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

Top five 2013 celebrity mummies-to-be: Kate Middleton, Fearne Cotton, Kim Kardashian and more

2013 is still young, but we're already excited about what the celebrity mummy world has in store for us this year, with a range of stars due to give birth in the upcoming months.

Towards the end of last year, we were delighted to hear that Kate Middleton was pregnant, while Kim Kardashian and Jessica Simpson both announced they too were expecting little bundles in 2013.

And let's not forget other yummy mummies such as Lara Stone, Sophie Dahl and of course Fearne Cotton who are all rocking maternity fashion due to their expanding bellies.

To celebrate the new year, we've put together a list of our top five yummy mummies to-be for 2013. We can't wait to see what they'll be wearing in the upcoming months.

Fearne is now in her last stages of pregnancy and has given us some great maternity fashion looks. We love this dressing gown photo, which shows that even pregnant celebs need some downtime too. Click here to get a similar look.

Towards the end of the year St James Palace announced that Kate Middleton was expecting her first child with Prince William, we're so happy for the couple, and we have a feeling the announcement will change maternity fashion as we know it. We can't wait. Check out some Kate Middleton inspired evening maternity dresses here.

Sophie and James confirmed they are expecting baby two, after Sophie was spotted out late last year revealing her growing bump.

Lara Stone and hubby David Walliams announced they were expecting their first child in the middle of 2013. See here for what we expect Lara to be channelling as her bump grows.

Kanye West announced the news on stage during a concert in Atlantic City when Kim Kardashian was in the audience watching. The papa-to-be said: 'stop the music. Make noise for my baby mama right here.'  We know Kim will make a great style icon for curvy pregnant women everywhere. In the meantime see our guide on how to dress your maternity curves.

Maternity dressing gowns inspired by Fearne Cotton

Fearne Cotton may have opted for two different dresses as she hosted the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2012 last night, but she also showed us how to wear a dressing gown in bumpilicious style.

As well as the boho sleeved floral and lace frock, which she wore for the beginning of the event, and the sleek monochrome dress for later in the evening, the presenter also gave us a little lesson in the importance of nightwear.

This morning she Tweeted: "Last night the Cosmos were in the V&A. My dress needed an iron so I ticked 'being naked in the V&A' off the life list!", before posting a picture of herself in a cosy whitedressing gown.

We've taken inspiration from the sneak peak and put together a few of our fave styles, which are sure to keep you comfy and your bump warm in the upcoming winter months.

See our picks below.

Fearne showed off her bump in a casual dressing gown

We heart this nightwear number from Blooming Marvelous, £18, Mothercare

Break the buget with this gorgeous nursing dressing gown £79, Babes with Babies

Mauve dressing gown, £25 Melba London

Get the look: Fearne Cotton's maternity tunic dress

We were super excited when we found out Fearne Cotton was pregnant as we knew she'd be channelling her eclectic and unique style into her maternity wear.

And we weren't wrong.

Last month the TV and radio presenter was spotted in a simple black tunic, which she made her own by adding patterned tights and ankle boots.

Sunglasses and a simple bag added to the look.

If you want to channel Fearne's look then buy the tunic dress now from IsabellaOliver.com for £125.

Keep it simple like the TV starlet by sticking with black accessories or make it your own and be a little bit more daring with a pair of coloured tights or bold accessories.

Teaming this versatile frock with a pair of on-trend red heels for a night out is also guaranteed to make you feel the belle of the bump ball.