If cost was the main consideration, most of us would probably not have babies.

Fortunately, as most parents who take the leap agree, having a baby is a blessing even with the additional costs that come with the pitter-patter of tiny feet.

The financial-savvy parent also knows that long before you hold that lovely bundle of joy in your arms, there are expenses aplenty.

While the list of bills from pre-conception to childbirth may be daunting for some, especially during recessionary times, take heart: It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

The “cost centres” of parenthood can be divided into five stages:

1. Pre-delivery and delivery costs
2. Infant care (2-18 months)
3. Child care (18 months to 7 years)
4. Primary, secondary school and junior college/polytechnic
5. University

Remember you are not paying for your child’s 21 years of development at one go! The costs may add up over two decades but they are all spaced out.

With a little budgeting and planning, you too can be ready to take those first baby steps on the road to parenthood.

Here are some often-asked questions on the hows and how much.

What do I need to consider financially before we try for a baby?

While cash flow management and budgeting are necessary, there is probably no need to set aside a huge contingency fund.

Although expenses may rise starting from pregnancy – obstetrician visits, a new pregnancy wardrobe, etc. – talking to other experienced parents will prepare you mentally for the expenses involved.

Discuss with your spouse the financial arrangements once Baby arrives: Will the mother stop working and will the father’s income be able to cover all daily expenses including baby’s costs?

Will you need to hire domestic help?

For the mother-to-be, it is advisable to check your insurance policies to find out if pregnancy complications are covered.

Some medical reimbursement policies include pregnancy. That means you won’t have to worry about blowing a hole in your pocket if potentially costly procedures such as an ectopic pregnancy or emergency C-Section are required.

Selected women specific term or life policies may also cover pregnancy complications as well as congenital abnormalities. However, these may be costly.

It is also prudent to note that some policies have a waiting period of a few months to a year before any claims can be made.

I should start looking for an obstetrician. How much does a doctor cost?

If you don’t already have a regular gynaecologist-obstetrician, it’s time to shop around.

Depending on whether you’re opting for a private doctor of your choice or checking in as a private or subsidised patient at a public hospital such as KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), fees may vary significantly.

To qualify for subsidised rates, a referral by a polyclinic or by a restructured hospital where the patient is already a subsidised patient, is required.

I’ve heard the cost for childbirth and delivery can be very high, is this true?

It doesn’t have to be. Again, costs vary depending on the delivery procedure, as well as the type of ward you’re staying in.

For a comparison of bill sizes by hospital, log on to the Ministry of Health website (www.moh.gov.sg) and click on the Hospital Bill Size tab.