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If you’re planning to give birth in Hong Kong, you’ll want to understand how epidurals work here. Childbirth can be painful, and epidurals help relieve the pain. This article from our friends at Pacific Prime Hong Kong takes a closer look at epidurals in Hong Kong to help you understand your options.
What is an epidural and how does it work?
Epidurals are a type of anesthetic that is used to alleviate pain during labor. An epidural is administered by inserting a needle and a thin tube known as a catheter into the lower back area. Once inserted, the needle is removed and the catheter stays in place, allowing medication to pass through it.
The medication takes effect after around 15 to 20 minutes, thereby blocking pain signals from the spine to the brain. Epidurals can also be injected directly into the spinal cord area for immediate relief.
How Hong Kong hospitals handle epidurals differently
Public and private hospitals in Hong Kong have different approaches to epidurals. While public healthcare in Hong Kong is of a high standard, it also comes with stretched resources. This is a common issue that many public sectors around the world share, and is one reason why people tend to prefer private healthcare.
It’s worth noting that you might have to wait for hours for an epidural to be administered in a public hospital. It may also not be available for reasons such as limited anesthetists on duty or quota on simultaneous epidurals.
Epidural techniques
Pain medication can be administered via a catheter in three different ways, including continuous, top-up, and patient-controlled.
Commonly used in public hospitals in Hong Kong, continuous epidurals allow the medication to flow continuously. Similarly, top-up epidurals make it possible to increase pain relief. This technique is often available upon request in private hospitals in Hong Kong.
Patient-controlled epidurals, which allow the woman who is giving birth to control the dosage herself, are uncommon in Hong Kong.
Cost of epidurals in Hong Kong
Giving birth at a public hospital in Hong Kong is much cheaper than at a private one, especially for Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) holders. Even though public hospitals already include epidural fees in delivery costs, private hospitals consider it as an additional charge. In fact, epidural fees alone can range from HKD $4,500 to HKD $10,000.
The
cost of giving birth in Hong Kong can be expensive, especially if you go to a private hospital. Fortunately, maternity insurance can help cover the costs. However, this type of insurance plan comes with a waiting period, which means it’s often not suitable for women who are already pregnant.
Be sure to discuss pricing with your medical provider or insurance broker beforehand. Pacific Prime Hong Kong is here to help you find the
best maternity insurance or pregnancy insurance for expats in Hong Kong.
Contact Pacific Prime to compare health insurance options in Hong Kong today.