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!

One of summer's hottest trends is the boho chic look, a mix of gypsy-inspired pieces with splashes of rich colors from the Far East. The bohemian look is here to stay for another season, and moms-to-be are great candidates for sporting this fresh, fun and sassy look during any trimester. You can enjoy the relaxed, carefree look with loose, flowing peasant tops, ruffled blouses and eclectic prints from the Far East. Here are some tips for catching the Bohemian wave this season so you can freshen up your pregnancy wardrobe:

1. Sport a loose-fitting floral dress. As temperatures rise and you want to sport a laid back and casual look, go for a flowy, floral or tropical-print dress that provides plenty of coverage but is high on comfort. Floral-printed dresses in deep purple, orange, brown and earthy tones are the perfect color palette for your bohemian look. Wear this with some comfy flats and you'll be plenty comfortable during those hot days ahead.

2. Play with dolman sleeves. Dolman sleeves are perfect for the mom-to-be, because this style is very loose around the waist and covers up the arms and shoulders with its drapy style. If you're feeling bloated and uncomfortable, this is the top for you. Pick yours out in a paisley print or earthy tone for a casual, versatile look.

3. Relax in distressed denim. Jeans don't have to be your enemy when you're pregnant, and a pair of bootcut, wide-leg distressed denim jeans or crop pants are a great fit for your bohemian chic ensemble. You can easily pair these up with any flutter blouse or tank top; just look for a style with an expandable waistline if you want to wear it throughout the season.

For accessories, pick up some chunky bracelets, bold necklaces and ethnic-print hair scarves to instantly transform your wardrobe. You can also try a textured hairband or chandelier earrings to freshen up your look. Big and bold accessories can add a fun and playful twist to any ensemble, and work especially well as a contrast to neutral-colored pieces.

So go ahead; show off your playful side and stay comfortable and cool with a few bohemian chic essentials this season!

If you're one of the moms-to-be who are sticking with a closet of baggy t-shirts, oversized cardigans and flowy tunic tops this season, it's time to take things up a notch and dress up in one of Spring's pretty dresses! Pregnancy can take its toll on your emotional health and well-being, and dressing up a few days per week can help you get your positive energy back! Here's a close look at some of the season's hottest dresses in the maternity department:

Maxi Dresses: The Maxi Dress is the perfect cover-up for the mom-to-be who wants something that isn't cut to fit too tight, and still looks fashionable. Maxi dresses are designed to flow outward from the bust line downward, and will give you a nice silhouette. Pick yours in a dark jewel toned color for a sophisticated and classy look.

The Tunic Dress: The Tunic Dress is a must-have for any mom who wants to relax during the day but still look pulled together. These dresses are designed to flow outward from the waist and won't cinch or pinch in any way. Get yours in a bold Spring hue, or go for a geometric print if you want something more eye-catching.

Printed Halter Dress: The halter dress gets dressed up this season in bold, vivacious prints. Enjoy your day shopping around town or relaxing with some girlfriends in a black and white, red and white, or splash of tropical colored prints that are aligned with this season's trends. Look for Asian-inspired prints such as lotus flowers, Chinese calligraphy and orange blossoms for an extra fashionable touch.

The Front-Tie Dress: When you're looking for a simple and stylish look for the day, go for a front-tie dress designed with an extended waist tie that goes right over the baby bump. The flattering cut and wide elbow sleeves like this Maternal America Front Tie Dress are perfect for days that demand a casual but chic ensemble.

¾ Sleeve Empire Waist Dress: The empire waist dress is a super-flattering cut for moms-to-be at all stages of pregnancy, and you need to pick out yours in bold prints and Asian-inspired designs. Look for one with a ¾ sleeve that works well for both day and night.

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.