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home › Life Events & Financial Decisions › Major Life Events › Having Children › Pregnancy

Prepare for the cost of pregnancy

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Having a baby brings so much joy, but that little bundle also brings big expenses, even before he or she is born. Here’s a guide to help new parents prepare for the cost of pregnancy and beyond.

Your budget and baby stuff

Compile a list of anticipated expenses, including doctor's fees, maternity clothes, child care, and necessities for the baby and calculate the total.
Distribute the total cost throughout the duration of your pregnancy. Pay as you go rather than purchasing everything at once on credit, and the sum becomes easier to manage ($4,000 divided by nine months is $445 per month.)
If you’re expecting a baby shower, hold off on purchases so you don’t overbuy or double-up on items.
Before buying new, shop around for clothing and nursery equipment (in good condition) at consignment stores, thrift shops, and garage sales.
Look online for deals on auction sites such as Craigslist or eBay.
Use hand-me-downs from friends and family members.
Ask your pediatrician for samples of formula and medicines.
Use wholesale stores such as Costco or Sam’s Club to buy diapers and formula in bulk.


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Your health care

Talk to your doctor about how your pregnancy visits will be billed. Ask if there will be a flat fee for all appointments and the delivery, or if you’re charged separately for every appointment.
Call your insurance company to understand what pregnancy care costs will be covered. Ask about co-pays, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and specialty tests.
Discuss with your doctor and your insurance company how these costs change if you require a C-section and additional hospitalization.
Visit the American Pregnancy Association for more health care and insurance information.

Your job and benefits

Investigate employee benefits related to pregnancy, including maternity and paternity leave and pediatric care.
Learn about additional unpaid time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Be aware that if your company is smaller than 50 employees, you do not qualify.
Ask if you can add unused sick and vacation days to your maternity leave.
If you have two incomes, bank one and live off the other to get a realistic feel for what it would be like if you took an extended unpaid leave after the baby is born.
Don’t forget to calculate any lost pay if you’ll need time off for doctor’s appointments.
Adjust your tax withholding to reflect an extra tax deduction. Learn more here or contact your employer’s human resources department.
Increase contributions to flexible spending accounts to cover higher medical bills.
Ask about disability coverage in case you need extended leave during your pregnancy.
Compare the costs of returning to work or staying home with this calculator.