Planning to have a baby? Consider the 'hidden financial shocks,' warns chartered accountant

In Indian society, a family is often considered incomplete until a child arrives. While the emotional fulfillment is undeniable, this phase also brings significant financial demands. Chartered accountant Nitin Kaushik emphasized on X that welcoming a baby should be viewed much like an investment, requiring foresight and planning. Many couples diligently save for weddings, foreign holidays, or trendy gadgets but remain ill-prepared for maternity-related costs, despite childbirth being one of life’s most predictable events.

The Real Cost of Bringing a Baby Home

Maternity expenses extend far beyond just delivery. They include regular prenatal checkups, essential scans, medications, and postnatal care. In private hospitals, normal delivery can range between Rs 15,000 and Rs 75,000, while cesarean births may cost anywhere from Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh. Once additional tests and medicines are factored in, the figure can easily reach Rs 1–1.5 lakh.

💡 Final Money Lesson:

•Weddings = 1 day of joy
•Maternity = lifelong responsibility

Plan early, insure wisely, and save consciously.
Because the best gift to your child isn’t just love—it’s a stress-free start. 👶💖

— CA Nitin Kaushik (@Finance_Bareek) September 11, 2025

Emergencies raise the stakes dramatically. Premature births, complications during labor, or a newborn requiring intensive care can drive hospital bills up to Rs 3–5 lakh within days. Such unforeseen expenses often convert the joy of parenthood into a financial burden.

The Strain on Relationships

Money troubles tend to seep into marriages at the very moment when couples should be cherishing new life. Sudden hospital bills can trigger arguments, drain long-built savings, and delay major milestones like buying a house or car. Instead of beginning this new chapter with peace of mind, many find themselves burdened with loans, leading to tension and stress.

Rising Medical Inflation

Over the past five years, maternity costs have surged by 20–25%, with cesarean procedures seeing the steepest hike. For middle-class households, which often rely on savings instead of insurance, this rising trend makes preparation even more essential.

Smart Financial Planning for Parenthood

To ease the burden, experts recommend opting for maternity add-on insurance early, as most policies have a waiting period of two to four years. Building a dedicated “baby fund” and comparing hospital packages beforehand can also prevent last-minute financial shocks.

The Final Lesson

A wedding may be a single day of celebration, but parenthood is a lifelong commitment. Planning ahead, insuring wisely, and saving consciously ensure that the greatest gift to a child is not just love but a stress-free and secure beginning.