Mommy Mode

According to their website, Mommy Mode “gives you freedom to be fabulous” with their comfortable pregnancy wear designs. Their solid print basics are a good foundation, but they also have a few colourful highlights to spruce up your maternity wear wardrobe. Don’t miss their must-have maternity pants with a full band that allows for maximum elasticity to accommodate the most impressive baby bump or their little black dress that every woman, even a pregnant one, needs. Mommy Mode donates a portion of their proceeds to supporting literacy and micro financing programs for needy women in China, so buy some jeans for the good of the world!

Cloud 9, Suite 6026, 6F, 1018 Changning Lu. Web: www.mhqlive.com

Mothercare

The British maternity and infant wear brand has stores in over 50 countries and expanded to China in 2007. Last year, their joint venture with China’s Goodbaby launched their Chinese-language only website. The character-illiterate can head to a handful of Mothercare stores to fill your closet with everything from maternity lingerie to workwear. They also stock feeding cushions and support pillows to make sure you’re comfortable even after the baby is born.

SkyMall Store: 3F, 5001 Dushi Lu, outside the south exit of Xinzhuang Station. T: 3463 3396. Jinqiao Store: Jinqiao International Plaza, Bldg 1, Suite 222-224, 3611 Zhangchang Lu. T: 2023 3330. Infinity Plaza Store: Store F105, 138 Huaihai Lu. Huaihai Store: 776 Huaihai Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu. T: 5403 5886

Nine Months

This Hong Kong-based boutique was created by Karen Page, a veteran of the fashion industry who was frustrated with the lack of available stylish maternity wear during her pregnancy. Using her career experience, Page brought together maternity wear from international designers, including Aussie designer Stephanie Schell’s draped dresses and denim from James Jeans, which have been famously known to lift celebrity bottoms to impressively sexy heights. Nine Months also sells organic skincare products for moms-to-be as well as diaper bags, nursing covers and baby shower gifts. Shop online and get delivery to the Mainland for just HK$50.

Web: www.ninemonthshk.com

O.C.T. Mami Maternity Shop

With more than 20 shops around town, O.C.T. is the biggest purveyor of maternity wear in the city. While the clothes are mostly designed for pregnant Asian bodies, they occasionally stock larger sizes and their Changle Lu branch is located on “Maternity Wear” block surrounding the Shanghai No. 1 Women and Baby Hospital. The French Concession strip has more maternity wear per square metre than any other street in town, and the local boutiques stock some cutesy options that are sure to make their way into your expanding wardrobe, as well as breast pumps and baby clothes for easy one-stop shopping.

Over 20 locations throughout Shanghai. 333 Changle Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu.

RoAd 39

Founded by two French mothers-to-be, RoAd 39 was “a labour of passion for fashion” that started when they couldn’t find well-made, fun pregnancy clothes. The recently launched first collection has over 50 mix and match pieces designed to be chic and casual. From jeans with stretchy elastic waists to elegant silky dresses, RoAd 39 has great options for every occasion so expecting mums can stay true to the brand’s motto: “Be pregnant… stay trendy!” In addition to their easy-to-navigate website that allows for online shopping, they also have a brick and mortar establishment in the French Concession.

The Loft, Room 1220, Bldg 1, 508 Jiashan Lu, near Jianguo Xi Lu. Tel: 6426 9567. Web: www.road39.com

By Misty Sloane