With one week to go before the birth of her first child, Corinna Grant has worked through a healthy pregnancy - no mean feat for a model. Essential to her wardrobe, she says, was a good pair of maternity jeans, but she also got away with buying clothes two sizes up from her usual size, writes Lauren McGreery.
Helen O'Connor, who owns the Nelo maternity shop in Dublin, advises against this, however. "I made the mistake of wearing bigger sizes during my first pregnancy, but found that they were tight on my belly and too big everywhere else."
O'Connor recommends layering clothes during pregnancy, particularly soft stretchy tops with a bit of length that will be comfortable on your tummy. "Invest in one good cocktail dress, which can be dressed up or down, a pair of designer maternity jeans and a silk top that can go over these," she says.
Suzanne King, owner of Bella Mamma in Dublin and Kilkenny, stresses the importance of wearing the right underwear while pregnant.
"The thing about Irish women is we are bigger busted, generally. What happens in pregnancy is that the bust grows first and then comes the bump, so without the correct bra you'll end up top heavy. A maternity bra will give you the proper support, alleviate back pain and, most importantly, keep things in proportion." She sells the range of maternity bras endorsed by model Elle McPherson which cost about €50.
Dresses are the most popular item of clothing this year, for pregnant and non-pregnant women alike. Everyone wants dresses," King says. "You put a dress on and you're done."