By Emily Graham of Mighty Moms
Finding out that you’re pregnant can be a time of tumultuous emotions. While you may be ecstatic, there is also some fear about the financial strain of pregnancy and getting prepared for childbirth. Fortunately, pregnancies don’t have to be expensive. Here are a few ways you can save money while still taking care of your pregnancy needs.
Getting the Clothes You Need
As your pregnancy develops, you will need clothes that fit properly and comfortably. As tempting as it may be to buy a new wardrobe for each trimester, this would not be the best use of your funds. This article from Money Crashers introduces some options for getting what you need. One thing you should consider is looking inside your closet first. Look for clothes that can accommodate your growing body, such as stretch pants. Truly, your pregnancy clothing needs aren’t extensive, and a few key pieces are all you’ll need for those nine months.
Eating Well During Pregnancy
Now that you’re carrying a new life, you’ll need to pay close attention to your diet. Apart from the supplements your doctor may recommend, you can meet your nutrition needs without breaking your budget. These include buying fresh fruits and vegetables when they’re in season and buying essential foods in bulk. It may also be helpful to use coupons that would help you save a little money on your purchases.
Getting Ready for the Baby
According to this article on WhatToExpect.com, preparing your baby’s nursery doesn’t need to be an expensive process. When it comes to a baby’s needs, some items must be bought new such as bottles, bottle sterilizers, and bedding, while others can be bought used. When it comes to car seats, strollers, and cribs, some people may be more hesitant to get these used because of safety concerns. In this case, you should always err on the side of caution. Having a checklist of the items you will need for baby will keep you focused on the absolute must-have so you don’t feel overwhelmed by all the options.
Handling the Gender Reveal
Announcing the baby’s gender to the world can be budget-friendly and fun. If you’d like to throw a party, Kindred Bravely has some tips for your awesome gender reveal festivities. If a party is more than you’d like to put on your budget, consider other ideas such as fun gender reveal photographs. Photographs allow more creative freedom in revealing your baby’s gender, and you can get loved ones involved as well! Gender reveal photographs are also great because they can be easily shared on social media and via email, if your close family and friends live far away from you and wouldn’t have been able to attend a gender reveal party anyway.
Having the Baby
Your birthing options may vary depending on whether your physician has any concerns about your and the baby’s health. If your pregnancy is low risk and you have fully educated yourself on what to expect, a home birth may be right for you. More mothers are choosing home births because they are in the comfort of their homes and they have control over who can be present at their side. However, it’s best to begin preparing for a home birth as early as possible since the steps required to be mentally and physically ready can be extensive. It’s helpful to break the process into manageable stages so you won’t feel overwhelmed and everything will be in place when your little one comes into the world. These steps include learning the basics of a home birth as well as choosing the right midwife.
While pregnancy and childbirth will certainly lead to adjustments in your budget, it’s good to know that you can achieve the things you need and have fun while sticking to a budget. The last thing you need in these life-changing nine months is the added stress of money trouble.
