Some girls had the benefit of being able to sew clothing of their own, or perhaps had a mother or close friend who could fashion a few pieces to get them by, but even still the sewing patterns were dated and frumpy, and materials were mostly unflattering.

After nine months of walking around in polyester pants and ugly floral prints, these women often threw their fashion-sense to the wind, never bothering to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight, and basically doomed themselves to looking like downtrodden, miserable creatures.Not so, for the women of today! Today's mothers and mothers-to-be are hot!

The fashion world has finally taken notice of this niche market and produced, and continue to create incredible pieces for all stages of a woman's life, including motherhood. Terms such as 'Yummy Mummy' have been coined, describing these girls, who don't let a a few extra pounds during pregnancy, stifle their fashion sense.

Active mothers chasing after toddlers and preschoolers, no longer look as haggard, thrown together and neglected. Even accessories such as diaper bags are keeping pace with mainstream trends. Gone are the days of laden-down mommies pushing outdated prams and carrying bulky diaper bags.

Today's mothers are hot-to-trot with sleek stylings, aerodynamic strollers and trendy handbags with discreet interior pockets for baby's needs. Having such a variety of fashionable maternity clothing available, makes entering motherhood much more appealing to women today. Being able to maintain one's identity during pregnancy and through the early years of child-rearing boosts mothers' self-esteem, reduces the chances of depressive episodes and keeps new mommies feeling attractive, capable and ready to face the world.

Online stores with a vast array of choices are popping up all over that specifically cater to mothers-to-be, and address all aspects of life, from sleep wear to work wear and even lingerie. These stores make shopping that much easier for pregnant women who may have difficulty spending hours on their feet, while trying to select clothing.

For mothers who do choose to shop in person, there is an abundance of boutiques, discount stores and even shops that offer gently-used maternity clothing at a fraction of the original cost. Advice on where to shop and how to find clothing that is flattering and fits well is available at the click of a button.

Women are no longer stranded without fashion options during motherhood. Gone are the days of squeezing a pregnant body into oversized clothing that simply is not cut to fit a woman's form.

Pregnancy and motherhood are exciting periods in any woman's life. Of course, challenges are a part of that reality. Today's fashionable, stylish and appealing maternity clothing and accessories make facing these times that much easier and rewarding for today's hot mommas!