Expecting a Baby in the UK? Top Tips to Reduce Costs for New Mothers!

Access Free NHS Prescriptions

In England, pregnant women can avail of free NHS prescriptions throughout their pregnancy and for a year following the birth of their child, regardless of their employment status. (Prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.) Obtaining a maternity exemption certificate, which can be issued by a midwife, doctor, or health visitor, is necessary.

Free dental care is also provided during the same period across the UK, provided you have a maternity exemption certificate or its equivalent.

The certificate, which can be digital or physical, must be presented to the pharmacist in England when collecting prescriptions, or to the dentist during dental visits.

“Pregnancy and early parenthood bring additional expenses. It’s crucial to ensure you receive all the benefits available to you,” explains Lilly Aaron, senior policy manager at the Money and Pensions Service.

If you’ve paid for prescriptions while eligible for the certificate, you might qualify for a refund.

Explore Grants and Benefits

Eligible individuals in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland might receive a one-time payment of £500 through the Sure Start Maternity Grant if they or their partner receive certain benefits and are expecting their first child.

According to Kate Marsh, midwifery manager at Tommy’s, a charity focused on pregnancy and babies, it’s crucial to apply within the designated timeframe. “The claim must be made either within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within six months after the birth, and it does not need to be repaid,” she notes.

Marsh continues, “This grant is also accessible to those with refugee status, humanitarian protection, or individuals who have fled from Ukraine or Afghanistan due to conflicts in these areas.”

In Scotland, the Pregnancy and Baby Payment offers similar support. “Eligible recipients can get £767.50 for their first child and £383.75 for subsequent children, depending on income and benefit qualifications,” says Marsh.

After registering your child’s birth, you can claim child benefit 48 hours later. The benefit is £26.05 weekly for the first child and £17.25 for subsequent children.

Be aware that a high income child benefit charge applies if you or your partner’s individual income exceeds the threshold (over £60,000 for the 2024-25 tax year).

Utilize Free Vitamins

A balanced diet is essential for your baby’s development, but pregnant women are advised by the NHS to supplement their diet with folic acid, iron, and vitamin D.

Under the Healthy Start scheme, qualifying pregnant women in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can receive free vitamins that include folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin D starting from 10 weeks of pregnancy.

“It’s vital to start taking folic acid and vitamin D even before conception and during early pregnancy. If affordability is an issue, your GP can provide assistance,” Marsh advises.

In Scotland, eligible women can receive these vitamins throughout their pregnancy.

Marsh adds that affordable generic brands of vitamin D and folic acid are sufficient, negating the need for expensive branded versions. You just need to present your NHS Healthy Start card when picking up these vitamins.

Your midwife or GP can also guide you on local and national programs for which you might be eligible. The scheme is available to breastfeeding mothers as well.

Reduce Costs on Maternity Wear

As your pregnancy progresses, you might find your regular clothes becoming snug. Conducting a “closet audit” to find the most comfortable clothes is a useful first step without spending on new maternity outfits.

A waistband extender is an inexpensive tool that helps extend the life of your regular trousers and skirts.

For those wanting to maximize wear from their existing wardrobe, consider investing in long vest tops that can be tucked into pants to cover your growing belly.

When new maternity clothes become necessary, consider borrowing or buying secondhand to save money.

“Platforms like Vinted and Facebook Marketplace are valuable for finding affordable maternity wear,” suggests Marsh.

Plan Your Maternity Leave

Expectant mothers are entitled to a year of statutory maternity leave from their employer, regardless of their length of employment. However, there are certain conditions for receiving statutory maternity pay.

You qualify for up to 39 weeks of paid leave if you are employed in the 15th week before your expected delivery date, have been with your employer for at least 26 weeks prior to that, and earn at least £125 weekly (before tax).

Aaron explains, “The earliest you can start your paid maternity leave is 11 weeks before your expected delivery date. If your baby arrives early, your leave begins the following day.”

For the initial six weeks, you receive 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax. For the following 33 weeks, the pay is either £187.18 weekly or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower.

If these conditions are not met, you may apply for maternity allowance after 26 weeks of pregnancy. This applies whether you’re employed, have recently stopped working, or are self-employed, with benefits ranging up to £187.18 weekly for up to 39 weeks.

The government provides a maternity entitlement calculator to help determine your eligibility.

Secure Priority Access

Navigating public transport can be tough during pregnancy, especially if your bump isn’t very noticeable yet. In London and the south-east, wearing a “baby on board” badge can signal to fellow passengers that you might need a seat. These badges are available through the Transport for London website.

Some stores also allow pregnant women to skip to the front of the queue. For example, at some Primark locations, you can use the accessible checkout if you’re pregnant or have a double buggy.

While not all stores have a formal policy, it’s worth asking if you can be accommodated if standing in line is difficult.