Pregnant or a new mum? How to cut costs when you’re expecting a baby

From free prescriptions and essential vitamins, to statutory maternity pay, a lot of assistance is available

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. (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.