The pretty lace band doesn’t pinch or dig in but adds a pretty touch that makes you feel a bit less ‘medical’, particularly important after a spell in hospital. The pants offer really full coverage, giving you that feeling of comfort and support, and create a slightly smoother silhouette too, with no rumpling, crumpling or sagging. Happy Mama offer a huge range of non-frumpy dresses for all styles - from bump-hugging bodycon to flattering drapes, on-trend midi dress and shorter skater styles. Most can be used for breastfeeding as well. I bought a pair of Love Luna from Sainsbury's... I've found them very comfy, and they stay feeling dry."(Tried and tested by Mumsnet user PolkadotsAndMoonbeams) Our verdict It wouldn’t be a best-of maternity list without the appearance of Seraphine. Whilst this isn’t the cheapest maternity range out there, it’s certainly one of the most popular with Mumsnet users due to their well-fitting, high-quality clothing.

Frugi is very comfortable, fun, good quality and most of their clothes are designed for breastfeeding too.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user rvms)I was just wearing briefs in a few sizes up… but then I bought a pair of the JoJo Maman Bebe ones and they are soooo much better!” (Vetted by Mumsnet user GinIsIn) Our verdict I got Motherhood Maternity's fold over panty. I don't wear them folded over, so they hit higher up on my belly." I know, getting enough sleep can sometimes be an issue when pregnant. Wanting a good night's sleep whilst feeling supported - is that really too much to ask? A maternity sleep bra can solve the problems on those sleepless nights and is also a perfect choice for everyday loungewear! I’m obsessed with Belevation maternity underwear. They supported my bump so well with my past pregnancies."

Although no longer around on the high street, Dorothy Perkins have remained a stalwart online for reliable pieces that you can grab and go without too much planning needed, and their maternity range is no different. Nothing will give you a better sense of whether something is worth buying than an honest, unbiased review from a real parent. That’s why our first port of call is always the Mumsnet forums where we trawl the Talk boards to find out what our Mumsnetters are recommending. Expert opinions I did splurge and buy some Grow with Me maternity underwear by Kindred Bravely. They were not cheap but OMG they are so comfy and sooooo stretchy! I got three thongs and three regular. They are all I wear now and I’m considering purchasing more."As with all maternity clothing, you could try to continue wearing your regular underwear during pregnancy. However, at some point, your normal underwear will start to feel uncomfortable and won’t fit as well as it did pre pregnancy. It’s worth having old pants on hand for after the birth that you don’t mind throwing away. (You’ll see what we mean.) You could also do this for for the end of pregnancy when your waters might break or you might have a show – the mucus plug coming away. You need full briefs from M&S, at least two sizes up. I am still in mine a year post partum. They're too darn comfy." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user MySoCalledStrife) Our verdict You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area. Maternity clothes can split opinion - some say they aren't necessarily, others have a wardrobe full. It's worth noting that maternity clothes have been specially designed with the changing pregnancy body in mind, and therefore will be able to accommodate a growing bump more comfortably than regular clothes.