There are several different routes you can take: retail, resale, or generous, similarly sized friends. But no matter which route you choose, don't neglect to collect some maternity clothes fairly early in your pregnancy. Some people try to "make do" with regular clothes in a size or two larger, and find that the other proportions make the garment look odd. Remember, it's mainly your waistline that is expanding at first (though we all gain a little extra weight everywhere else), so you don't need a broader shoulder, longer leg or lower crotch. Some people need a bigger bra, but that's another issue. Besides, these larger sized clothes won't fit you for long either, no matter how big they look to you now.

If this is your first baby, and you hope to have more, you CAN justify paying a bit more for these clothes, since you will wear them much more often than your regular wardrobe, and they will drive you completely crazy if they don't fit well or look right. In just a couple of months, you will be large and lumpy, and no matter what you do, you'll feel the effects of the emotional roller coaster they call pregnancy. If you thought getting dressed on a bad PMS day was a struggle, this is worse.

Just keep in mind that you want classic styles that will wear well. Look for some maternity basics to start with, pairing them with some of your own, more forgiving, pieces. Add to those items as you go, and don't be afraid to shop the sale items! Depending on your needs (office attire versus stay at home duds), look for items that you know you would buy if they were non-maternity styles. If you would buy them anyway, then you know there's a good chance you'll actually wear them. Just remember, lycra is your friend! Maternity clothes have come a long way from the bows and polka dots our mothers had to choose from.

Thank goodness for the internet!!! To date, I have probably purchased 95% of my maternity clothes on-line. And many new websites have arrived since I first started looking at them about three years ago. Since most malls have only one maternity store, there wasn't much of a selection, and I was unimpressed with the quality I found there. Shrinking shirts and shifting seams are pet peeves of mine! So I looked for a solution on the internet, and was amply rewarded for my efforts. Here are my picks.

Maternity clothing sites: Bear in mind that companies come and go, so websites may change or merge.

Shoes

Since I love shoes so much I wouldn't even want to count how many pairs of shoes I own (some people still call me Imelda on occasion), I was extremely dismayed to learn that I couldn't wear many of my high heeled pumps and boots while pregnant. Of course, as my posture changed, and the effects on my aching legs and back became more pronounced, I understood why I couldn't wear them, but I was still disappointed. However, I bought two simple pairs of very low heeled shoes (brown and black) one-half size larger than usual to wear throughout the pregnancy. And I wore them every day. Since I was one of the lucky few whose feet did not permanently expand with pregnancy, I am back into my high heels now, but I suggest having at least one pair of low, comfy, larger shoes for your swollen feet.

Bras

Yes, you will need bigger bras, or you will eventually destroy your old ones as you morph into mommy. As I am not an expert in this area, I suggest that you simply go shopping at some point in the second trimester and purchase a few slightly roomier bras. They don't need to be expensive or pretty, but should be comfortable with good support. Your rib cage will also expand, so don't just get a bigger cup size. Don't bother even looking at nursing bras until your last month. They're not exceptionally comfortable, and you won't want to wear them until you have to. Most likely, your size will change just after the baby is born and your milk comes in, so wait until then to buy more than one or two.

P.S. Nursing Clothes

For nursing clothes, you don't really need to buy "nursing clothes." There are some decent nursing clothes out there these days, but I still prefered a shirt or sweater I can lift up or simply unbutton from the bottom. For those less endowed, a sports bra, which can simply be moved up and down is far preferable to a nursing bra. Consider trying one!

If you want a few nursing pieces that you can wear in public with minimum exposure, or need a nursing outfit for a special occasion, check out the links below.