Baby on board? Although you definitely have a baby on board, you probably are looking for maternity clothes that fit your own sense of style and meet your daily needs. It is possible to dress like a grownup and be pregnant at the same time.

You will probably want to continue to wear your own clothes for as long as possible. You can stretch their usefulness by buying waistband expanders. There is also a product called Bella Band that allows you to wear your pants unbuttoned and partially unzipped by slipping a large fabric elastic band over it. You can buy expanders for your bras as well to give them a little longer life.

There are more choices than ever before for well-designed, quality maternity clothes. The first rule of dressing for pregnancy is to stick to what works for you. If you didn't like jumpers before you were pregnant, you're not going to like them now, so don't even consider them. Remember who you are and choose clothes that reflect that. Select colors and fabrics that appeal to your taste. Don't feel like you have to veer off into unfamiliar territory just because that's what your local maternity store is showing. You can maintain your sense of self by relying on accessories you like and that work well for you.

Some women like to purchase regular women's clothes (non-maternity) in larger sizes. This is a great way to find fashionable clothes, but they may not last to the end of your pregnancy. Your belly will grow so large by the end that normal shirts are too short in the front and normal pants will not fit over it. It is, however, a good way to shop for basics such as T-shirts, pantyhose, and other items that you can wear underneath other clothes. Additionally, some women like to wear some of their partner's clothes, at least around the house.

Shop online for the biggest selection of maternity clothes. Remember that many pregnant women find they get hot easily, especially in the last trimester, so avoid items that are very heavy. Tight clothes can be especially uncomfortable during pregnancy. Pants and skirts that are expandable are a good bet so that you can wear them smaller in the beginning and open them up to full size at the end.

Maternity clothes in general are not made to last. Most women wear items for about five months total. If you're working full-time and are trying to limit what you're spending, you're going to be wearing the same pieces over and over, so buy quality clothes that will last. If you have friends or family members with children, they may be able to lend you some of their better items, adding to your wardrobe. There is also a very brisk business of maternity clothes at secondhand stores and on eBay.

You may find you need to purchase new shoes during pregnancy. Very high heels are not recommended in pregnancy because coupled with a large uterus, they can throw your balance off.

If you experience a lot of swelling, your current shoes may no longer fit. In addition, some women find that their feet actually grow during pregnancy. This is due to the hormone relaxin, which helps relax your joints during pregnancy and can cause your feet to become longer. Foot swelling usually goes away within a month after delivery, but any foot stretching due to loose ligaments is permanent. Don't wear tight shoes. Not only do they hurt, they can also cause a lot of problems such as ingrown nails, calluses, or corns. Additionally, very uncomfortable shoes make it harder to walk and can seriously affect your balance.