Summer can be a tricky time for pregnant women - it's lovely to be able to enjoy the great outdoors when the sun is shining, but being too warm when you are carrying the extra weight of your bump around can seriously impede your comfort levels.
If your ankles are fast turning into cankles and you think you are letting your fashion credentials slip, there are plenty of ways you can make sure you look and feel good this summer, here are five top tips:
Wear natural fabrics
Not only are clothes made from natural fabrics such as organic cotton easier to wash and care for - they are also very comfortable. Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen will help you weather the heat in style.
Think tailored not tent-like
Although maternity fashion has dramatically improved in recent years, many retailers' offerings still leave a lot to be desired and unfortunately there are still far too many shapeless tent-like pieces being passed off as maternity fashion. Though it's great to have enough room to breathe, some subtle tailoring can help you feel chic right through your pregnancy - and doesn't need to equal discomfort. Look out for trousers with waistbands that can be let out with buttons and poppers instead of elasticated waists and don't be shy of wearing dresses that are fitted on top.
Buy with mix and match in mind
When you are busy and comfort is your top priority it's easy to let practicalities like whether things match fall by the wayside. Make things easier for yourself by buying items that can be mixed and matched easily so that you don't need to spend time fussing in the morning.
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Look for support
Too often the key question during maternity months becomes whether you will fit into an item, but you need to look beyond size and even aesthetics and consider whether the item will be up to the job over the coming months. As you grow you might well find that you need bras and dresses with wider straps to offer you more support.
Prioritise comfortable footwear
Avoiding cankles altogether can be an impossible feat, but you can give your ankles (and feet) the best chance possible by prioritising comfort and support when buying footwear. The likes of Beyonce and Victoria Beckham may like to wear towering heels right up until they pop, but your tootsies will be far more thankful of something padded and firmly rooted on the floor.