My main concern during pregnancy, (besides the health of our little girl and myself) was remaining comfortable. Being with child is completely amazing, but moms and moms-to-be know it can be completely uncomfortable as well, especially during the summer months! Back aches, cramping, stretch marks, round ligament pains, the weight gain, sore swollen feet and ankles...these are all things that can plague you when you're expecting. While pregnant I used to be envious of the woman who could look completely put-together in her third trimester, or the girl wearing a size six dress (at eight months pregnant) with stiletto heels at a wedding (and I've seen it). My idea of being comfortable is a nice loose skirt, flip flops, and a tank top on the hottest summer day, when I feel like I'm carrying around a watermelon.

But have you been shopping around? Maternity wear these days is expensive and while most of it is super cute, and you might have trouble saying no, there are more affordable alternatives to shopping at places geared only towards the expecting mom. Below are some shops I frequented, and some styles I found most comfortable to wear, when you're pregnant...

Where to Shop:

Old Navy is one of my favorite stores, knocked up or not! Their clothing is super affordable, and super cute...They offer a maternity section which you can check out online, and it's chock full of yoga pants, soft tank tops, sweaters, bathing suits, and dresses...and if you aren't sure what size to get you can view their "shop by trimester" option. The maternity section prices are a bit more steep than normal, but I found that with Old Navy sizes, the maternity section is not your only option! I ordered two tank tops and a polo shirt from the womans section of the website in the spring, in a size large and even in the last week of my pregnancy they were accommodating to my huge belly! If you prefer to shop in store, head straight for the back - there are normally tons of sale items that are in larger sizes! You can find sweaters and tank tops for dirt cheap if you don't mind looking through the messy piles of clothing! Old Navy also offers 2 for one price deals, which is convenient for finding simple tops you can layer.

Another one of my all-time favorite stores (especially for the younger mom) is Forever 21...whenever I visit the actual store, or check it out online my jaw always drops at the super cute accessories and clothing they have, and the cheap prices! They do not offer a maternity section, but similar to Old Navy I found that if I ordered a size large, or extra large in certain styles of tops they would fit my belly accordingly. These days tunic tops, and longer more loose tops are in style, so take advantage! If you check out the casual and dressy tops at Forever 21 you will see that most of them would look flattering on a pregnant woman...their tunic tops run from $10-20 dollars, and come in a colorful array of patterns and prints. Also check out their accessory section for dirt cheap, super hip necklaces and bracelets.

The Gap has been around forever, and they offer a maternity section that's a little more simple than the fun prints Forever 21 offers. With hidden panel jeans, basic tank tops, nursing bras and more you are bound to find something if you shop around...prices aren't as affordable as the other two stores I mentioned (at Gap maternity a basic black dress can run you $50) but if you want to splurge on one or two nice things, go for it! Also check the website for 2 for one price deals on items like tank tops or lounge pants, and buy things on clearance!

One of my staples during pregnancy, was leggings. If the weather was chilly, I'd throw on a pair with a tunic top and be set! Jeans weren't my thing, and I think out of the 9 months I was pregnant I wore leggings for about 6 of them...My favorite place to buy them, was Express. This company makes the softest, most durable pair I've seen in awhile...After continuous wash and wear, they are still going strong almost a year later!

If you want to splurge in the name of comfort, the best place to do so is at American Apparel...my finance got me hooked when he bought me a pair of their yoga pants, at Christmas. The wide waist band gave my tummy the support it needed in the second and third trimester, and they are super comfortable! Once summer came, I switched from yoga pants to their 80's style running shorts which are the only thing that helped keep me cool, and comfy in the remaining few weeks of my pregnant. At $30 a pop they are expensive, but when you're not with child you will still be rocking these, guaranteed.

If you don't feel comfortable shopping at any place but a maternity shop during your pregnancy, that's okay too! I've attached some links to places I've been, and who's prices may be a bit much, but have generous sales racks. Why pay full price for a top when you can get it half off and it's just as cute?

Good luck!