Being plus-sized and pregnant doesn't mean you need to wear miu-miu dresses and tops, hide in oversized tunics and t-shirts, and shy away from flaunting your figure. Plus-size moms-to-be can be just as stylish and trendy as their thinner counterparts because looking great has nothing to do with your weight!

Pregnancy is a great time to become more comfortable with your body and wear clothes that flatter you. In order to wear the latest styles and trends, you'll need to invest in some quality clothing that accommodate for your growing body. Here's what you need to know:

1. Stick with Lycra and knit tops. You need clothes that will stretch and conform to your changing body shape, not clothes that will constrict you or hug you too tight. Choose knit tops that are made with Lycra so you can enjoy the benefits of stretch fibers throughout your term.

2. Shop the maternity line, even in the plus-size section. It can be tempting to just go up a few sizes when shopping for maternity clothes, but you won't fit into these pieces of clothing properly. Shopping for maternity clothes in the plus-size section ensures that your clothes will fit you properly and accommodate your growing belly.

3. Get fitted for your pants and skirts. If you're unsure about the size you should wear for pants and skirts, get fitted by a tailor so you truly are wearing the right size. Once you know your size, you can purchase pants and skirts from the maternity department, because these are made with elastic waists and will accommodate baby bumps with ease.

4. Wear empire-waist tops and dresses for special occasions. Empire-waist tops and dresses are ideal for the pregnant woman because they emphasize your natural waistline and don't cinch or pinch around your baby bump. Look for these styles when shopping the special occasion section of the plus size department.

5. Wear larger prints and patterns to complement your figure. Wearing bold and large prints will complement your larger figure better than teeny-tiny flower prints and other delicate patterns. Look for these prints in either your top or your bottoms for a figure-flattering look.

Toting around the right bag for your body type is an important fashion 'do', but what do you do when your natural silhouette now has a baby bump? The pregnancy bulge can't be hidden behind an oversized tote (nor should it be), so you need to find a bag that will complement your natural body shape and your outfit. Here are some tips for choosing the right type of tote when you're pregnant:

First, you need to steer clear of loud prints. Most women draw plenty of attention to the baby bump during the second and third trimester, so there's no need to add extra flair to your ensemble. If you need to sport an oversized tote for day-to-day travels, stick with simple lines and the single-color variety. A glossy patent leather tote or oversized bucket bag in your favorite color are great additions to the mom-to-be's wardrobe.

Second, make sure your bag has plenty of strap support. If you're carrying a laptop, heavy books and other accessories around all day, you need to make sure the straps on the bag will support your shoulders and upper back. Invest in a sturdy tote with thick handles and straps so that you are getting the support you need. When you're pregnant, aches and pains in the upper back and shoulders are more common, so you can take some preventive measures by toting around the right type of bag.

Finally, make sure the bag has plenty of compartments to keep you organized during your busy day. Pregnancy can make you more stressed out than usual, so the last thing you want to worry about is where all of your daily accessories and gadgets are. Find a durable, sturdy bag designed with extra compartments so that you can keep all of your daily essentials in order. You may need extra room for medication, relaxation tapes and a CD player, and your favorite book if you're heading out on an all-day trip.

There are dozens of fashionable and functional totes out there. Take the time to find a bag that suits your style and meets your everyday needs during pregnancy.

Staying stylish and fashionable throughout a pregnancy often takes a backseat for many moms-to-be, simply because they're dealing with so many changes, higher stress levels, and juggling a busy schedule. However, you don't have to turn into a fashion victim just because you're expecting. Some careful shopping decisions and building up a basics wardrobe can help you get through those nine months staying chic and stylish. Here are some essential fashion tips for staying stylish during every trimester:

1. Stick with soft and natural fabrics. From organic cotton to light wool blends, stick with the soft fabrics that won't irritate your skin, and designs that aren't too form-fitting. These will put you at ease throughout your days of pregnancy, and a few bold colors and fun prints will help you stay fashionable.

2. Buy your actual size from the maternity department. Many women make the mistake of buying clothes from the regular Misses or Women's department, and just going a few sizes bigger. Your growing figure won't benefit from the extra material, and you'll end up hiding beneath a tent in most cases! Head to the maternity department so that you're buying your usual dress size designed with some minor tweaks.

3. Avoid the empire waist until your second trimester. Contrary to popular belief, the empire waistline will accentuate the tummy area so it won't be flattering to your figure until you're ready to flaunt the baby bump. Stick with loose and flowing styles that elongate your figure and accentuate your natural waistline during your first trimester, then shift over to empire lines as the baby bump begins to show.

4. Buy a maternity bra for overnight use. If you're large-chested, you will need some extra support overnight. Purchase a maternity bra that you can comfortably wear overnight so you can look forward to a restful night throughout your term.

5. Build up your bottoms basics. Jeans, tailored black pants and a simple skirt are three basics you need to get through your pregnancy days. Make sure they're from the maternity department so you have the flexibility of an adjustable waist.

Staying stylish throughout your pregnancy may not be at the top of your priority list, but building your wardrobe doesn't have to be an overwhelming process. Stick with these essential fashion 'dos' so you can be chic and fashionable through every trimester!

One of the biggest challenges during a pregnancy is finding well-fitting, comfortable and stylish clothes throughout each trimester. As your body changes shape and size in a few months, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and look your best. Building a maternity wardrobe of basics is one of the best ways to stay ahead of the trends and look stylish throughout your term. All you need to do is find some versatile pieces that can be modified to suit your shape as you grow.

Pregnant women fare well with A-line skirts and loose, tunic tops throughout the days of pregnancy. Stick with loose and flowing materials and styles that don't cinch at the waist or those that are made with body-hugging stretch materials. Wrap or tank dresses, and loose blouses and tops with an adjustable waist band or belt are ideal for the mom-to-be.

You will also need a pair of comfortable, well-fitting jeans and dress pants. Avoid wearing oversized jeans that don't flatter your figure, and stick with a pair with a slightly flare leg or similar style so that you can still look fashionable. Maternity jeans are usually designed with an adjustable, extendable waistband, so you can wear these through each season. The same goes for maternity dress pants. Pick a pair with a bootcut, straight wide-leg or flare style to keep in line with the season's trends.

Another important must-have during pregnancy is a set of supportive undergarments and camisoles. You can achieve that sleek silhouette even with a baby bump when you learn how to layer your clothes properly. A snug but comfortable, fitted camisole will help you achieve smoother lines under all your clothes, and provide you with some extra support. This will give you more confidence overall, and help you look your best with any outfit!

Finding the right set of maternity clothes with your tastes and body shape in mind can be difficult, but not impossible. If you don't want to compromise on style and the latest trends throughout the term of your pregnancy, focus on building your basics wardrobe so you can stay stylish and comfortable during the months ahead.

When the days of pregnancy begin to wear on you, nothing will liven up your mood better than a trip to the beach! The warm sun, cool breeze and beautiful views of the ocean will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Spending a day at the beach can also lower stress and reduce tension: a must for any mom to be. When you're ready to hit the sun and sand this season, here are some of the stylish must-haves you need to take along on your beach-bound adventure:

Halter and Bikini Set: Moms-to-be can enjoy the surf and sand in a comfortable tankini that provides the coverage and support they need during the days of pregnancy. A halter-style tankini set is a great way to cover up and enjoy your day under the sun.

Lightweight Shorts: When you're looking for a no-fuss look for day, relax in a pair of lightweight twill shorts and pair it with a flowing tunic-style tank top or lightweight blouse for a stylish, but casual look. Avoiding the tight-fitting tees and tops during pregnancy is key to staying comfortable. This ensemble is also a great match for spending the day shopping on the pier, enjoying lunch on the patio and visiting area attractions.

Bandeau Dress: If you plan on lounging by the pier or relaxing on the sand, you don't have to sport a swimsuit or bikini. A bright, tropical-colored bandeau dress is perfect for a trip to the beach, and is a super-comfortable, lightweight pick for your day outdoors. Just throw on a pair of flats or comfy sandals, and you'll be ready to play!

And of course, you'll need to pack a wide-brimmed hat and slather on the sunscreen throughout the day; make sure your skin is well-protected from damaging UV rays. If you get too tired or start to feel dizzy, make sure you relax under the shade and drink lots of water. Too much sun can make you feel ill, especially when you're pregnant, so be prepared to take care of your health as you settle under the sun for your day of rest and relaxation!

When it comes to morning sickness during pregnancy, there are three types of women: those who never feel it at all, those who get moderately sick but are able to function and those whose early pregnancy is a hellish cycle of trying to eat and throwing up. If you're pregnant, you already know which category you fall into. And, unfortunately, there's no way of knowing which category you'll fall into during an individual pregnancy until you're already there. That said, there are several great ways you can help yourself avoid morning sickness, or get through it if you're already there.

Even if you don't think you can eat, there are two things that are vitally important: taking your prenatal vitamin and staying hydrated. Dehydration is one of the leading reasons that pregnant women with severe morning sickness are hospitalized (I was hospitalized for that myself during my last pregnancy). Often, keeping fluids down is easier than the idea of eating. If your morning sickness is making it hard to keep food down, ask your doctor about nutritional drinks. They can have as many calories as a meal and are nutritionally balanced to help you stay healthy. Regardless of what you're able to eat, it's a good idea to keep a journal of when during the day you felt sick, what you've eaten and how much. That way you can always tell your doctor if he/she asks, and you can easily recognize any patterns that can help you out. Many women find that during some hours of the day, they hardly feel sick at all!

Keep these simple tips in mind to help manage your morning sickness, and remember - keep an open line of communication with your doctor. If your morning sickness is disrupting your life and is out of control, your doctor can help. By being proactive and staying in contact with your doctor, you can make sure that both you and your baby stay healthy.

Regardless of which trimester you're in, exercise may be the last thing you want to think about. And no wonder! Between nausea and mood swings, a pregnant woman is usually satisfied if she manages to pop a prenatal vitamin and eat some veggies. But pregnancy is no reason to avoid exercise, in fact, exercise is very important during pregnancy and maintaining a moderate exercise routine can have some significant and surprising benefits.

Everyone knows it's hard to get up and move when you're tired all the time, not to mention the discomfort in your back and feet. But walking or other mild-to-moderate aerobic exercise can actually reduce fatigue and increase blood flow. Increased circulation can mean better moods and fewer aches and pains. Also, it's easier to get into shape after pregnancy if you've maintained a commitment to fitness throughout.

Whether you hit the pavement for a brisk walk or climb on an elliptical machine at the gym, there are a few extra tips to keep in mind. Wear comfortable, supportive athletic shoes to workout in. They will provide your feet with much-needed support during your workout and throughout the day. Also, keep a bottle of water close at hand during your workout. Pregnant women have an increased need for water, and it's easy to get dehydrated during a workout. So, have a healthier and happier pregnancy with a little bit of exercise added to your daily routine.

Practice makes perfect, or so they say. Unfortunately, no amount of practice can prepare you for parenthood. But if you're pregnant, getting ready for baby is probably the first and foremost thing on your mind. If you want to make your pregnancy easier, there are some things you can do to get the house and yourself ready and keep you ahead of the crowd.

Start by getting the necessities ready for baby's arrival. Thankfully, newborns don't need much. But you'll want to have a diaper bag, diapers, a few baby outfits and somewhere for the baby to sleep (a crib, a co-sleeper, or a bassinette) on hand before the little one arrives. Bibs, burp cloths, sheets and towels are also necessities. Use baby detergent and have everything washed and ready to go, and you'll save yourself time once baby arrives.

Not only can you get the basics ready before baby arrives, but you can make room for baby in your house and in your life. Determine where baby will sleep, and if you need to rearrange rooms or furniture, start thinking about doing it now. Get the car seat installed in the car. Schedule maternity leave and talk to your boss about options for returning to work. Research paternity leave. Make a will. Taking care of these things before your baby arrives means less to do after your little one is here.

Once you've covered the basics and gotten things under control for the arrival of your little one, don't stop there. Read books about pregnancy and childcare, spend time with friends and family members and their little ones and get all the rest that you can. Each one of these things will help you feel more in control and ready, as well as making your entire pregnancy experience easier and less stressful.

If you want to make your pregnancy easier during the last few months, getting ready for baby's arrival and taking care of the details at hand is a great place to start.

Shopping for shoes can be such a joy. So many styles, so many cute colors, and oh, look at those pumps. When you're pregnant, though, it is NOT the time to invest in those sleek shoes with stiletto heels. Do you love those socks with the embroidered puppies and kittens on them? Well, yes, they're adorable ... but just how soft are they?

Here's what to do to provide TLC (Tender Loving Care!) for your precious feet:
Choose shoes for their comfort level not their cuteness. The best time for shoe-shopping: mid to late afternoon. Your feet swell as the day goes on, and by that point in the day, you'll be able to ensure that you buy shoes that are large enough. Look for low or no heeled shoes and make sure that the tread is secure. Consider looking in the athletic section for walking shoes, which typically offer better support than the average woman's shoe. For example, consider New Balance's top-rated walking shoes, such as the 622.

Sock it to your feet ... with the softest ones that you can find! Look for socks that are described as designed for comfort. And be sure that the material wicks moisture to avoid that nasty "my feet are perspiring" feeling.

When you're home, consider switching to cozy slippers that soothe your feet. For example, Brampton by Crabtree & Evelyn is made of the softest faux suede, with full padding, which are highly rated by customers, and the ribbon lacing and bow on these slippers make it fun to wear!

Two words: foot massage. Treat yourself to an occasional foot massage at a day spa. Be sure to tell them that you are pregnant and ask them to use lotion that is for sensitive skin. In addition, next time your husband asks if there's anything he can do for you, smile, hold up a bottle of massage lotion and prop your feet in his lap. Motto: togetherness means caring for each other's tootsies!

You've chosen the perfect baby names. Your husband agrees with you on the ideal color for the baby's room, and your best friend gave you a baby shower that celebrities would envy. (Those designer baby clothes are so cute that you daydream about handing them down to your own pregnant daughter someday in the distant, distant future.)

Looking for the perfect (or even tolerable!) *maternity attire*? We've got you covered with our maternity clothing B.A.B.Y. tips:

B is for basics. Take the time to try on the loveliest lingerie, from sky blue bras to pale pink panties. For example, take a look at the Bao Bei Maternity Racer Back Sports Bra, which is perfect for that prenatal yoga class you signed up for.

A is for attitude. You say you wish that you dared to wear a tank top? Then go for it! Remember, you're a mother-to-be, and you deserve whatever you want, from a dill pickle next to your hot fudge sundae to a maternity tank top sparkling with glitter.

B is for blue, pink or fire engine red. Just because it's in the maternity department does NOT mean it has to be a pale color. Remember that attitude!

Y is for YES. You know that feeling when you've found something to wear that you love? Well, you can find those I-love-it clothing choices when you're pregnant, too. Just take your time, have a nice lunch before you shop and go with a friend. Or let your fingers do the shopping online. For a sample of the luscious lovelies you can find at online stores, check out this adorable fake fur cape by Maternal America.

Though pregnancy is an exciting and happy time in a woman's life, it still has its own fair share of ups and downs. From swollen feet to an ever expanding belly (and likely the rest of your body, too), getting comfortable may be one of the most difficult parts of your pregnancy.

Thankfully, clothing designers have realized that maternity clothing can be stylish, fashionable and improve your comfort level during pregnancy. By filling your wardrobe with a few maternity clothing basics, you'll help make your entire pregnancy a bit easier. By starting with your undergarments, you can assure that you get the support and comfort that you need where it counts the most -- close to your skin.

Start with the basics when selecting your pregnancy wardrobe. Purchase maternity underpants and bras, like the Nummies and Belabumbum lines. Nummies bras are also designed to serve as nursing bras, so it won't go to waste after delivery. If you need to purchase larger bras and underpants early in your pregnancy, consider leaving a bit of room to grow. You'll appreciate it when your third trimester is in full swing. Belabumbum also makes maternity swimwear -- a must if you'll be out in the sun during your pregnancy.

Add a belly wrap to your maternity wardrobe, too. Not only are these fashionable, but belly wraps, like those designed by bao bei, also offer increased belly support. For moms-to-be toward the end of their pregnancy or for women suffering from back pain during pregnancy, belly wraps can prove to be an invaluable addition to your wardrobe. Plus, they prevent unwanted belly exposure when your shirt shifts out of place.

Once you've got the basics of a maternity wardrobe in your closet, you'll be ready to make the move and expand your collection to pants, shirts, dresses and comfortable shoes suited for pregnancy. Dressing right can help make pregnancy comfortable and easy from the start.

Pregnancy can be a stressful time, whether it's due to hormonal changes, lifestyle changes, physical changes or worrying and wondering about the future. Here are a few tips to minimize stress during pregnancy so you can relax and go into childbirth feeling healthy and strong.

1. Get lots of rest. Even if you're still working up to the last minute (I left my job three days before I gave birth to my first daughter), make arrangements so you can take a nap when you get home from work, and now is the time to ask people — first on the list should be the baby daddy - for help with physically exhausting chores like laundry and vacuuming.

2. Take up a relaxing hobby. Studies have shown that knitting, crocheting and other forms of needlework lower blood pressure and induce a meditative-like state, and you'll love the end products you can give to your baby. The exception to this rule is if you're a perfectionist, then you're better off reading trashy novels or watching reality TV. If you exercise, continuing your exercise with a doctor's approval is highly recommended as well.

3. Learn to tactfully ignore unwanted advice. Your sister says Dr. Fine is the best pediatrician in town while your best friend recommends his former partner. Your mother-in-law is reading from a 90s version of What To Expect and tells you the baby has to sleep on her side while you know that idea went out the window a while ago. Your grandmother tries to tell you that you should start her on solid food when she's three-days-old (I'm not kidding about that last one—it happened to me).

The easiest way to handle this is to just smile and say noncommittally, "Thanks for the input." Try not to sound sarcastic. If that's impossible, just say, "Oh, I'm so glad you brought that up, it reminded me of something I've been meaning to ask you — you don't happen to know who was the quarterback on the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1984, do you?" and then change the subject entirely. This tactic works best if you talk very fast.

Pregnant women have a lot more choices when it comes to birthing today compared to what our mothers had. Birthing choices today range from all-natural, at-home births to C-sections on demand, which are a common option in Latin America, though not recommended, as unnecessary surgery is risky. Here's an overview of at-home births, how to decide if they're an option for you and what you can expect from the experience.

At-home births were the standard for thousands of years, and they're regaining popularity as women seek to gain more control over the birthing process. Advantages of at-home births include being in comfortable surroundings, not having to accede to hospital procedures that make things more uncomfortable for you, like being forced to give birth lying on your back, which is one of the most painful positions. At-home births also allow you to invite whomever you like, including older siblings, to witness the birth. The main disadvantage to an at-home birth is that if something goes wrong, it can go really, really wrong. Don't even consider it if you have pregnancy complications or if you're far away from a hospital; even births that should be routine sometimes take a wrong turn and time is of the essence in that case.

If you desire an at-home birth, make sure you have an experienced midwife or doula overseeing things. Get a recommendation from a friend who's already been through the experience with her. There's a difference in personalities that comes out between talking to each other over a desk and in the heat of the moment, and you need to know beforehand if you're going to clash.

Get checked out by a doctor, because pregnancy complications like high blood pressure and diabetes will rule this possibility out. It's great if you can find one that's not opposed to at-home births, but be warned that you'll have to look far and wide, because doctors make the bulk of their money off of the actual birth as opposed to office visits. The midwife or doula may be able to recommend someone she works with. If not, try contacting your local La Leche League, a great resource for alternative birth information.

One of the tasks before you during your first pregnancy is picking out a pediatrician for the new baby. It may not be first on your list of things to do with fun stuff like picking out names and designing a nursery coming before it, but the very day your baby is born, he or she will need to be seen by a doctor. Here are a few tips for finding the right pediatrician:

Ask your OBG-GYN practice for recommendations. You'll want a pediatrician that's affiliated with the hospital where you're planning on having the baby. That may not be as much of an issue as it used to be with so many hospital closings, but I live about equidistant from two hospitals and was surprised to learn that not all pediatricians in my area were admitted to my hospital of choice.

Ask other moms for recommendations. The OBG-GYNs may know doctors that have a good reputation among doctors, but the other moms will be able to tell you who returns calls quickly, who has Saturday hours, and who reassures their kids as opposed to making them cry.

Pick a pediatrician well in advance of your delivery so that you can make sure they're covered by your insurance. My doctors have played roulette with which insurance plans they're a part of, and you don't want to find out they're no longer taking yours when you're in the hospital.

Try to meet the doctor(s) beforehand but don't be upset if you can't get an interview appointment. Some of them are very busy, and that's an indication they're among the popular practices in your area. If you don't like them once you've tried them, don't be afraid to switch. They are required to turn over your baby's medical records to any doctor you specify.

Look for an office with several doctors so you know they'll have adequate coverage. My pediatrician's office has four full-time physicians, and since we have our favorite among them, we're glad that it's no problem requesting her when we make an appointment. However, we're also grateful for the other doctors being on-call when she's away.

One of the fun parts of pregnancy is picking out baby names, but it can also be stressful, especially if you and your partner don't agree or too many outsiders offer too much input. Add normal aggravation to pregnancy hormones, and you're left with a situation like I had with my first daughter, where I spent months picking out the PERFECT name for my baby (Miranda Alison), only to go into complete hysterics when my sister-in-law named her daughter Allyson. (I eventually got over it and they're best friends today.) Here are a few tips to make the process easier:

1.If there's a conflict, the person who goes through labor gets the final say. Non-negotiable.

2. If you have bossy or opinionated friends and family, the best way to get them off your back is to pick out really horrendous decoy names. Your future daughter is going to be named Whiski, and if it's a boy, he'll be Gaylord—isn't that cute? When you produce the real name upon birth, they'll be so relieved you won't hear a word of disrespect.

3. Even if you have a very accurate ultrasound picture and find out the gender beforehand, pick out an opposite sex name just in case. Nancy Drew and country music aside, it's cruel to name your daughter George or your son Sue.

4. By all means, use this as an opportunity for personal expression, but do it within the bounds of taste. Try not to pick a name that's too popular. Your kid doesn't want to go through grade school saddled with a nickname like "Fat Jake," because there are fifteen other Jakes in his class. Standard spellings are almost always preferable to "creative" ones. Avoid names that can be seen as a joke—there really ARE people out there whose names are Justin Case - that's just cruel. And if you're doing something unusual, provide the kid with an opt-out. One of my best friends was known as Kari all her life, but the name on her birth certificate was Karen because her parents were worried people wouldn't get it. As it turned out, she loved it, but if she hadn't, she had an alternative.