Being pregnant is the best of times and the worst of times. Maternity is so demanding that everything from preparing the baby's room to finding the right maternity clothes is absolutely important. In fact, your belly and dressing it when it gets bigger, is one of the recurring things you'll be thinking about for 9 months.

So why not start shopping maternity clothes early? You really should begin browsing for maternity clothes the moment you confirm that you are pregnant. It is never too soon. Don't buy just yet, simple browse what's available so that you'll be informed and ready when the time comes. Many women put off buying maternity gear because they hope they won't put on too much weight and won't need the addition to their wardrobes. But you'll be much more comfortable if you do invest in a good selection of maternity clothing.

Simply start with a web search using keyword phrases such as "women's clothing maternity" or "Maternity clothing store". If you are especially interested in budget options search for something like "discount maternity clothing" or "clearance maternity clothing". Whether you need petite maternity clothing or plus size maternity clothing, a quick web search will bring up lots of useful links to maternity clothing stores. Be informed of all online maternity stores, sign up to receive newsletters and information about offers and the like, or even, a copy of the store's maternity clothing catalogue. Bookmark links to maternity stores in your browser's Favorites folder so that when you start to bulge you'll have all the information you need to place your order online.

Be careful not to buy too soon, otherwise you may find that as you continue to grow the maternity clothes you bought earlier on in the pregnancy won't fit you by the time the end comes. If you are browsing for clothes early on in your pregnancy, also take note of the season. Are you due to give birth in summer or winter or in between? If your last couple of months will be summer months, then fabric and style are important things to consider. In hot summer months you'll really need to wear cool, light and comfortable fabrics.

Thanks to pregnant movie stars, maternity couture now offers designer maternity clothing labels, which add the option of being completely fashionable while your body undergoes the radical experience of preparing to be a mum.

Even though the household budget and your comfort needs will play a major role in the clothes you'll end up wearing, don't forget that wearing flattering clothes will make you feel better when your body starts to change. If you'll be working until the last minute, you'll need to keep up appearances with a new set of career maternity clothes and present a professional self despite the growing bulge in your middle. Pregnancy comes with massive physical and emotional changes, so the better you look and the better quality your maternity clothes are, the more positive you'll remain as you go about your non-maternity-related duties.

Dean Erickson - Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.maternity-clothes-mall.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.