is pregnant, the next step will be to look for a Gynae to have a look at the baby and to find out if he/she is doing well and his/her Estimated Delivery Date (EDD).

For a start it seems like it's just getting some referral and to read up some review and you are almost well on the way. Apparently there is more than that.

There is one chicken and egg problem. To choose the hospital first or to choose the Gynae first? Why would this be a problem as some might ask. The reason is that some Gynae do not perform the delivery at other hospital. Which means that if you have chosen Gynae A, and he only perform delivery at Hospital A then you are more or less stuck at that particular hospital. If you are lucky, the Gynae might be able to do delivery at a few hospital then you will have some options. Vice Versa. If the hospital that you would like to deliver in does not belong to the Gynae list, you will not be able to do it there.

People might argue that "Of course a Gynae is more important than the hospital", however you have to face the reality of the upcoming hospitalization bills that you will have to face. If you have no budget constraint then by all means, choose a Gynae that you feel can best provide for the mummy-to-be and the newborn.

Therefore these are some points that you might want to consider when you are choosing a Gynae. There are the few "famous" Gynae but there are also those that do just as well at a budget that you are comfortable with. Do not over stretch yourself as more cost are coming up. The basic cost will be Gynae consultations, Gynae package, Delivery charges and Hospital Maternity Package. Some additional cost that might occurs are like neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where mostly premature babies will be spending their days until they are fully developed. Neonatal jaundice, it is generally a temporary condition that does not cause babies harm and does not require any treatment. However, a few babies do require treatment -- both when they are in the newborn nursery and for a short period after they return home. These are not covered within any package and will add to the final hospitalization bill. I heard of a initial bill of $5000 shooting up to $8000 because of this situation.

It's kinda tricky and takes a lot of planning. Just add this consideration into your usual referral and reviews. I guess all of us can make a better judgement with all these additional pointers.