How to Look Great While Pregnant

When I first found out that I was pregnant, even before I started thinking about my life changing with that new little person that would be entering the world, my initial thoughts were: "Am I going to be a cute pregnant lady?"

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• New or used maternity pants in a variety of sizes
• Stylish baby-doll t-shirts, sweaters~sometimes non-maternity long shirts work ok in the early months
• At least one great roll-panel pair of maternity jeans

1. Go Shopping!!
   Nothing is more unattractive than clothes that are too big or too small, so be prepared to buy a variety of sizes of maternity clothing as your pregnancy progresses.
   
   Pick out a great pair or two of roll-panel maternity jeans. The roll panel is very versatile and if you get the right pair they will last you until the end of your pregnancy.
   
   You'll also be glad to have a great black skirt to wear with boots and maternity tights for the winter or a cool cotton dress for the summer.
   
   Another maternity must have is a white or black built-in bra lycra tank top. Many maternity tops are very low cut and can be very uncomfortable to wear to work.
   
   Flip-flops or cute slip-on sneakers - such as Sketchers or Diesel's (you are definitely not going to want to have to tie your shoes at the end of your pregnancy)
2. Get a pedicure!
   Enjoy someone rubbing down your tired dogs and have them painted by a pro- especially when you can't reach them yourself!! It's nice to have neat toes...even if you can't see them!
3. Do an at-home facial. Everyone says that pregnant women just "glow" - make sure that your glow doesn't turn into an extra oily, blemished complexion by taking extra care of your skin. Start with a gentle cleanser and a few minutes of steam, follow with a clarifying or moisturizing mask and toner. Finish of with a SPF 15 containing moisturizer.
4. Take care of your hair.
   When you're pregnant, your changing hormones help your hair not fall out as often- thus creating the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. Tell your stylist that you'd like an easy 'do that you can still toss with some mousse or let air dry and it will still look cute.
5. Get lots of extra sleep.
   You'll certainly need it while you're growing that little miracle inside of you!
6. Don't use pregnancy as an excuse to eat anything you want.
   Although your baby requires you to consume extra calories, its only about 300-500 extra calories per day. A nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetable is very important to your health as well as the health of your baby. D
7. Drink plenty of water!!!
   
   Although it sounds contradictory, drinking enough water will actually help eliminate some of your water retention- which can lead to a puffy face, "Cankles," and an overall bloated feeling.
8. Get moving. Go out for a short walk in the park or at the mall. By keeping your circulation moving, you'll also help to prevent some water retention.
9. Keep a positive mental attitude!
   
   Keeping a "PMA" will make a big difference in your outward appearance. When people ask you how you are feeling, don't tell them that you feel fat, or that you haven't slept in days. Tell them that you feel great- no matter what. (Trust me, they don't want to know that bad stuff anyways)

Tips & Warnings

• If this is your first pregnancy, it's important to know that your belly will be much larger at the end of your pregnancy than you expect it will be. When shopping for maternity clothes, buy a variety of sizes as you go along. There is nothing more frustrating than feeling huge and having to wear the same thing every day.
• Stick to your doctor's recommendations when it comes to diet and exercise while pregnant