Finding out you are pregnant is an excitement that can only be surpassed with the birth of your baby.
As exciting as pregnancy is, there are a few challenges that come about. Aside from the actual pregnancy itself, one of the most prevalent and possibly most talked-about pregnancy dilemma is “what do I wear now that I am pregnant?”

Maternity wear shopping can be a time of frustration and dread, only knowing too well how much your body has changed. Thankfully, fashion designers are one step ahead, and there are many options for flattering your pregnant body. In Australia there are well over 200 maternity stores, many of them trading online. There are 10 major maternity wearbrands in Australia, each being stocked nationally and many overseas as well.

Belly Basics Australia Belly Basics covers it all. Maternity jeans, swimwear, maternity shorts, skirts, pants, tops, evening dresses. The clothes are very wearable, very well priced, and easy to get hold of with many stockists around the country. You should definitely be able to find something in the Belly Basics range that suits your style and budget.

Szabo Szabo stands out in the market due to its fashion design quality. The owner of the business, Margaret Szabo has had many years of experience designing clothes for major labels. Her talents have been honed to bring style and glamour to maternity wear. Szabo is known for its beautiful maternity evening dresses.

Fillyboo Fillyboo is a relatively new brand in the maternity wear market and has burst on to the scene with a catchy “Sex and the City” style campaign. Aimed at the fashion conscious mum-to-be, the Fillyboo maternity fashion range is based on the philosophy that pregnancy does not necessarily mean a sacrifice in style or a change in lifestyle. The girls who wear Fillyboo are able to maintain the fashion styling of their peers whilst pregnant. This is a maternity label on the move!

Ripe Ripe is another great all-round maternity label that is stocked in department stores around the country. Ripe is available everywhere and most pregnant women will have at least one Ripe garment in their wardrobe. Absolutely everything is on offer from maternity jeans to maternity evening dresses all at very affordable prices.

Fragile Fragile is a higher end maternity wear label that captures the boutique end of the market. The simplicity of the designs and choice of fabric mean the maternity clothing is wearable, comfortable and extremely stylish. Fragile is the perfect range to invest in if you need a fashionable corporate maternity wardrobe.

MBC MBC is also a high quality boutique maternity wear label. Fashion forward and funky, this label uses exciting prints and designs to add some colour and spark to your maternity wardrobe. You will also find some great maternity basics in the range such as maternity denim, drill pants and maternity t-shirts. MBC is also available overseas in the USA, UK and Russia.

Soon Soon was one of the first maternity labels to redefine the modern maternity wardrobe. Tapping into the minds of pregnant women, a stylish and flexible range was developed with the idea of blending the practical with the stylish. Soon combines urban street style with fashion for every occasion.

Mishka 'n' Milka Mishka’n’Milka is a fashion label for pregnant women. There is absolutely no sacrifice of style with this maternity brand. Sophistication and luxury are paramount. Each garment is skilfully created with a dedication to detail.

Pea in a Pod Pea in a Pod is fresh and funky. Choose from maternity denim skirts, pretty summer dresses, cargos and maternity jeans. The style is very “girl next door” and easy to wear. Pea in a Pod is a very popular brand available in many maternity boutiques across Australia.

Article written by P. Henderson May 1, 2008 Maternity wear