Help! Expensive pregnancy!

**FrugalSara** · 10-23-2007, 06:38 AM

Is it possible to be frugal and pregnant?!?!

I sent hubby out last night for chocolate (lots of it) and adding the cost to my budget is making me feel soooo guilty!
Plus there's the bigger clothes to buy and who knows how many bras!
Luckily I'm only 15 weeks and haven't put on too much weight just yet but I really don't relish the idea of buying clothes that'll last a short amount of time (I tend to make my clothes last for years).

Any of you lovely ladies got tips or advice?

Muchly appreciated

**emily_hope** · 10-23-2007, 06:53 AM

When I was pregnant, I bought very few maternity clothes. I borrowed the majority of the clothes I wore. I would check with friends/family and see what they may have. Check consignment stores. Most women don't hold on to maternity clothes and you could get some good deals at the consignment store or maybe even a local Good Will. Good luck with your pregnancy!

**mom2bobsarah** · 10-23-2007, 08:37 AM

Ebay, Ebay, Ebay!! This is how I got a lot of my maternity clothes and then I re-sold some this way too (the ones I did not give to a woman at my Aunt's church that was pregnant). This is the most reasonable way to buy them, although when I was on Motherhood the other day they had a couple of nice sets with pants and a shirt for $20 (I am plus-size and this is really reasonable for plus-size maternity). I too am pregnant and due to my surprise I have nothing and there is no one that I know that is my size that has been pregnant. So Ebay is the way for me (has been through 2 other pregnancies) the clothes are usually like new because you can only wear them so much. It is also a great way to go for baby clothes too. Again, especially for the newborn-9months stages as they grow through things so quickly they do not get worn out. Hope this helps.

**baxjul** · 10-23-2007, 09:52 AM

Half of the time down here they don't even wear maternity clothes. Usually just tight shirts and dresses.

**latierra84** · 10-23-2007, 09:53 AM

my local thrift store has a great variety of maternity clothes. some ts' are great and have lots of nearly new, in great shape clothes while others... dont. also.. maybe just mentioning it here and there, putting the word out will help. i bet a good handful of the women you know have maternity clothes hanging in their closets that theyd be happy to give you and see put to use.

eta: you could also budget a set amount for your tummy cravings, that way when you do get something (or send dh to, heehee) you wont feel like youve blown your food budget.

**many houseapes** · 10-23-2007, 10:10 AM

If you're not in the workforce & staying at home, you really don't need alot of maternity clothing...just a few basic items and maybe a few nice outfits for church or special events. Most of my maternity clothing has been free...given by friends or sometimes I would swipe some of dh's clothes(this works if your dh is bigger than you are)...if you don't want to go that route, then perhaps try shopping at second hand stores, garage sales or ebay...maybe see if there is a freecycle in your area.Always keep in mind that pregnancy is temporary-that helps to not overspend on clothing.
If someone is giving away larger sized non-maternity clothing,ask for it b/c those larger sizes can carry you through until you get bigger...then seek out a larger size as your belly grows.
Try to eat a balanced diet & fight the cravings,Drink LOTS of water & stay active.
If you feel comfortable with the idea of a homebirth with a midwife,I would go for it.I have had my youngest 3 at home & I found that I recieved much better care than I would have at the hospital. Where I am at, hospital births can be $8,000 for a normal delivery - my midwife charges us $900 for complete care.
These are just a few ideas that I have learned..you'll have to just see what works best for you.Congratulations to you & your family-I hope all goes well

**lisettelovebug** · 10-23-2007, 10:50 AM

A lot of the shirts I wear are non-maternity. Anything bigger will work. Many of the clothes that are stylish right now are long enough to cover the belly and still look good. The baby doll style works well.. YOu will at some point probably need some maternity pants though. I actually found some this time at the Bon Ton on clearance for $8. I love them. So comfy and look good. Wish I had bought the black pair too. You can also wear sweatpants or workout pants when you're at home. I wear these a lot too if I'm not going anywhere. I only have 4 pairs of maternity pants (one pair of jeans ripped) so I wash them alot. You can also try going on Freecycle.com for your area and put a little wanted email in there. Also thrift shops and places like Salvation army should also be checked.

**Jaded** · 10-23-2007, 11:02 AM

Freecycle! Ask, and 99% of the time, ye shall receive.

When you're at home, oversized sweats. Again, Freecycle...

**joyofsix** · 10-23-2007, 11:25 AM

Great advice above. All the things I was going to say. Also, it's time to think about frugality after the baby comes. How will you feed? If you use artificial milk how will you pay? Cloth or disposables? If someone offers you a shower ask for practical things, babies don't need 25 outfits they need dipes, wipes, etc. Or ask for frozen meals!

**geckoace** · 10-23-2007, 11:44 AM

clothing-i am preg and i found that just by telling friends i was pregnant they started dropping off bags of maternity clothes even a nurse at my ob office is going to give me some winter stuff (i had summer last baby). goodwill is great there is tons of stuff and its all nice and generally only slightly worn. also a Bella band will let you wear your own pants longer and i bought a lot of sleep style tee on the target clearance rack because they are cut longer than regular shirts.
Cravings- no advice here i have to have taco bell and snickers ice creams bars so i have just allowed for this in my budget LOL
After baby/ shower- make a list of what you really need and when people ask tell them honestly people really want to get you things that you want, for my son i registered for breast cream and and pads and someone bought it for me some one else bought me a huge box of diapers and wipes
-also check consignment shops and goodwill for things like strollers and exersaucers and clothes
-you don't need half the clothing you will want or receive (return some for store credit and buy it in a bigger size) if you child is not in daycare and you have a washing machine just a few things will suffice chances are if you are home the baby will be in a onesie and a diaper 90% of the time LOL

**birthgeek** · 10-24-2007, 05:02 PM

Everyone else has already given great advice re: maternity wardrobe, baby needs, baby feeding etc. One thing I can add is to try and find healthier and cheaper versions of your cravings! Like, if I am craving chocolate, I'll slice up a banana in a bowl and drizzle chocolate sundae syrup on it. Make sure you are eating enough protein, getting the right vitamins etc; sometimes a sweets craving is due to low protein or low magnesium for example! Try taking a bath or a 30 min stroll before giving into a cravings run, too.

**FrugalSara** · 10-25-2007, 04:34 AM

Great advice everyone, thank you all so much!
I don't work so I guess I'll be hanging aroud the house in baggy jumpers for most of the time!
I've already decided to breastfeed and baby will be a cloth wearer so the first 6 months shouldn't be too expensive.
And I very much like the cravings budget idea!

**itsahumanzoo** · 10-25-2007, 05:20 AM

You could also do something like the belly belt that turns the pants you already have into maternity pants. And I'm sure you could find one on ebay.

http://www.pregnancystore.com/belly_...ty_clothes.htm

Actually, here. I found an ebay auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Motherhood-Mater...QQcmdZViewItem