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!

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.

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.

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?

Studies have shown that the average woman carries a handbag weighing five to nine pounds. And when you're pregnant, that pretty purse weight usually increases rather than decreases. You add a baby naming book, a list of baby items to shop for and that sample bottle of prenatal vitamins that your doctor gave you. The problem with that hefty handbag: it can exacerbate your already aching back and shoulders! The solution is to lighten that load with one of these tips:

Relax in the most comfortable chair in your home, put a TV tray in front of you and remove everything from your purse. Those pennies that you tossed into the bottom of your purse, the throat lozenges, the free pens from the bank manager, the credit card holder crammed with cards (half of which probably you no longer use!), the value shopper cards from various supermarkets and drug stores -- set it all out. Ask yourself what REALLY needs to stay. The pennies can go into your piggy bank for a rainy day. Those pens belong in your desk. And those value shopper cards? Request to use your phone number rather than a plastic card and shred those cards along with the expired credit cards.

Next up, let your fingers do the shopping online for a much smaller purse. A small, attractive purse will keep you focused on the goal: keeping your handbag as light as possible. For example, consider the highly rated Jessica McClintock Large Satin Clutch, in the cutest, most cheerful colors like pearl pink. It's easy to access, and lovely to look at! It's convertible, with a chain, and even has room for your credit cards.

How about a drawstring purse? Tuck away all those essentials with a lightweight drawstring that holds what you need. You won't get in a flap about a flap purse, sometimes referred to as a tote bag. Often made of lightweight canvas, this style of purse is made for convenience such as the Kavu Tortola Tote Bag, which has a separator to keep you organized.

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.

One of the things you might want to start thinking about as you enter your third trimester is a birth plan. Although things can change depending on the circumstances of the birth itself—one of my friends actually gave birth to her third child in a borrowed SUV on the way to the hospital—or how you're feeling in that moment, having a map to start out with can only be a good thing and help you stay on course and not feel lost. There are many checklists available online that will provide preprinted birth plans, but it can be as simple as opening a document and writing down a few lines about your preferences. Here are some things to think about as you create your birth plan:

Who do you want in the birth room with you? Your partner or a labor partner is pretty much a given—things have changed since the days when I was born, and they forgot to notify my dad until three hours later. However, friends and family may be eager to participate. If you've given written instructions to the hospital staff beforehand about who to let in and who to politely turn away, it will make things less awkward in the moment.

Pain relief is the second major component of a birth plan. Your options range from hypnosis and acupressure to an epidural or other major anesthesia, and you can request that you not be offered pain relief unless you ask for it. The same goes for Pitocin, which speeds up your labor. Hospitals nowadays seem to try to make this appear a natural part of the birthing process, but they can't force it on you.

There are issues to be dealt with after the birth itself as well, most importantly, how the baby will be fed and where he or she will be kept. Even in the best hospitals, the nursery can be something of an assembly line, as I found out when they gave my daughter, who was supposed to be breastfed, exclusively sugar-water to pacify her. If these issues are crucial to you, consider hiring a doula to act as your advocate.