Yep, it is ideal to take them b4 TTC, but those of us that arent planners and just wanna jump straight into it, that plan doesnt reallly work for us. As soon as i found out we were prg i began taking iron tabs - about $9 from chemist, would have to buy about 3 throughout my pregnancy. I was like you and couldnt afford $55 odd dollars.

ETA: Im a vege, but just made sure i had a good diet, lots of greens, veges, fruit etc....and i have 3 healthly lil girls....