1st trimester
SAVE ON THE ESSENTIALS
You'll obviously need a pregnancy test - Boots' own brand is less than £4. Also, budget for travel to and from your doctor and hospital appointments. You may also need new pants. You won't have a big belly yet but you may need to go up a knickers size and buy ones with a decent elastane content. (We love Sloggi Future Organic tai briefs). Your gums will be more sensitive so keep your mouth clean by flossing daily and changing your toothbrush regularly - try Sainsbury's own brand multipack for just 57p!
HOW TO SAVE MORE
1. Folic acid - you need it in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and it's available on prescription.
2. Pregnancy books - borrow books or check out our features to see you through pregnancy to birth and beyond.
3. A second opinion - get a free pregnancy test from your GP. Results may be three days.
4. Free dental care - During your pregnancy and for 12 months after you've given birth, you're entitled to free dental care.
LUXURY MUST HAVE
Chill-out time together as a couple is something you're going to be short of once you've given birth, so, if you have the cash available, taking time out for a babymoon break with your partner now is money well spent.
2nd trimester
SAVE ON THE ESSENTIALS
As your bump grows, now's the time to start putting together a maternity wardrobe. Black stretch pants, a twinset, a tunic top and a wrap dress, plus maternity jeans (check out our maternity jeans reviews) should be your basics. Have a look at the maternity range from ASOS - it's bang on trend and excellent value. Now's the time to start preparing the baby's nursery too, and begin stocking up on baby clothes and essentials to avoid a spending frenzy next trimester. Visit Beansprog to kit out your baby for much less. Keeping stretchmarks at bay is a must (we love Bio Oil) or try olive oil if you really want to save cash. And all these bargains should leave you money for one absolute essential this trimester, a photo of your scan, £5 from the hospital.
HOW TO SAVE MORE
1. Extra maternity clothes - tap up previously pregnant girlfriends and have
a clothes swap evening.
2. Baby clothes - don't be too proud to ask. Friends may well be glad to get rid of things.
3. Decorating - ask friends for leftover paint from decorating their own kids' rooms.
LUXURY MUST HAVE
Treat yourself to a massage (about £35 an hour). Look for block-booking discounts.
3rd trimetser
SAVE ON THE ESSENTIALS
Now you're getting ready for the birth, your budget could soar as you buy all the kit for your newborn and your hospital bag essentials. But there are still ways to save. If you have the room, start buying big packs of nappies now as special offers come up - or consider reusables. Now's a good time to stock up on nursing bras too - check out our reviews to help you choose. And for all those other essentials, sign up as soon as possible to FreeParentStuff to get access to vouchers, coupons and more that could save you cash.
HOW TO SAVE MORE
1. Pain relief - if you want to use a TENS machine for labour, don't buy one. Instead, hire one from the NCT or see if you can borrow one from someone from your antenatal class who's given birth.
2. Free stuff - sign up to Freecycle. You can list items to give away (to make space for your baby's furniture) and appeal for things you need, as well as see what other people are offering.
LUXURY MUST HAVE
Get your baby a going-home outfit. We love Mamas & Papas velour all-in-ones from.
