Expecting for the first time? No doubt you're getting more than your share of advice from family, friends and total strangers in the grocery line. Though most likely this free counsel relates to the process of parenting rather than pregnancy, since so many women (myself included) forget what it feels like to be pregnant the moment they hold their newborns in their arms. But there's one thing no woman can forget once she's experienced it. That's the frustration of acquiring a decent maternity wardrobe.

A few tips for the first-timer:

Review What You Have
There has to be an empire-waist shirt or a simple knit shrug in that closet of yours. Look for loose dresses, sweatshirts and more that can help you make the transition. Try and coordinate outfits with these original items when purchasing or borrowing true maternity clothes, as different clothing will fit you at different stages of your pregnancy. (And don't forget about your jewelry, most of which can come along for the ride.)

Borrow, Borrow, Borrow
Build the basis of your maternity wardrobe on the maternity wardrobes of moms who have gone before you. I made every mistake in the book, spending maybe more on maternity clothes than I did on the nursery. Of course, I made up for it by loaning my best buys to every mom-to-be around me in later years. So don't be afraid to ask. Women want to know they'll eventually get their money's worth out of maternity purchases, even if it's through the great mommy circle of pregnancies.

Budget, Budget, Budget
Maternity clothing is like anything else with a price tag. It can convince you that you need too much. Decide what you can spend and stick to it. It helps if you've already determined what you can borrow (and I don't mean on your line of credit). If you can't borrow from another mom, check out consignment shops, yard sales, discount stores and of course, sales like those mentioned below. Keep in mind, you can buy more as you identify holes in your wardrobe and your size grows with your baby.

Think Comfort and Fit
Your body may soon be out of your control. So make sure your wardrobe's comfort isn't. Dry-clean only? Don't even think about it. (Unless you're heading to a formal occasion or you work in an office with a strict dress code.) You need clothing that feels good, looks good and washes well. As for fit issues, most stores have a belly-shaped pillow you can stuff under your shirt for effect. And online retailers usually have great sizing charts and advice.

Trends Are for Teens
Black short-sleeved oxford: Good. Rainbow polka-dot peasant shirt? Your call, but you might be kicking yourself in the morning. Remember, it's not only your friends, sisters and cousins who might be wearing these articles of clothing when you're done with them. You could very well be walking down this road again in a couple of years.

Now for the Deals . . .

Check out the Mimi Maternity® Best of Season Sale:
http://www.mimimaternity.com/home.asp?Media=Motherhood

Save up to 75% and get 6% back from Baby Style®:
http://www.consumerclub.com/stores/babystyle.aspx

Get Your Sophisticated Staples and 5% back from A Pea in the Pod®:
http://www.consumerclub.com/stores/a_pea_in_the_pod.aspx

Save 40% to 60% at the Liz Lange Winter Sale:
http://www.lizlange.com/