I know, I know . . . it seems like the words "maternity" and "style" don't belong in the same sentence. Not long ago, that may have been true: as little as eight years ago, most of my maternity options involved tent-like dresses and shirts with (ugh) bows! Fortunately, today's selection of maternity wear is as unique and stylish as the women who wear it. And best of all, most of it is made in comfortable, stretchy fabrics that flatter the pregnant body and are nearly cozy enough to sleep in (I did it, I admit it). The key to maternity wardrobe bliss is finding maternity clothes that are affordable in the real world. Pregnant celebrities always look great - after all, if you can afford to pay hundreds of dollars for a piece of clothing, you can find just about anything. Here are some great ideas for affordable maternity fashion you can get today.

The perfect maternity pants are the foundation for any maternity wardrobe. It's a good idea to buy 2 or 3 pairs of maternity bottoms in basic colors, then mix or match them with tops as your outfit requires. The most popular type are black yoga-style maternity pants or capris. A pair of brown or tan linen maternity pants also makes a great addition to your pregnancy wardrobe. And finally, a great black maternity top is a must! You can dress it up for church or social functions, or dress it down with flip-flops and a comfortable tee. You can even wear it during that in-between post-baby phase before you can squeeze back into your jeans!

When it comes to maternity tops, the sky is the limit! Kimono-style maternity tops come in every shade and pattern imaginable. Button-down maternity work tops are no longer tent-like and blasé. Instead, they tend to be embellished with center twists, beading or other interesting accents. Regardless of what type of top suits your style, you can likely find it in today's maternity fashions.

It's good to know that pregnant women can throw away their oversized t-shirts and sweatpants, and find something that fits their pre-pregnancy styles. After all, pregnancy doesn't sap you of your pre-pregnancy personality. It gives you an opportunity to discover a whole new you.

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.

When it comes to daily living during pregnancy, feet are usually one of the first things to cause discomfort. It only makes sense, after all; pregnancy can cause your feet to swell, and the extra weight of pregnancy takes an increasing toll on them as your bundle of joy grows. So, what can you do to ease the burden your pregnant feet must bear? After two pregnancies, here are a few great tips and tricks for treating your feet right while pregnant.

The best way to start is wearing great shoes. By great shoes, I don't mean stylish, high-heeled or even necessarily expensive. I mean shoes your feet will love - shoes that are cozy or offer great support, especially if you're on your feet a lot. For cold weather, pamper your feet with real, slip-on boots. Sometimes, work attire demands either dress shoes or sneakers. For maternity-smart dress shoes, check out dress shoes specifically designed with comfort and support in mind. If you need sneakers for work or working out, look for comfort and support first and foremost. And, whenever, buying shoes during pregnancy, always try them on your newly pregnant feet. Shoes that are your usual size may feel uncomfortably tight during (and even after) pregnancy.

There are several other ways to keep your feet comfortable during pregnancy. When you don't need to be on your feet, try to keep them elevated as much as possible. This reduces swelling and gives your feet a much needed rest. Also, continue mild to moderate exercise throughout your pregnancy (I was in the gym on my due date. I wasn't worried about being fat - it just relaxed me!). Exercise during pregnancy will make your recovery and weight loss easier after giving birth. Also, if you can afford a regular pedicure during pregnancy, get one - especially during your last trimester. If you follow these easy steps to healthier feet during pregnancy, you can save yourself unnecessary pain and discomfort. And who doesn't want that?

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.

Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to stop exercising. In fact, exercising can actually make you feel more comfortable during pregnancy and help you bounce back more easily after the baby is born. Here are some ways exercise can make pregnancy easier and some recommendations on the right kind of exercise to do during pregnancy:

• Exercise releases endorphins that can help improve your mood when other hormones are making things difficult.
• Exercise can keep you flexible, preventing injuries caused by clumsiness as your body changes.
• Exercise can improve posture and relieve backaches by strengthening muscles, making them more capable of supporting your increased mass.
• A fit body makes labor and delivery easier.
• Exercise helps you sleep better at night.

Exercise during pregnancy is generally forbidden for women who have vaginal bleeding, early contractions, high blood pressure or other complications. Otherwise, most pregnant women will feel comfortable doing any exercise that is not high-impact. Examples of exercises that are comfortable and safe during pregnancy include swimming, walking, biking and yoga. Women that are already very fit, such as runners, may be able to continue their regular exercise programs with certain modifications, as long as they don't overdo it.

Before you start a new exercise program, check with your OBG-GYN. Once he or she has given you the go ahead, try to schedule exercise regularly. Exercising half an hour, four days a week is a good start if you've been relatively inactive beforehand. Wear loose-fitting, cool clothes - overheating is dangerous to the baby - and a supportive bra. Comfortable sneakers with good support are essential. Your feet may swell during pregnancy, so consider ordering or buying a half size larger.

Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise to keep your body cool and hydrated. If the exercise ever causes pain or discomfort that's out of the ordinary, stop working out and immediately call your doctor. But in most cases, you should be fine. By the time the baby comes he or she will have a mom that can set a good example with healthy habits!