Bad credit loans: Mothers-to-be should examine their finances

Expectant mothers that are considering applying for a bad credit loan should examine their financial situation before taking on further debt, an expert has said.

Nicola Scowen, director at Women in Debt, said that shortfalls in income can be daunting, but that mothers-to-be must remember that their wages will return to normal after maternity leave.

However, if the financial burden is significant, women should seek independent advice on short-term lending to bridge the gap, Ms Scowen said.

She added: "All women should review their entitlement to benefits and ensure that they have the correct tax code as a matter of good housekeeping."

Ms Scowen's comments come as new research carried out for Turn2us by Bounty Parenting Club revealed that over half of women on maternity leave incur debt.

Almost a quarter of those surveyed admitted to using short-term funding options, including bad credit credit cards and overdrafts, to boost their cash during pregnancy.