Stray that may be expecting

Question
I have taken in a stray and my friend tells me that she is pregnant.  I have never had a female dog so I am not too sure what to expect or to look for.  She has a good appetite and is still active.  She has an enlarged belly and her nipples are enlarged.  Her belly is hard also.  We have had her for 3 weeks now and I am not too sure when and what to do for her.  I would take her to the vet but right now lack of income is stopping me from doing so.

Answer
Sounds like she's expecting to me. If you've had her for three weeks you should be seeing an increase in belly size and soon, puppy movement. Getting her dewormed and healthy is a must or you're going to have a mess on your hands with the litter, Make sure she is getting a good diet, preferably puppy food, and a GOOD one, not from Wal Mart or the grocery store. Go to your local vet or pet store and pick up some panacur deworm her. A five day treatment is definitely necessary and repeat in two weeks.
Watch her for behavior changes, some dogs lose appetite just before whelping, want to hide and be alone, dig , scratch and nest. Others become clingy.
Good luck with the babies, and mom
Cindi