If you are newly pregnant, it won’t take more than a few trips to the maternity section to learn a whole new vocabulary. Before long you will be throwing around the terms full panel, mid-panel and side shirring, much to the amazement of your non-pregnant friends.

Your fashion vocabulary lesson of the day is: Back Panel. To quickly sum up your panel options, you can either opt for a full panel, which is a panel of stretchy material that is sewn into the front of jeans of pants and completely covers your belly to allow plenty of room for grown. A Mid-Panel can either be folded to worn under your belly, or pulled up to cover half of your belly. The self-explanatory “no-panel” features jeans that are cut to be worn under your belly and do not include a panel.

The back-panel is a new concept in the world of maternity fashion. It is a panel that is sewn on the back of you jeans, allowing some extra room to grow. The benefit of this is that you get the hip under-the-belly cut, thus allowing you to wear bump-hugging tops without the panel showing, while also giving you those couple of extra inches to grow.

Pictured is the Back Panel Front Pocket Jeans ($78) from Gap maternity.

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‘I did a lot of walking during the pregnancy and I had a wonderful, much longed-for natural delivery. I was in labour 24 hours and he came out completely beautifully. It was a triumphant birth and it laid a lot of ghosts to rest for me. It was incredible to experience being able to do it totally naturally.’

-Actress Kate Winslet

Did you have a natural birth? Would you do it again?

Read More:

-Pain-free birth? Try hypnosis instead of epidural

-Birth plan creator

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Do you need to buy maternity clothes, or can you get away with buying clothes in the “non-maternity” section throughout your pregnancy?

As Isabella Oliver points out,

“Know the limits of non-maternity. Neither of us recognized the limits of our non-maternity wardrobes during our first pregnancies. We hung on to favorite pre-pregnancy clothing long after they were either flattering or comfortable. We hope you will show more style sense and instead of constantly pulling tops down and trousers up - not a good look - please take the plunge and invest in good quality maternity clothes. Today, you will find options to suit all budgets and personal tastes, so you can enjoy comfort and confident style.”

Of course, they are trying to sell maternity clothes they have to say that, right? True, they are selling maternity clothes (and fabulous maternity clothes, I must admit) but I know that once I hit a certain point in my pregnancy clothes that were “maternity” seemed to fit my curves so much better than trying to fit into non-maternity. If you haven’t noticed, today’s maternity clothes are just as stylish as the non-maternity set.

Pictured is the Ruffle Wrap Dress by Isabella Oliver.

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With the arrival of Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale, the second baby boy of Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, comes the end of following our favorite fashionista through her stylish maternity looks.

Zuma was worn on August 21st weighing 8 1/2 pounds and was welcomed home by his big brother, 2-year-old Kingston.

Forget constricting jeans or tight pants, Stefani dressed for comfort and style throughout her pregnancy by pairing printed skirts with flirty bump-hugging tanks and wrap tops. She was a fan of Isabella Oliver, wearing their Kimono Top and Wrap-Around Top, to name a few.

The Maxi Dress was a favorite of Gwen’s, as she was seen wearing a variety of the long flowing dresses out to lunch, to the beach, the park and a baby shower. Some of our favorites included the A Pea in the Pod Peacock Print Dress and the Diane von Furstenberg Ora Printed Silk Maxi Dress.

Another one of Gwen’s fashion favorites? Red lipstick and large shades, of course.

Click here to check out Gwen Stefani as we followed her style throughout her pregnancy.

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We all know about push presents, but don’t you also deserve a pregnancy present? In case you don’t know, a push present is a gift that your husband will give you after you give birth to your child. That’s right, tell your hubby to start saving his pennies now.

The Maternity Necklace from Spunky Sprout would make the perfect pregnancy present. It is a sterling silver fine ball chain with a disc that spells out the month you are due. It also includes a crystal dangle that will correspond to the birthstone of the month you are due.

Of course, your little one may decide to come early or late, but this would still make a great memento to have and wear during your pregnancy.

Pick up the Maternity Necklace for $78 at SpunkySprout.com.

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Forget throwing on baggy sweatpants and a worn out tank top — get motivated to get your bump moving in hip workout attire! Here are two options, depending on if you are splurging or saving.

For a splurge that is sure to get you to the gym, check out the Olian 2-Piece Workout Set ($88, pictured) from Due Maternity. The coordinating set features a grey and black tank top with slimming black stripes on the side and stretchy pants with an underbelly fit. My only question? Why can’t all of my clothes have slimming black stripes down the side?

If the cost of gas has been eating up your fashion fund, you will look just as hip in the Maternity French Terry Pants ($22.50) from Old Navy. Pair these soft French terry pants with a long layering Cami ($4.99-$8.50) and you are ready for your workout.

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Having strangers come up and rub your belly is one of the expected side effects of pregnancy, along with heartburn and gas. Or does it have to be?

PreggoPrincess.com does the talking for you with their line of “Hands Off My Belly” tees. Pictured is the more tame, “Do Not Touch My Baby Bump. Thank You,” but they also feature a Halloween skull with the words, “Hands off the Bump!”

I, personally, did not get that offended when people touched my pregnant belly. In fact, I hate to admit it, but I find myself doing it to some of my pregnant friends!

What do you think? Would you wear a shirt telling people to keep their hands off of your bump?

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Pregnant popstar Ashlee Simpson shows off her growing bump at the Zellers store at the relaunch of the Request clothing line.

Simpson and her husband, Fall Out Boy Pete Wentz, are expecting their first child this winter.

Check out Ashlee’s side-knot below her belly. This is a great trick for those pregnant mamas who feel like their tunic top is too bulky. How do you do it? Simply take the excess material and tie it in a knot below your bump. Wrap a black hair tie around the know to further secure it.

I also like the fact that she adds a pop of color to her all-black look with a red scarf. How very Jessica Alba of her!

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Actress Nicole Kidman was spotted at the Beverly Hills baby boutique stocking up on baby essentials, including a new mama must-have, the diaper bag. Kidman and her hubby, country singer Keith Urban, welcomed daughter Sunday Rose Kidman Urban on July 7th.

Kidman picked up the Reese in Sahara diaper bag ($450) to carry little Sunday’s things in style. This messenger bag is made of Italian Ruat leather with polished hardware.

It includes lush features like a washable changing pad, zip-in and zip-out lining and multiple pockets to keep all of your baby gear organized.

How much do you plan on spending on a diaper bag?

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Actress Jennifer Garner keeps her bump under wrap as she goes for a doctor’s appointment at Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles.

The former Alias star and her hubby, actor Ben Affleck, are expecting their second child this winter.

This lightweight jacket is the perfect way to transition from warm weather to cold weather. The tie can be worn above or under your bump to give your body some form and to avoid looking like you are wearing a tent.

I wish I looked as good as Jennifer with little or no makeup! Maybe it is the pregnancy hormones, but she has that glow!

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