During pregnancy, there are some things you should buy and there are some things you should just borrow. It depends on how much it costs, how much you will use it, and whether you will be able to use it again for your next pregnancy (if you are planning on having another one).
When it comes to clothing, borrow seasonal items (like coats) if you can, and buy staples like camisoles, pajamas, and jeans. If you buy a whole wardrobe of sweaters for your winter pregnancy, who is to say you’ll ever wear maternity in the winter again? It’s fun to share and can save a lot of money. My maternity pea coat has made its rounds over the past two years, and it is about to be passed on to mommy #4 over Christmas. It makes me feel good knowing that my coat is getting so much use. I have other items that are just sitting in our basement, waiting for the next pregnancy. Items like the Bella Band are definitely worth buying because it is something you can use every day and is even great during postpartum.
Gadgets are definitely worth borrowing unless they have uses outside of pregnancy. Fetal heart monitors (which rarely work until very late in the pregnancy) are something that you should borrow before you buy since you may or may not be able to detect any sounds with it. I borrowed a stethoscope when I was pregnant, and I was able to hear my baby’s heart beat with it in the final weeks. Since a stethoscope could be used for all sorts of other applications, that might be something you’d like to buy if a friend did not have one to lend out.
Personal items should be bought rather than borrowed for obvious reasons. I would not borrow a pregnancy pillow, for example, since pillows tend to collect oils, skin and other dust particles from the person using it. I would also avoid borrowing maternity bras or other undergarments.