There are the obvious expenses that come with the joyful blessings of being an expecting mom. Like those below:

• Maternity clothes: Thankfully, my beautiful friend Ana had a stack of maternity clothes that I borrowed. But there were quite a couple of items missing in my preggo wardrobe that I really, really needed to feel comfortable AND pretty.
• Nursing bras: They recommend to purchase nursing bras at around 36 weeks so I still have that on my to do list.
• Childbirth class: We did a little bit of research on various classes all over the city and eventually ended up at the CPMC (where I’ll deliver). Kinda pricey and one can argue that a couple of DVDs could do the job but when Paul said he’d really like to take a class, I was thrilled about his excitement and that he wanted to learn alongside other expecting parents.
• Clothing, gear, a stylish nursery including the perfect crib, and such for the baby
• Likely a few medical bills

But then there are the more unexpected expenses that just keep creeping up on you. Here’s my list of pregnancy-related items that sucked some green out of our wallets (in order of appearance):

• Fish oil capsules: Get the odorless ones and your burbs taste a little less like fish. I also figured out that it’s best to take them at night so the burping doesn’t bother you as much.
• Pre-natal vitamins: So many options.
• Stool softener (Sorry, was that too much information?)
• Pre-natal yoga classes: I loved the classes at The Mindful Body. Especially, the instructor, Kari Marble, was terrific.
• Super-sized body pillow: I borrowed a simple large body pillow (again, thanks, Ana!) not one of those fancy (and probably more comfortable) pregnancy body pillows.
• Unforeseen cravings: Nothing crazy, no pickles and ice cream but still had to satisfy my cravings spontaneously. Spontaneity = convenience = food-to-go or lunching out = expensive.
• Organic food: Switching from pesticide-infested groceries and meat to organic options was a long overdue change but certainly encouraged by the desire to do everything possible to grow a healthy human inside of me. Check out the Dirty Dozen – a list of fruits, vegetables and other foods with the highest pesticide residue.
• Significant increase of toilet paper rolls: Really, five bathroom trips per night??

• Higher water usage due to a) more sweating and b) to find relief for aching back, legs and head
• Massage oil to rub on belly to avoid nasty stretch marks (successful, by the way): My cousin sent me this from Germany. I’m sure any other massage oil would have the same effect but, as you know, I am a sucker for cute things and fun packaging. Also, I think it’s kinda cool to have ‘foreign’ items in your house that show how cosmopolitan you are.
• Pre-natal massages: Again, The Mindful Body seemed to offer the best deal. $66 for an hour massage. Make sure to ask for Sabrina. She was the best and massaged me while I was lying on my side. So relaxing, so worth it!
• Infant CPR class: We’re in the process of setting up private CPR classes to keep the costs down and to be able to have a bunch of friends join us. I found the best value at this place, charging $35 per person if you book a private class and $50 if you take a community class (complimentary drinks and snacks provided) compared to American Red Cross ($60 per person), Kaiser ($55 for non-members) and other institutions.

I’m sure there will be more fun stuff coming our way. And I have to add a disclaimer that, thanks to my preggo brain, these lists are by no means complete. Would love to hear what unexpected expenses you had to tackle.

Leave a comment and tell me all about it.