Pregnant What to do

[CharPP]

Hello everyone. Bit of a sensitive subject for some. I just found out I am pregnant. Wasn’t trying and it was a surprise. I am married and have a mortgage and am not too young. However we are worried about money. Could we afford the mortgage and bills and a baby. As soon as I found out I was in shock and thought that’s it, abortion, straight away. But I don’t know if that is actually what I really want. I have always wanted to have a baby, but this isn’t exactly the right time. I am only 4 weeks. I want to have a baby but feel that I don’t have the resources. Husband is supportive of whatever I choose to do. Thank you

There's rarely a 'right time'. You've always wanted a baby and here it is!

Babies really don’t cost that much, you can always afford it if you make cuts elsewhere. Do not take it for granted. We were lucky to have one naturally then never got lucky again so I can see it from both sides. Your DC are the lost amazing thing that will ever happen to you. Go for it 😊

Most* not lost

It surprises me when people say babies don’t cost much. Nursery where I am is £1,200 a month, I’ll lose a load of income when on maternity leave and probably miss out on a pay rise or at least delay it somewhat.

Have you tried drawing out a budget to see if it can work? There may be places you can cut back to make it happen. Any family who can offer support?

It depends where you are in the country re childcare costs. I went back PT just for the first year post mat leave because I felt guilty leaving DS all week when he was so young. I definitely don’t pay my childminder 1.2k a month and she also does wraparound care after school for my older three!

Figure out childcare costs and any loss of earnings through mat leave but honestly, there’s never a right time to have a baby.

Congratulations!