Recovery After C-Section - How It Impacts Your Income

Thirty two percent of births occur by c-section in the United States.? A cesarean section delivery introduces a longer recovery time for mom, along with an increased risk of complications for her and baby.? Each of these scenarios may translate into additional, unplanned time away from work, impacting the family's income and ability to cover expenses.? Supplemental insurance is a great way to take financial concerns out of the equation.

C-section delivery has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries in U.S. hospitals: approximately 1.4 million such operations were performed in 2007.? A prior cesarean is the main reason for a c-section delivery, and use of drugs to induce labor is twice as likely to result in a c-section delivery.? Also, placenta previa, breached birth, drop in fetal heart rate, cord prolapse, arrested labor, vaginal bleeding, and multiple pregnancies are all indications for a c-section delivery.?

Longer Recovery Times

A cesarean delivery is major surgery and it takes longer for mom to recover.? If you are planning to return to work after your maternity leave, you will need to build at least an additional two weeks.? Many women in the U.S. get job protected leave, but the majority takes this time unpaid.? A longer recovery means less income than expected.

Surgical Complications

Any major surgery comes with the risks of complications which may include heavy bleeding, damage to adjoining organs, infections of the uterus and other organs, re-opening of the incision, and blood clots in veins.? These complications may require re-admission to the hospital and/or additional time to fully recover before returning to work.? An extended time away from work may mean additional lost income and added financial stress when you are already dealing with health concerns.

C-section deliveries are also associated with multiple births, and situations where the baby may be in distress - often leading to an extended time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the infant.? Depending upon how your insurance plan is configured, there may be unexpected hospital bills, and you may need to take extra time away from work to care for a sick infant at home.

Replace Your Income Using Supplemental Insurance

Supplemental insurance, when bought preconception can address each of these financial concerns presented by your c-section delivery.? Short term disability insurance pays an additional two-week benefit for your normal surgical delivery.? In addition, any complications arising out of your surgery that require you to miss additional work beyond the standard eight weeks will be covered as well.? Hospital indemnity insurance will cover your normal labor and delivery, plus it will pay an additional benefit should your infant require care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.? Should you multiple pregnancy result in two or three infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, hospital indemnity will pay an additional benefit for each child.

Pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition.? Buy supplemental insurance before getting pregnant to minimize the financial concerns that may arise from a c-section delivery.