(Jana, this one’s for you!)

Although I have never been pregnant, I do have many friends who are mothers. So, I know the struggles that women go through when trying to find clothing to wear while they’re carrying a child. Having a baby is a joyous occasion, and finding fashionable clothing shouldn’t damper the experience.

Things have changed dramatically since our mothers carried us. While basic cotton tees and bulky pants were the norm, say 20 or 30 years ago, women now expect designers to produce garments that are attractive. Boring doesn’t fly anymore with the consumers of our day and age.

In fact, many maternity tops can easily be mistaken for trendy, fashionable items (think the popular flowing, babydoll shirts that are in right now). The goal is to help women look good in their clothing, with the special details that embrace pregnancy in subtle, chic styles versus plain and practical.

To give yourself a “Mommy Makeover” (with or without plastic surgery), you may first consider the amount that you want to spend. Pretty much, all large-scale stores carry clothing for expectant mothers. I have grouped some popular retail chains in cost categories, basing my comparisons on the average prices of their blouses, for the sake of example. Here are the roundabout prices that you can expect to shell out for cute maternity blouses at some of our favorite, affordable retail outlets:

Target and Old Navy: About $20

Kohl’s and JCPenny: Around $30

Gap and Ann Taylor LOFT: In the range of $40-$50

(Keep in mind that the above is only a general statement. Of course there are more and less expensive shirts that these stores carry.)

If you aren’t willing to purchase a whole new wardrobe to wear during your pregnancy months, focus on buying the essentials. Basic colors are always helpful. A staple sweater or pair of jeans can be worn frequently, but maybe paired with different items. You can even use jewelry to your advantage. It may be surprising how easily an eye-catching necklace can make an outfit look completely different.

And, as your mother may have taught you growing up…share! If you have friends, family, or co-workers who have had children, ask to borrow their maternity clothing. If they aren’t currently pregnant, then those clothes are probably just sitting in their closets.

Be resourceful!

Photo Credits: www.pregnant-celebrities.com