Pregnancy and childbirth are among life's most joyful yet preparation-intensive experiences. When is your due date? How much will it cost? What government benefits are available? Knowing in advance gives you both peace of mind and financial stability.
This guide covers everything you need for birth preparation in 2026, step by step.
📑 Table of Contents
1. Calculating Your Exact Due Date
The estimated due date (EDD) is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). The most common method is Naegele's Rule.
LMP + 280 days (40 weeks) = Due Date. Or subtract 3 months from LMP month (or add 9), then add 7 days.
Early ultrasound (8~12 weeks) measures fetal size for a more accurate date. This method is more reliable for those with irregular periods.
Only about 5% of babies arrive on their exact due date. Delivery within 2 weeks before or after (38~42 weeks) is considered normal.
2. Pregnancy Checklist by Trimester
Pregnancy is divided into the first trimester (weeks 1~12), second trimester (weeks 13~27), and third trimester (weeks 28~40).
1st First Trimester (Weeks 1~12)
- ✓ First OB/GYN visit and pregnancy confirmation
- ✓ Start taking folic acid (before conception through week 12)
- ✓ Get pregnancy certificate and apply for the pregnancy voucher card
- ✓ First prenatal screening test (weeks 11~13)
2nd Second Trimester (Weeks 13~27)
- ✓ Detailed ultrasound (weeks 20~24)
- ✓ Gestational diabetes test (weeks 24~28)
- ✓ Choose and reserve your birth hospital
- ✓ Start researching baby supplies
3rd Third Trimester (Weeks 28~40)
- ✓ Pack your hospital bag (by week 36)
- ✓ Complete newborn supply purchases
- ✓ Reserve postpartum care center or helper
- ✓ Prepare birth registration documents
3. Birth Costs (Natural vs C-Section)
Birth costs vary significantly based on delivery method, hospital type, and length of stay. Below are out-of-pocket costs after national insurance.
| Item | Natural Birth | C-Section |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery fee (insured) | 300~600K won | 500K~1M won |
| Hospital stay | 2~3 days, 200~400K | 5~7 days, 500K~1M |
| Non-covered (private room etc.) | 200~500K won | 300~800K won |
| Hospital Total | 800K~1.7M won | 1.4~3M won |
4. 2026 Government Birth Benefits
The Korean government provides various birth and childcare benefits. Here are the key programs for 2026.
2 million won voucher per newborn. For twins, each child receives 2M won. Valid for 1 year from birth for baby supplies, medical expenses, etc.
Age 0: 1M won/month. Age 1: 500K won/month. Cash if not using childcare, or applied as childcare fees. Can be received alongside parental leave pay.
100K won/month for all children under age 8, regardless of household income.
1M won (single) or 1.4M won (multiple) voucher for OB/GYN visits and medications. Valid for 2 years after delivery.
💡 Total Government Benefits Summary (First Child)
Additional local government birth incentives may apply depending on your city/district. Check with your local community center.
5. Newborn Supply Budget Plan
Here are the essential newborn supplies and estimated costs. Prices are for new items — buying used can save 30~60%.
| Category | Essential Items | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding | Bottles, formula, breast pump | 300~800K won |
| Diapers & hygiene | Diapers, wipes, cream | 50~100K/month |
| Clothing | Onesies, swaddles, hats | 100~300K won |
| Furniture & bedding | Crib, bumper bed, blanket set | 200~600K won |
| Outing gear | Stroller, car seat, carrier | 500K~1.5M won |
| Total | ~1.2~3.45M won |
💡 Money-Saving Tips for Baby Supplies
- ✓ Buy used: Strollers, bouncers, and cribs can be 50%+ cheaper secondhand
- ✓ Bulk buy on sale: Stock up on diapers and wipes during store promotions
- ✓ Hand-me-downs: Babies outgrow clothes fast — accepting used clothing is smartest
- ✓ Use the First Meeting Voucher: Spend the 2M won voucher on big-ticket items like strollers and car seats
Conclusion
The more you prepare ahead for childbirth, the more at ease you will feel. From due date calculations to cost planning and government benefit applications — use CalKit's pregnancy and birth calculators for a systematic approach to this wonderful journey.