So today I'm 17 weeks pregnant. Last time around with DD we were living in Shanghai so my maternity kit was somewhat limited by what would fit me - I am not (and frankly I will never be) the size of a typical Shanghai gal. How do they even give birth sans hips? It's nothing short of miraculous.  Anyhoo, this time around I'm overwhelmed with the plethora of purchases available to the bumpy lady and I've been diving in with both feet (errr.. perhaps that's just a jump...). So here, in no particular order, is my round up of my favourite pregnancy bits and pieces so far.

Emma Jane Maternity/Nursing Bra
As much as I love how my underwear looks, when boobs grow this quickly it's all about comfort. I started off with good 'ol M&S but I've just recently bought one of these from Emma Jane. A maternity/nursing bra with removable pads that give you great shape just like a t-shirt bra. I LOVE it. Super comfy, if a little big around the back at the moment, with nice wide straps. I can forget I'm wearing it and that's perfect. I bought mine from Jo Jo Maman Bebe for £16.


Long sleeve striped top
This is my fav top purchase so far and has been perfect in the cooler weather we've been having. The fabric is ruched at the side which is very flattering and it's available in lots of other colours too. I went with the navy/white stripe as I'm loving the nautical look at the moment. A true maternity staple and good value at £18 from Mamas And Papas.


Cropped maternity jeans
If Summer ever arrives I will be LIVING in these. Super comfy, not too short and a good colour. There's loads of room to grow as you can synch in the sides with adjustable buttonhole elastic. Brilliant buy at £29 from Jo Jo Maman Bebe.





Carriwell Maternity Support Band
When I was carrying DD I had terrible backache in the third trimester and I can already feel it coming on again some days, so I decided that this would be a good investment. It's designed to take the pressure off your back and lower abs. It's super clingy so it doesn't really show under clothes (unless you're wearing something shear or very thin) and I can see already that it's going to be a staple underwear piece towards the end. £11 from Jo Jo Maman Bebe.


Maternity Chinos
I tend to live in jeans a lot of the time so these were a welcome Spring addition to my wardrobe. They're snug in the right places and very comfy but I'll be growing out of them soon as I got a small size to wear at the beginning of this pregnancy and also after Peanut is born. £30 from Next.co.uk.

Pacapod Phoenix *swoon*

Pacapod Portland *drool*

Looking forward I'm already fantasizing about a new changing bag. I'm intrigued by the Papapod system with it's changing and feeding pods and at the moment the two I'm loving the most are the Phoenix in chocolate leather and Portland in Conker. At £200 and £120 respectively they're not cheap but with a toddler and baby in tow I expect to be carrying most of the house around with me so a bigger bag that's going to wear well and, just as importantly, that I love will be a sound investment methinks. At least that's how I'm justifying it to OH at the moment.


What are your favourite maternity purchases? Do you tend to stick with one or two brands that you know and love or do you shop around? Do you own a Pacapod changing bag? Which one do you have? Do you like the pod system? Let me know in the comments!