Maternity nightdresses: How to pick one and our top five faves

Maternity nightdresses probably aren't at the top of your list when you first find out you're pregnant.

Afterall, if you're like us then you'll have a huge range of baggy nightwear taking up space in your wardrobe, which can act as a temporary cover for your bump.

However, as you get bigger and bigger you may find that the baggy nightdress is becoming a little bit tight, and that means one thing- it's time to invest in a maternity nightwear number.

To ensure you stay as comfy as possible opt for a maternity nightdress that is stretchy enough to grow with your bump but also won't lose elasticity and shape when it goes through the wash.

If you tend to be experiencing a change in body temperature as a result of your pregnancy, or you're planning to wear this when giving birth then opt for a natural fibre such as cotton, which is breathable and will keep you cool during those night time hot flushes and throughout labour.

We've picked out some of our faves on the virtual highstreet in the gallery below, and keep reading for our finds on the best maternity PJs and nursing nightwear later on in the month.

Maternity Pure Cotton Animal Print Chemise, £12.50 Marks and Spencer

Maternity Nightshirt 881
£25, Emma Jane Maternity, buy from Maternity2Nursing

Maternity nightie £12.99, Bonprix

Mauve Nightdress £25 Melba London

Blooming Marvellous Maternity Colour Block Nightdress - 2 Pack £26, Mothercare

AW 2012 trends: The Polo neck - we pick the best styles for your bump

Christopher Kane AW 2012

Roll necks made a huge statement on the AW 2012 catwalks with the likes of Pringle, Christopher Kane and Erdem giving a huge nod to this trend.

Appearing in chunky knits, dresses and moulded into thin jersey fabrics, this classic trend was transformed into the styling tip du jour.

And the trend has filtered into the maternity style world this season, with a range of cute roll necks available for your bump. Choose from a playful striped number, teamed up with a maternity skirt or jeans for a casual look, layer a jersey number under a maternity shirt for a smart work look or opt for a block colour, to really make a statement.

See our faves from the (virtual) highstreet, below..

Black Turtle Neck Isabella Oliver £55

Stripe chunky knit, Jojo Maman Bebe, £29

Loose jersey grey polo neck nursing top, Mothercare

Grey polo neck £18, Next

Top five highstreet maternity jumpers for winter

A winter jumper is essential. Not only will it keep you and your growing bump warm, but chosen properly, will form a staple part to your maternity wardrobe and ensure you don't spend hundreds on a collection you won't be wearing for too long.

Thankfully the highstreet has a range of maternity jumpers available to suit every need and trend.

Go for a Breton stripe number, like this one from Asos, which is perfect for wearing under a blazer for work or with a pair of jeans for a casual weekend look, while Topshop's stud grunge jumper is great for ladies who want to stay on-trend and perfect teamed up with a pair of maternity skinnies and heels for a night out.

If you're looking for a jumper for the office then this lace knit navy blue one from Next is great teamed up with trousers or a skirt, while Mothercare's simple black knitwear is perfect for any occasion.

See the gallery below for our top five highstreet picks.

Mothercare

Asos

Topshop

Dorothy Perkins

Next