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It’s no secret that a woman’s life changes once she has children. But, while many magazines focus on the physical, such as getting a pre-baby body back through diet and exercise, or her career, Citibank’s Women & Co. survey, conducted by Baby Center, indicates that finances change just as much – if not more.

Before a baby arrives, expecting parents are advised to plan financially, as a new baby ends up costing $12,000 its first year. Parents end up paying $250,000 until a child turns 18, without college tuition factored in. The BabyCenter survey shows that, while new parents prepare ahead of time, money is the top thought on many new mothers’ minds, followed by parenting.

According to the survey, new mothers also find themselves having greater roles in financial decisions (60 percent), and 30 percent split them with a partner. Her financial responsibilities also increase, encompassing decisions on purchasing new products, budgeting, spending, managing savings, and financial planning. Mothers end up spending less on themselves and, for their family, go after deals or coupons, rethink finances, discuss spending with their partners, and save more.

Saving, particularly, goes up with new parents – but for different reasons. The survey states that pre-child couples were more concerned about paying off debts. After a child, however, their focus shifted toward providing for the family and future: saving up for a child’s education, planning for retirement, and lowering expenses.

Regarding the outcome from the survey, Linda Descano, CFA(R), President and CEO of Women & Co., mentioned in a release:

“As every parent knows, having a baby changes everything – and finances are not an exception. The life change of a baby brings about new and substantial financial needs and questions. After having children, moms are increasingly taking charge of not just day-to-day spending, but also the longer-term planning of the financial future of their family.”