One of the worst pieces of advice I ever received when I was pregnant was to steer clear of maternity clothes. “They’re such a waste of money, really uncool and make you look like a heifer,” said one friend “Buy a few sizes up or nick your boyfriend’s clothes. Who wants to wear horrible empire-line tops and floaty dresses anyway?”

Now this might have been useful counsel when the choices were overpriced boutiques and a few sad items at the back of Mothercare, but ever since the high street sharpened up its act, creating their own trend-focused lines, the choice for pregnant women has grown exponentially.

Nowadays everywhere from H&M to Zara to Topshop to Gap to Dorothy Perkins are doing really wearable, wantable maternity wear and if you throw in some designer maternity brands such as Isabella Oliver and Elle Macpherson you really are spoilt for choice.

Start with one or two pairs of interchangeable trousers and build it from there, with stretchy long-line vests (Topshop do two for €12), tops and long cardigans. One dress each for daywear, weekend and a night out are also well worth the spend (see picks, right) and if you’re expecting a spring or summer baby it’s definitely worth investing in a good coat.

Very.co.uk have the Denise Van Outen line, which is all jersey leggings and scoop t-shirts, as well as great everyday items such as the sweater dress.

Asos have a really good own-range made up of pieces from their main line, with added room for the bump, and have also just launched an exclusive range of French Connection maternity wear.

Comprising jeans, maxis and evening dresses, as well as tailored trousers and party wear for Christmas these are clothes not available on the high street and are sure to be an instant sell-out.

Shopping Audit

We're loving cheapish cashmere

Cashmere. So soft. So luxurious. So bloody expensive. Unless of course you choose it accessorise with it as opposed to buying pricier jumpers and cardies. Pure cashmere scarf, €40 Marks & Spencer

We're not sure about turbans

The fascinator is dead. Long live the turban. Except we're not sure we'll have the courage to don what is set to be party season's hottest accessory, unless we have five egg nogs first

We're lusting after Marc Jacobs bird rings

Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face everytime you look down at your hands.

Aren't they tweet? €99 for set of two.

Net-a-porter.com