Money hacks: How to cut costs when you're expecting a baby

Pregnant women in England are entitled to free NHS prescriptions during pregnancy and for 12 months after giving birth, whether they are employed or not.

- Mabel Banfield-Nwachi

Get free NHS prescriptions (In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, they are free for everyone.) You need a maternity exemption certificate, which you can get from a midwife, doctor or health visitor. You are also entitled to free dental treatment during pregnancy and for 12 months after giving birth in all parts of the UK. You must have a maternity exemption certificate or equivalent.

This is a digital or paper certificate, and you show it to the pharmacist when picking up prescriptions in England, or the dentist at your appointment.

"When you're pregnant or have a new baby, there can be extra costs that add up quickly. That's why it's vital to check you are getting all the help you're entitled to," says Lilly Aaron, the senior policy manager at the Money and Pensions Service.

If you have paid for prescriptions while you are covered by the certificate, you may be entitled to a refund.

Check grants and benefits You could be eligible for a one-off payment of £500 under the Sure Start Maternity Grant scheme if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you or your partner are on certain benefits and you are expecting your first baby.

Kate Marsh, the midwifery manager at Tommy's, the pregnancy and baby charity, says it is important to apply within the time limit. "You need to claim it within 11 weeks of the baby's due date or within six months after your baby is born, [and] it doesn't have to be repaid," she said.

She adds: "You're also eligible for the scheme if you have refugee status or humanitarian protection, or you've left Ukraine or Afghanistan to come to the UK."

Scotland has a similar scheme called the Pregnancy and Baby Payment. "Anyone eligible - depending on income and benefit entitlement - will receive £767.50 for their first child, and £383.75 for babies born after that," Marsh says.