Though your pregnancy may feel eternal, in the scheme of things, it lasts a relatively short time. Memories of it will fade fast, eclipsed by the drama of childbirth and intensity of motherhood. Even if you don't think you'll be interested in revisiting your pregnancy in photos, trust us, your kids will. Have your partner document each month's changes to your body with a photo, taken in the same location, wearing something that shows your shape, like a unitard. You'll delight your kids, their kids, and even yourself. And it's nice to have a friend snap a few candids of you and your partner together now and then so that your children can see how much you've always loved each other — and them — before they were even born.
Since you now have a dream bustline, have some fun, girl! Try a lacy bra, like the Ok Lace Pre-Natal Bra by Japanese Weekend. Or, if you want an underwire for an extra boost, lingerie shops like Victoria's Secret, and some department stores, now carry sexy push-up styles in sizes up to a DD cup.
During pregnancy, breasts can feel uncomfortable if unsupported, even while you sleep. Two of our favorite stretchy pull-on bras for nighttime (or any time) are the Liz Lange for Nike Dri-FIT Sport Top and the Glory Active Bra from Mothers in Motion.
"I had my shoulder-length hair cut very short while pregnant and I looked like I'd gained fifteen pounds in five minutes," says Kathy Suder, a mother of three in Fort Worth, TX. "Nature is already doing this makeover on you — you don't need to add to the changes." Put the word out to your friends, husband, family, and hairstylist to talk you out of any over-the-top changes that you demand in a moment of hormonally induced dissatisfaction with your looks (Small alterations, however, are great for a little lift).
If bootleg pants and body-skimming jackets are your signature look, pregnancy needn't change that, says Jody Kozlow Gardner, cofounder of Belly Basics (makers of the Pregnancy Survival Kit) and coauthor of Pregnancy Chic. Number-one pregnancy-fashion advice: Don't try to hide the fact that you're pregnant. It's impossible. Hence the movement to more forthright but style-conscious maternity wear from retailers at all price points. You can find great maternity style from retailers like Old Navy, Gap, A Pea in the Pod and Pumpkin Maternity.
The fabled glow of pregnancy is sometimes just that, a myth. For some women, the skin breakouts and blotchiness, fatigue, nausea, and bloating that can accompany manufacturing a baby don't exactly add up to a radiant look. So go ahead and fake it with Benefit's Hoola Bronzer or one of Revlon's Skinlights lotions, makeup sticks, or powders.
They'll probably be out of view before long, but your feet are rarely out of mind when you're pregnant. Prop up your feet whenever possible. Wear shoes with a low, chunky heel, between one and two inches high; they're more comfortable than flats. Look for styles with thick soles (they keep you more stable and are more comfortable for walking) and straps or laces that you can loosen as your feet expand. Naturalizer, Aerosoles, and Easy Spirit carry a variety of comfortable, supportive, and stylish shoes. Treat feet at the end of the day to a nice soak and a refreshing lotion. Fill up the tub or a basin with Selph Heavenly Heels, made especially for pregnant peds, and slather on Weleda's yummy-smelling Foot Balm. Splurge on a salon pedicure. Your feet will thank you, and you'll revel in pure rest and relaxation.
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