FOR CLOTHS AND FASHION COSMETICS

Fashion, style and tastes change and you will want clothes to suit your own taste.

Before shopping, you should consider these points:

Can you adapt any of your existing clothes? Sweat pants, anything with an elasticated waist, hubby's t-shirts, shorts and jumpers can all be made use of.

Maternity clothes are specially designed to grow with you throughout your pregnancy. They are either very stretchy, or feature expanding panels, waistbands and tie to fit designs. They are also bought to your pre-pregnancy size so whilst they adapt to your bump, they remain in proportion elsewhere.

When buying maternity tops, check to see if they have any design features which will allow for discrete breast feeding after your baby is born, such as specially designed flaps and zips. Personally speaking, when I breast fed my two boys, I found loose tops that you could easily pull up the easiest option. On the many occasions that I breast fed in public places, I largely went unnoticed.

You may be able to buy clothing second hand - try the online auction site eBay and you might find a bargain.

You can buy bra extenders to increase the life of your bras (they attach to the clips on the back of your bra, so you can still wear your bra as your rib cage expands. If your cup size increases though they are not much use.)

Your feet and ankles may swell up during the latter months of your pregnancy, so go for shoes that have adjustable width such as adjustable straps, laces or velcro fastenings.

Buying online or via mail order will save you trailing from store to store and let you try on your designs in the comfort of your own home.