Chosen wisely, maternity wear has a post-natal life of its own

Despite being 42, still breastfeeding my young daughter and drinking coffee, I am, very intentionally and happily, pregnant (I admit I was 41 when I actually scored the goal, though). One must try to keep this fact from the Daily Mail, because it will totally upset its entire belief system. Women like me are meant to be having facelifts, or affairs with 19-year-olds, in a desperate attempt to cling to their fading youth (I'll attend to the latter of these tasks post-partum). But having sex and procreating? Nope.

Last time I was pregnant was five years ago. I suspect not much has changed in maternity wear since then, but it feels like it has. For one, Gap and M&S now do maternity wear that seems a nod in the right direction. I remember being told back then that A Pea in a Pod was the only maternity label worth buying; which is all fine, except it's American, so you have to pay crippling postage and customs duty on top of the prices. If you ever see anyone wearing something very lovely, but made to accommodate a bump, it's probably from there; it's the sort of place you can buy maternity designer jeans, and suits for work (there is an entire range called Suiting). Our equivalent would be Formes or Isabella Oliver; the latter does a fabulous pinstripe skirt or trousers and jacket. Although I'm very glad I don't need to suit up for work.

I ordered a dress from Isa bella Oliver to see me through the many parties I have coming up: a truly fabulous, glamorous dress that my trained eye told me I could also make good use of post-birth. But it's hard to convey just how much of an injustice I did to its jersey folds and ruffles (on the sleeves and the hem - I haven't gone totally insane). Oliver stuff isn't cheap, though, but it's worth shelling out on for a few super-nice items.

I think when you're short, and bosomy, and pregnant, as I am, separates are the way to go. Most of my stuff has come from JoJo Maman Bébé. Great stuff for every day, and affordable. I also like doing it all by mail order, although it's a faff having to do returns. There are some great everyday tops (make sure you get the maternity vests to go underneath, as they can be a bit low-cut). There's even a coat they do with a zip-out panel so you can use it after the baby is born. A superb French label, mamaNANA, does a very similar coat, too, plus some fantastic pyjamas that I'm going to treat myself to. Last time, I made the mistake of buying about four maternity pieces only, without real ising that unless you're Nicole Kidman, you might not be back to your pre-pregnancy clothes straight after giving birth. Maternity wear - if you pick carefully (look for easy access) - has a life beyond nine months.

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