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When a woman first discovers she's pregnant, most thoughts turn to the pending arrival of a newborn baby. Her body usually shows no evidence of the pending arrival for three months, at least. But thoughts quickly change when her body seems to expand overnight. One prevailing thought takes over: "What am I going to wear?"

This one thought is followed up by the novelty of maternity wear. Venturing into a mall's maternity wear shop will quickly send a pregnant woman to the hospital with stress symptoms over the prices found inside! So here are some tried and true tips to expand your maternity wardrobe without shrinking your budget as you prepare for baby's arrival.

1. Get resourceful. Use Ebay, Craiglist, and even Freecycle.org as sources of good used maternity wear. Often, these sources yield brand new items complete with tags still attached. Remember your pre-pregnancy size as a guide to your maternity wear. However, in the case of dramatic weight gain or a multiple pregnancy, don't be alarmed if your size jumps up.

2. Do not go overboard. Allow three pants and three skirts or dresses. Usually black, khaki, and navy pants will get you through this season in life. However, if your pregnancy crosses over a dramatic seasonal change (winter to summer), you will need to reevaluate your needs.

3. Tops, sweaters, and blouses will be the area of maternity fashion that allows some variation. Remember that pregnancy hormones tend to keep a woman's internal thermostat running hot, so think about layering tops and jackets.

4. Consider some new pieces of costume jewelry or accessories that will change a
maternity outfit's look. These can add some sparkle to a wardrobe that might be
getting "old" in that final trimester.

4. If friends or family members offer you gently used maternity wear, don't turn
them down! Look through the items offered. If you are not finding anything you
like, consider shopping in a plus size section or a specialty store. These stores
offer trendy fashions and often run sales.

6. The last four weeks of the pregnancy can be the longest as the clock watching begins! Allow for a new outfit at the end of the pregnancy. My husband greeted me with a new outfit in the final "stretch" before each of my four babies were born. Each time I was shocked, honored, and thrilled that he had noticed I needed a bit of pampering before the baby arrived.

7. For eight weeks following your baby's arrival, maternity wear might still be
needed as your new mommy body adjusts to weight loss. Don't be ashamed or alarmed. Enjoy your new baby and give yourself time to fit into those pre-pregnancy jeans! That now unneeded maternity wardrobe can be put on Ebay or Craigslist as you get ready to splurge on yourself.

Having had four babies, I can remember putting on skirts or pants in the morning and, by evening, having to put them in storage as I realized that maternity wear was now the order of the day. Though all plans tend to focus on baby, don't forget that mommy needs some fashion focus and comfort, too. A pregnant woman that feels good about her appearance makes for a happier mom and, often, an easier pregnancy!

Learn more about this author, Jan Vroegin.
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