Title: How Much Does Prenatal Care Cost Throughout Pregnancy
Headings: Prenatal Care Cost
Prenatal Care Cost
How Much Does Prenatal Care Cost?

Content: The average total cost for prenatal care throughout a typical pregnancy is about $2,000, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. This figure includes about 12 doctors' visits at $100 to $200 each, as well as routine blood tests, urinalysis and at least one ultrasound -- usually done at about 20 weeks. The March of Dimes [ 2] offers an overview of routine prenatal tests. Prenatal care usually is covered by health insurance. Even if you join a group health insurance plan after you already are pregnant, prenatal care still will be covered; according to the U.S. Department of Labor [ 3] , the federal government prohibits group health insurance plans from treating pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, or, if they offer maternity coverage, from refusing to cover prenatal care or childbirth. However, individual health insurance plans can legally treat pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, baby delivery probably will not be covered if you join one while pregnant. If you are insured, it is very important to check with the insurance company about their requirements; some companies require you to "pre-authorize" coverage for your baby. For patients with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for prenatal care, which usually consist of copays or coinsurance for office visits and laboratory work, can range from less than $200 to several thousand dollars or more, if the deductible is high or the pregnancy has complications.