Women who are pregnant and single are bringing new verve to the dating game.

In some cases where the biological father has not abandoned them altogether, many find themselves joining forces with the child's natural father for parenting, but not for romance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nearly four in 10 U.S. babies were born outside of marriage in 2005. This is just over a third total and sets a new record high.

Among all the special groups that contribute to this figure is the expectant mother who chooses to remain in the general dating pool. If you are a member of this growing demographic, the playing field is wide open for you to have the best opportunities for motherhood and a flourishing social life.

As you paint on your lipstick, check your hair and promenade in your sexy maternity wear toward your eager date, stay mindful of some principles that should guide your decisions about dating:

-CONTINUE TO CHOOSE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS. Don't just choose a warm body because you're afraid of being alone. Your date should be someone who can appreciate your new body, respect you and endure your many impending changes. Pregnancy can place you in a delicate state even when there is no significant other. You don't need to compound your stress by creating extra worry.

Don't associate with men who have negative attitudes toward pregnant single women or children in general. Your dates should not judge you as "damaged goods" or consider you "filthy." Keep your eyes open for subtle signals in his behavior and watch how he reacts when the subject of children comes up.

Avoid men with pregnant-woman fetishes as well. As soon as you're not pregnant anymore, he's not interested.

-BE OPEN AND UP FRONT ABOUT YOUR CONDITION, especially before you start to show. Men feel duped when you don't make this disclosure from the very beginning. Honesty is always your best approach.

Be honest, too, if you're not interested in a long-term relationship. Let your dates know you are simply looking for companionship, but you don't expect (or want) a commitment.

-BE REALISTIC ABOUT THE ARRIVAL OF THE BABY. Your newborn's presence will definitely have an impact on your relationship, especially if you become serious with someone during your pregnancy. Consider how the baby's arrival will change your relationship and how your relationship might affect the baby.

-DON'T EXPECT YOUR DATES TO BE FATHERS, especially if the biological father

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