Financial stress during pregnancy can feel overwhelming. When you're worried about covering rent, medical bills and basic necessities — let alone preparing for a baby — it's hard to see a path forward.

Fortunately, there are resources that can help you through this time. Whether you're looking for help to parent or considering adoption, knowing your options can bring clarity.

 This article walks through state programs in North Carolina, explains how adoption financial assistance works and outlines the support American Adoptions provides to expectant parents. If you'd like to speak with someone right away about your options, you can fill out our form today.

What Can I Do if I'm Pregnant and Can't Afford a Baby?

When you're facing financial uncertainty during pregnancy, it's important to know you have choices. Some expectant parents seek out government assistance programs to help them afford to parent. Others explore adoption as a thoughtful decision that can provide stability and opportunity for everyone involved.

Financial assistance for adoption exists to support expectant mothers who are considering placing their child with an adoptive family. Through a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions, you can receive help with living expenses, medical costs and legal fees during your pregnancy and for a period after birth. This support comes from the adoptive family and is managed by the agency.

You can choose adoption because of money problems, but financial concerns should never be your only reason for making this decision. Adoption is a permanent choice that will shape your life and your child's life forever. It's essential to think through all aspects of this decision: your emotional readiness, your long-term goals and what feels right for your family's future.

Where to Find Financial Help During Pregnancy in North Carolina

Does the state help pregnant women with no money? Yes, North Carolina offers several programs designed to support expectant mothers and families with limited resources.

• NC Medicaid provides health coverage for pregnant women who meet income requirements. It can cover prenatal care, labor and delivery and postpartum visits. You can apply online, in person, by phone or by mail.

• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offers food support through vouchers for healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support. This program helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children get the nutrition they need.

• Work First Family Assistance (WFFA), North Carolina's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, provides temporary cash assistance to families with children. If you have other children or are planning to parent your baby, WFFA can help with basic living expenses while you work toward financial stability.

• Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), North Carolina's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps low-income individuals and families purchase groceries. If you qualify, FNS benefits can ease the burden of feeding yourself and your household during pregnancy.

• Housing support is available through programs like Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing assistance. These programs can help reduce your rent costs and provide stable housing during this critical time.

Understanding How Adoption Financial Assistance Works

If you're considering adoption, financial assistance through an agency like American Adoptions can provide additional help during pregnancy and shortly after birth. This support comes from the adoptive family and is carefully managed to follow North Carolina adoption laws.

The financial assistance typically covers:

This financial support is designed to ease stress during your pregnancy so you can focus on your health and make informed decisions about your future.

Do I Get Paid if I Place My Baby for Adoption in North Carolina?

No. You do not get paid if you place your baby for adoption. The birth mother financial assistance you receive is meant to cover legitimate pregnancy-related expenses, not to compensate you for your baby. North Carolina law, like laws in every state, prohibits the buying or selling of children.

Is There a Cost for Expectant Mothers Who Choose Adoption in North Carolina?

No. Our adoption services are completely free for birth mothers. American Adoptions handles all adoption-related expenses, and you will never be asked to pay for any part of the process.

What Living Expenses Are Covered for Expectant Parents in North Carolina?

North Carolina has specific rules about what birth mother living expenses can be covered during an adoption. According to state law, adoptive parents or people working on their behalf may pay reasonable and actual expenses for:

• Medical, hospital, nursing, pharmaceutical, travel or similar expenses related to the pregnancy and birth

• Counseling services directly related to the adoption, provided by licensed professionals

• Basic living expenses during pregnancy

• Legal services connected with the adoption

However, adoption living expenses may not be paid beyond six weeks after the birth of the child. This timeline is set by North Carolina law and ensures that financial assistance is connected to the pregnancy and adoption process.

Understanding these laws helps you know what to expect. At American Adoptions, we work within these legal guidelines while maximizing the support available to you.

How American Adoptions Supports Expectant Parents in North Carolina

Beyond financial assistance, what support do adoption agencies give expectant mothers? At American Adoptions, we provide comprehensive services designed to help you through every step of your adoption journey:

Taking the First Steps in the North Carolina Adoption Process

If you're considering adoption, here's how to begin:

The adoption process moves at your pace. You're in control of the timeline and the decisions every step of the way.

Connect With an Adoption Specialist Anytime

If you're pregnant and can't afford the baby, we're here for you. You deserve support during this challenging time, and your baby deserves a future filled with love and opportunity.

You don't have to make any decisions right now. Sometimes the first step is simply learning what your options are and what help is available. Contact us today for free information about adoption in North Carolina.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.