5 things I wish I’d known about dressing my bump before getting pregnant

I would hazard a guess that every woman pregnant with her first child rushes out in excitement to buy a muumuu dress or tent.

There was a time when voluminous tents with sailor collars and bows were your only option for a 'stylish' pregnancy. In my initial excitement about declaring my first bump to the world, I think I started buying (totally unnecessary) billowing tops and maternity jeans at about the eight week stage. By my third pregnancy however... Well, let's just say that I wasn't so keen on the maternity department and refused to purchase anything I wouldn't wear after the nine months. Don't get me wrong, maternity style has drastically improved since Di's day and there are a lot more options for today's mamas-to-be. However, before you go spending all your baby funds on dressing your bump, bear in mind that you can adapt your regular wardrobe for much longer than you might think... 1. The jersey dress Yes, yes, I know. You're afraid to wear this as jersey can be 'unforgiving' to say the least. But, here's the deal: you're pregnant, everyone can see you're pregnant, and nobody is going to slate a pregnant woman's beautiful bump body. So wear those clingier materials with pride Mamas. 2. Waist not, want not Just because you no longer have a waist, doesn't mean you can't fake one. Accentuate your pretend 'waist' with a skinny belt, or cute ribbon. Avoid anything with buttons down the front like the plague - button stretch is not a good look. 3. Rubber bandit This was my favourite trick to stay in my beloved jeans, and meant I got two trimesters before having to wear annoying fally-down frump jeans. A piece of string works just as well as an elastic band - simply insert either into the button hole of the waistband and loop it around itself to fasten. Just make sure to wear a long enough top to hide the fact that you're dressed like a Mullingar farmer. 4. Yay to dungarees Ok, so these weren't back 'in' when I was pregnant, but they are now so celebrate the glory of comfy dungarees and dress your bump like a member of Dexys Midnight Runners. The best part is they're now knocking around most high street shops and they are super extendable, both in length and width. Win. 5. Belt extenders Belt extenders are a godsend. I bought mine on eBay but you can find these in most maternity and online stores. These stretchy fabric bands mean that you can leave your trousers (and skirts if they have a button) completely unzipped and you won't spend the day pulling them up. They are also super handy in the months after you've given birth, and are in that weird in-between clothes stage.