Cost of giving birth in the USA

[iyaamby]

Hi mamas,

I'm from a foreign country and would like to give birth in the USA so my child becomes US citizen. I already have tourist visa to USA and have relatives in NYC and Chicago where I can stay while waiting til the day comes. I'm on my first trimester I believe. I'm 22 years old, 9wks pregnant. Haven't consulted a doctor yet but will definitely consult one during the weekend.

My question is, I do not have insurance and I'm planning to have natural birth in either of the cities I stated above, how much would it cost me paying out of pocket? or do you know any place where I can give birth with cheap cost?

Your replies will very much appreciated. This is my first time and haven't told my parents yet either.

Thanks,
Jo

 

[the why bird]

How long will your visa allow you to stay?

Remember it's not just the delivery you will need to pay for, but also pre and post natal care. There's no guarantee that you won't need a c section, or stitches, or special care for the baby as well. A good strategy might be to phone the hospitals nearest your relatives and ask how much each type of delivery would cost, and then double it to cover anything unexpected that comes up.

Re your visa: bear in mind that if they suspect you aren't likely to return home they will deny you entry at the border. We go through this frequently because I'm British and my husband is American - I get grilled to make sure I'm planning to go home, and get asked questions like whether I own my own home, have a job etc (to make sure I have an established life back here and am likely to return). So you want to be aware of this and be sure that they have no reason to think you are going over to have a US citizen baby and not leave.

https://transform.childbirthconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Illinois.pdf
https://transform.childbirthconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/New-York.pdf

here are some averages, bear in mind they are all 5 years old. Also note that the graphs do not include the price of any pain relief, any care you receive before or after the birth, or any care the newborn receives.