Vera Bradley CARGO SLING in RASPBERRY FIZZ $49.99

A large sling bag to carry it all! Makes a wonderful “Mom” bag! This bag has two gusseted flap pockets with Velcro closures on the front, plus a large slip pocket on each end big enough for a baby bottle or umbrella, or bottle of water, and a full zippered compartment on back. Look inside to find three quilted inside slip pockets and comfortable, adjustable shoulder.

Vera Bradley Baby Bag $54.99

Everything to keep a new mom organized and on-the-go: Wide zip top, two inside pockets, front slip-in pocket plus two more (one on each end) accented with trim, full pocket on back. Includes a 24″ x 14″ terry-covered changing pad.

Shop for discount Vera Bradley baby bags at Smarter.com.

Olian Floral California Maternity Top: $98.00 $23.00

Look California boho-chic in this floral maternity top from Olian Maternity. V-neck with contrasting floral pattern at edges. Looks great with denim and white.

Lauren Kiyomi Printed Voile Maternity Top: $96.00 $52.80

One of our new favorites! We love this cream and orange printed voile maternity top. Dainty buttons and pleats over the bust with a tie above the belly.

Due Essential Short Sleeve Wrap Dress: $72.00 $25.00

Perfect for any season, this maternity dress will be your go-to piece day after day. V-neck with wrap that ties under the bust to flatter your shape.

This short sleeve, knee length dress is perfect for so many occasions. Go from work to a night out in a snap. Wear over our leggings for a layered look.

Pair with boots or pumps, flats or flip flops…the possibilities are endless. The fabric is exceptionally soft and will hug your belly in comfort and style.

This is also a great transition piece, as it will provide you with easy, discreet nursing access and will accommodate your post-baby figure.

Shop through a variety of affordable maternity clothing at Smarter.com.

Last year, a friend of mine got her inspiration from Juno and she and her husband dressed up and Juno and Paulie. It was very easy for them to put together and they got lots of laughs!

Adult Bun in Over Pregnant Maternity Halloween Costume: $69.99

This one is hilarious! You could easily make a DIY version with a large cardboard box!

This is so creative! Parents magazine had a pregnancy halloween costume contest and this was one of the submissions! You’d need a friend with a steady hand for this one!

Shop for more maternity costumes.

When you’re pregnant, you go to the doctor a lot. You’re poked and prodded and your stomach is measured. You’re weighed at every visit (unfortunately!) and your blood pressure is closely monitored. As the weeks go on, you’ll undergo several tests. Hopefully you have a doctor that will thoroughly explain the reasons for each test and what the results may tell you but if you don’t, here is some information to help you on your pregnancy journey:

Blood Tests

If your health-care provider doesn’t already know the details about your blood, he or she will draw some blood early in the pregnancy. The blood will be taken from a vein on the inside bend of your elbow. This blood will tell a lot about…

• Your blood group: A, B, or O. This information is important in case a blood transfusion is ever necessary.

• Your rhesus (Rh) blood group: Your Rh factor may be negative or positive. The difference means nothing unless you are negative and the baby’s father is positive. In this case, your baby may be incompatible with your rhesus blood group, which can cause problems with future pregnancies. Knowing your blood type in advance lets your doctor prevent any trouble from occurring.

• Hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin keeps red cells filled with oxygen. Hemoglobin levels often fall during pregnancy, causing anemia; your doctor will want to make sure your levels don’t go too low.

• Your immunity to rubella (German measles): If you have not built up an immunity to this disease, you will be cautioned to avoid exposure, especially during the first trimester.

• STDs: Because sexually transmitted diseases can cause many problems for the developing fetus and newborn, your blood will be tested for hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis.

Glucose Screening

Most expectant moms are given a glucose-screening test between Weeks 24 and 28 of the pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes.

You are at risk for developing gestational diabetes if you fit into any of these categories:

• You have had gestational diabetes during an earlier pregnancy.

• You have previously delivered a very large baby.

• You are greatly overweight (approximately 20 percent over ideal body weight).

• You are over 35.

• You have high blood pressure.

• You have a parent or sibling who is a diabetic.

The test for gestational diabetes is not painful. It is long, however. To take the glucose screening test you will drink a sugar solution (which tastes like a thick, flat cola—I’m not saying it’s delicious, but it’s not all that awful either). An hour later, a blood sample will be taken and the blood sugar level will be checked. If the reading is abnormal (which occurs about 20 percent of the time) you’ll go home and come back at a later date for a diagnostic exam, called a three-hour glucose tolerance test, to verify the results. If you get a high sugar reading on the first test, don’t get too worried. Approximately 85 percent of those with a positive result on this screening test show normal blood sugar levels in the glucose tolerance test.

If you have gestational diabetes, it’s good to find out early. Your doctor can then help you create a diet and exercise program that will keep the problem in check and safeguard the health of your baby. He may also prescribe insulin if necessary. Finding out that you have diabetes is certainly upsetting, but it’s not cause for great alarm. Most women who develop diabetes during pregnancy go on to have normal, healthy babies. Be aware, however, that although gestational diabetes will probably disappear after the birth of the baby, some women ultimately develop full-fledged diabetes within the next 20 years. This is something you’ll have to watch out for at yearly follow—up tests.

Alpha-Fetoprotein Screening Test

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a type of protein produced only by a fetus—you do not produce it on your own. Sometime between Weeks 16 and 18, your doctor will take a blood sample from you to check the level of this protein, which can give an indication of the risk of certain birth defects. A high level of AFP might mean trouble; a low level might mean another kind of trouble.

High levels of AFP indicate the possibility of various things: It could mean twins, or that you have been pregnant longer than you thought. It could also mean that the baby has a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida (a deformity of the spinal column) or anencephaly (the absence of all or part of the brain).

Low levels of AFP mean you might be earlier in your pregnancy than you thought, or it can mean that the baby has a birth defect called Down’s syndrome.

The AFP test is just like any other blood test and it is not risky at all—it will not hurt or harm you or your baby. The real risk associated with this test is the same one you’ll find with all screening tests—the results are not absolute and can cause a lot of needless worry. If your test results are low, for example, there is a very, very slim (some say minute) chance that your baby may have Down’s syndrome. To find out for sure, you will need to have further diagnostic testing done, such as amniocentesis. This test is a bit risky and has been known to cause miscarriages in a percentage of cases. A low or high result on an AFP test can put the fear of birth defects in your heart. The risks involved in taking the diagnostic tests add to the fear of miscarriage, as well. If the results come back either too high or too low, deciding what to do next is the most difficult part of the AFP test. The decision is ultimately what to do with a defective fetus. Do you abort it or do you want to know early on what the challenges are that you’ll be facing at birth? There are other choices, such as adoption for Down’s syndrome infants. Parents need to think, before they take an AFP, what they’ll do with the results. You may be advised to take the screening test again, seek a second opinion, and/or meet with a genetic counselor. Whatever your choice, you must always keep in mind that most women who get abnormal screening test results give birth to normal babies.

source: familyeducation, excerpted from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth © 2004 by Michele Isaac Gliksman, M.D. and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo.

photo: abbottnutrition

Motherhood Maternity: Plus Size 3/4 Sleeve Square Neck Trapeze Maternity T Shirt $24.98

Plus Size maternity Maternity trapeze women’s plus size sweater $30 $24.99

Motherhood Maternity: Plus Size Mid Belly Must-have Basic Boot Cut Maternity Jeans $29.98

Shop for more plus sized maternity clothing at Smarter.com.

Motherhood Maternity: Long Sleeve Button Front Maternity Sweater Coat $44.98

I love the longer length, it’s flattering to a lot of body types!

A Pea in the Pod: Button Front French Terry Maternity Jacket $98.00

This is a great casual jacket that could be dressed up!

Motherhood Maternity: Swing Twill Maternity Jacket 39.98

This jacket is made of a cotton and spandex blend so it moves with you and it’s totally affordable!

Shop for more maternity jackets at Smarter.com.

I went shopping the other day with a friend of mine who is 8 months pregnant. We were walking around, stopping every 5 minutes for her to use the bathroom and after awhile she said “I love not having my pants buttoned.”

“What!?” was my reply.

She explained to me that instead of buying maternity jeans that she’d barely wear, she is still wearing her pre-pregnancy jeans. How is the possible, you ask? She was wearing what is possibly the best idea ever for expecting mothers: The Bella Band. I had never heard of it, so I went home and hit the internet and found that the Bella Band is THE maternity clothing item to have right now. So, what is it?

The Bella Band is a seamless knit band you wear at your waistline, over your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants, over slightly big maternity pants, or around the waistband of any maternity style that falls down around your hips. The Bella Band holds your pants up, disguising bulky unfastened closures or excessive fabric creating a smooth belly surface. Now, no one has to know your pants are undone or loose.

For less than the cost of a pair of maternity jeans, you can get a Bella Band and keep in wearing your favorite clothes. What a terrific money saver!

Find affordable maternity clothing at Smarter.com.

Luckily for you, maternity jeans come in more colors and styles than ever. Find a style that you like. You can find maternity jeans that are dark, light, vintage, stretch, boot cut, wide leg, capri and almost any other style you may like.

Motherhood Maternity: Secret Fit Belly(tm) 5 Pocket Straight Leg Maternity Jean $44.98

These have a really nice wide stretchy panel that will last you a long time throughout your pregnancy and even postpartum when you still have some belly hanging around

Lucky Brand Under Belly Signature Pocket Maternity Crop Jean $54.99

These are great casual crop jeans. Very cute for the warmer months! These go under the belly. Some women don’t like the added bulk of a tummy panel, so these would work well if you’re looking for that.

Rock & Republic Maternity Ritchie Varnish Jeans $220

If you want to splurge and buy yourself one special thing to wear, these jeans might be for you! Straight legs and dark and weathered, these jeans are really cool! Wear them somewhere special!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable maternity jeans.

Zoe B Baby Sign Maternity Tee $36.00

Having a girl, a boy or not finding out?  Or do you know someone who is?  This short sleeve shirt is crafted from 100% sheer cotton.  It is wonderfully soft and super super stretchy, but they are fitted.  Made in the USA, sweatshop-free.  Available in navy or brown.  Girl sign is pink, boy sign is blue and question mark is green.  This one is really sweet!

[bump] tee with Swarovski Crystals  $60.00

Shine through your pregnancy with this sexy [bump]-tee bedazzled with Swarovski Crystals.  Super soft stretchy [bump]-tees are sexy & simply [bump]alicious!  Versatile style, wear it as a scooped neck or off the shoulders for a flirtatious twist.  Neck & sleeves finished with fine interlock stitch for an urban edge.  Side vents & bottom are hemmed.  Sexy cap sleeve. 100% combed cotton, 30/S fine jersey. Black [bump]-tee available with clear, blue or pink Swarovski Crystals.  Why not add a little glam to your life when you’re pregnant?

Naughty & Nice Tattoo Maternity Tee $46.00 $29.00

This one is one of my favorites!  Look how cute the little pregnant angel and devil are!  This shirt is so sassy!  Stay cool through the long 9 months with Hot Mama Ink Maternity.  The Naughty & Nice tee is made from 100% Soft Lightweight Peruvian Cotton with “naughty” and “nice” pregnant pinups graphic on the back.  100% Soft Peruvian Cotton Graphics are screen printed to give a soft vintage feel.  Tattoo artwork done exclusively for Hot Mama Ink by well known tattoo artists.  Super sexy v-neck neckline.

Novelty maternity long sleeve tee shirt: Baby Wants Cake $24.99

So funny! When I was expecting, my baby wanted cake too.  And ice cream, and cheese, and pizza, and anything within my reach, ha!  This hooded tunic was designed by Naissance on Melrose.  It features a v-neck, flared sleeves, extended hem and shoulder-line hood.  Side pouching has also been added to flatter your tummy during your later months.  Extremely comfortable and easy to wear and at these prices, building a beautiful maternity wardrobe that celebrates this special time in your life has just gotten a lot easier!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more maternity t-shirts.

If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably found yourself struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position at night.  Have you discovered that you cannot sleep in the same position you did before you were pregnant?  Why is getting to sleep so difficult now?  There are several reasons such as back pain, heart burn, increased belly size and shortness of breath.

The best sleeping positions for pregnant women are called “SOS” which stands for “sleep on side”.  The left side is the preferred side to sleep on because blood flow and nutrients from the placenta will travel more easily to the baby when you lay on your left side.

If your problem is back pain, try “SOS” on the left side and place a pillow under your tummy.  It should help to relieve the pull on your lower back muscles.  If heartburn is bugging you, prop up your upper body with pillows so the acid in your stomach has to fight gravity to make it up your esophagus.  Talk to your doctor about which antacid is the best for pregnant women.  Propping up your upper body with pillows should also help if you’re short of breath.  A lot of women like to use a specially designed maternity pillow to sleep.  It cradles the belly and you can prop up a leg on it to alleviate hip pain.

Bean Products Maternity Pillow: $49

Some of these sleep positions might sound comfortable, but keep in mind that you can move around and switch positions until you find what works for you.

Avoid sleeping on your back.  Sleeping on your back can bring on shortness of breath, heartburn, low blood pressure and even hemorrhoids.  It also decreases blood flow to the baby because the abdomen puts pressure on your major blood vessels.  You also don’t want to try and sleep on your stomach because your stomach won’t permit it!  The farther along you are, the more your stomach gets in the way.  It can also put a ton of pressure on your back.

If you’re finding that you just cannot get to sleep at night, look at your diet.  Are you getting more caffeine than you should be?  Avoid acidic foods or greasy foods that cause your body to work harder to digest.   Nap during the day.  It’s important that you get some good sleep, whether it’s at night or during the day.

Some say that the sleep struggles you have during pregnancy are to prepare you for when your newborn arrives and is up all night.  As the mother for a child that woke up every 45 minutes for the first three months, I strongly urge you to try to get as much sleep as you can before baby arrives!

Image: pregnancy-usa