Our shopping habits have changed in the last year. Now that our love affair with credit cards is over, we’re looking for value and more importantly change from a twenty-pound note.

As the recession continues to bite, frugality is the word on everyone’s lips, particularly when it comes to maternity wear. Who wants to spend hundreds of pounds on a temporary wardrobe?

Although there are plenty of ‘value fashion’ ranges around, maternity clothing is seen as a specialist area and is still relatively expensive. However, with careful research and planning, it is possible to build a good pregnancy wardrobe on the cheap. Draw up a list of essentials and stick to a self-imposed budget. You can also mix and match larger sized clothes with maternity wear, as your bump may not show until the fifth month of pregnancy.

Here are the main contenders for cheap maternity chic:

George @ Asda

The brand that kick started the ‘value clothing’ trend back in 1990 offers fantastic, trend-led pieces for all the family. Although we are all familiar with the ‘George’ fashion brand, their maternity range has been more of a slow burner. It’s relatively new to Asda and is now available to buy online (www.asda.co.uk) as well as in-store. There are essentials such as strappy vest tops (£8 for a pack of two), jeans (£16) and casual cotton jersey tops (£12). Especially good are their dresses and tunics (£12 -£16) iand basic underwear (bras from £8).

Peacocks

Hot on the heels of George is the value chain Peacocks (www.peacocks.co.uk), which has repositioned itself with more of a fashion presence. They have revamped both their clothing and website to offer designer-led pieces at a fraction of the price. In the spirit of ‘fast fashion’ new ranges are added every week. Their maternity range is surprisingly good – as well as staples such as fold over leggings, (£8) there is a fabulous range of t-shirts, shirts, blouses and tunics in a range of prints and fabrics. They have good online sales discounts too – as we went to press, a white maternity vest top was a mere £3.

H & M

The ‘MAMA’ range follows the same trends as the main H & M range but the designs and materials are adapted to suit a pregnant body shape. They have a decent range of workwear, leisurewear and party wear with the emphasis on functional cuts and comfortable fabrics. Their clothes tend to be cut smaller than other brands, so we would advise going up a size. They don’t sell on-line, but there are plenty of H & M stores around the UK, which offer maternity wear. Prices are competitive, from around £5 for a vest to £25 for their (excellent) maternity jeans.

Debenhams

Debenhams ‘Red Herring’ range features a good selection of maternity wear featuring everything from stretch side panel jeans to leggings and wrap tops and party wear with jewel-encrusted necklines. Prices are pretty competitive ranging from £10 - £30. However, the best time to shop at Debenhams is when they are on sale. They have fantastic discounts of up to 70% three or four times a year, so it is always worth checking their website for reductions. They have the added bonus of trained bra fitters within their lingerie departments. The Dr Miriam Stoppard Nuture range is sold here, featuring pretty maternity bras from £12.00.

M & S

Not usually associated with low pricing, M & S (www.marksandspencer.com) has lowered its prices in order to compete with the value market. Its new maternity range launched in mid August 2009. Although the trend led pieces are over £25, there are some bargains to be had. Beautifully shaped swimsuits (a must!) with piping and a flattering v-neck line are £15, ruched, scoop neck tops, £12 and leggings, £9.50.

Topshop

A one-stop shop for the aspiring fashionista, the maternity range (www.topshop.com) is just as fabulous as the main Topshop ranges. Although the dresses are beautiful, they are not cheap, so it’s best to stick to basics such as their best-selling bump band, (£5) or scoop neck vest, (£6). For an ultra cool wardrobe addition, check out their denim look leggings, (£20).

New Look

As you would expect, New Look (www.newlook.co.uk) do a good line in cheap and cheerful maternity clothing. However, the garments are well made and will last throughout pregnancy and beyond. Best buys include a pack of two button shoulder tops (£12) in two different colourways. Their organic cotton cardigan (£9) is wonderfully soft and comes in Barbie pink or white. And guess what, they do a range of ‘wider-fit’ shoes and boots in great styles from only £12. It’s so refreshing to see, because feet expand during pregnancy and it’s nice to have a choice other than trainers!