BEING pregnant can be tiring, but it can come with some perks when it comes to freebies.
Megan Micklewright, who runs The Savvy Spender, shared eight things pregnant women can get for free to help them out financially.
Speaking to Fabulous, the money-saving whizz said: “‘The best place to get access to free resources is staying in touch with your midwife and asking the questions.
“Also signing up to apps like pregnancy+, Emma’s diary and bounty – this will keep you in the know with any pregnancy freebies and discounts.
“As a mother myself I also share any freebies I come across on Instagram and TikTok.”
On her @thesavvyspenderofficial account, she wrote: “Things you can get for free as a pregnant lady.
“Did you know about these?”
DENTAL CARE
The first thing on her list is free NHS dental care during pregnancy and a year after the baby is born.
The NHS website said: “You are entitled to free NHS dental treatment if, at the time you are accepted for your course of treatment, you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
“To prove your entitlement, you can use a MatB1 certificate, valid maternity exemption certificate, notification of birth form, birth certificate or stillbirth certificate.”
PRESCRIPTIONS
Megan added that the next thing you can get for free with your healthcare is prescriptions.
She shared: “This can include things like Gaviscon for any heartburn suffering mommas.”
The NHS states: “To claim free NHS prescriptions, ask a healthcare professional, for example, a doctor, nurse, midwife or health visitor. They will help you make a paper or digital application.”
SWIMMING SESSIONS
The next thing on Megan’s list was free access to a pool for exercise.
She shared: “Some councils and leisure centres offer FREE swimming for pregnant women.
“Call up your local centre and see if they have any free sessions or discounts.”
EMMA’S DIARY PACKS
Megan next raved about getting an Emma’s Diary gift pack for free when she was pregnant.
The TikToker commented: “Full of little freebies that can be picked up in places like Boots once you’ve registered for free online.”
The Emma’s Diary website states: “The FREE Emma’s Diary mother and baby gift packs are packed full of free stuff from BIG brands and samples, hand picked for you to try during your pregnancy.
“Some are also very handy for packing in your hospital bag too!”
Contents can vary, but packs can Pampers Nappies, Weleda Skin Food & Nappy Change Cream, Milton Sterilising Tablets, Fairy beads, Pampers money-off coupon, Pampers baby wipes, Breast pads, Fairy money-off coupon and Fairy POD & softener.
ANTENATAL CLASSES
Megan also advised that you ask your midwife about any local antenatal classes being run in the area.
The NHS states: “Antenatal classes can help you to prepare for your baby’s birth and give you confidence and information.
“They’re usually informative and fun, and they’re free on the NHS.”
AMAZON ITEM
According to the savvy saver, you can get a free item from Amazon if you create a baby wish list on there.
Megan claims you have to spend £20 to qualify for the free item, but it can include a free nappy bin, baby bottles, a bath set or a bath toy.”
Amazon states: “If you create a baby wishlist and spend at least £20 in eligible baby products, you’ll receive a free welcome gift.
“Create an Amazon baby wishlist, and wait 5 days before redeeming your free gift (if you don’t have one already).
“Start adding qualifying items – baby products that are shipped and sold by Amazon.”
ITEM FROM PARENTING CLUBS
Megan advised that some parenting clubs, such as the one run by Boots, can give out a free item when you sign up.
She wrote: “Get an Aveeno product when you sign up.”
The Boots Parenting Club gives you perks such as “8 points per £1 on baby products. free gifts at key stages of your baby’s development, expert parenting advice, Parenting Club offers via the Boots app.”
The website states: “Sign up to Boots Parenting Club to receive your selected Aveeno product.”
EXTRAS
In addition to the above Megan said there are other free things you get if you are accepted after applying.
The first one she suggested was Healthy Start vouchers, which is typically offered to those on Universal Credit.
The NHS website states: “If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
“If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We’ll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.
“You can use your card to buy plain liquid cow’s milk, fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried, and tinned pulses, infant formula milk based on cow’s milk.
“You can also use your card to collect Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old.”
Megan also recommended the government’s Sure Start Maternity grant where you can get a one-off payment of £500 if you qualify.
How to get free Pampers nappies as a parent
YOU can get your hands on free Pampers nappies by heading to their website and requesting a special nappy coupon.
The coupon will then be sent to your address and you can then go to the nearest store to collect the free nappies.
One parent recently listed all the stores that have teamed up with the brand: