Does my bump look big in this?

"Does my bump look big in this?" There was a time when a mother-to-be would be hoping that the answer to that question would be a resounding yes.

In fact, she wouldn't care if the same answer applied to the rest of her anatomy because pregnancy was nine glorious months of freedom - okay, at least six - from any kind of concern about the lumps and bumps which normally cause sleepless nights and ridiculous diets.

Well, girls, the honeymoon is officially over.

The likes of Amanda Holden, who disguised her pregnancy for six months despite several outings on the red carpet, have heralded in a new era where the expectant bump is the latest contour of the female form seen as persona non grata in any kind of style parade.

And how did she do it? With big knickers. But not the kind of big comfortable knickers that are a girl's saviour during those months when growing a new life should be your priority. No, the kind of big knickers which you have to squeeze into. The ones that are a supposed improvement on the corsets that, many moons ago, were responsible for a generation of swooning females. Fine for the post-pregnancy days when you want to regain a little of your former glamorous self and really there's no gain without pain, or at least a little fashionable humiliation.

But during pregnancy? From one mother who loved having a bump and couldn't imagine anything worse than feeling the pressure to get into a pair of control pants, I have to say the current crop of celebrities should be ashamed of this take on what should be a beautiful time of their lives.

Now Miss Holden has declared she was keen to hide her soon-to-be mother-of-two status because of a miscarriage last year. And I have every sympathy for that sentiment, but giving it four months is normally time enough to ensure everything is going as smoothly as you can expect it to, and that is when that little bump starts to protrude. The perfect time to wear it with pride, not bind it down for vanity.

And the blame for sparking this new trend doesn't fall simply at her door – Dannii Minogue has admitted she used control pants during her pregnancy, as has Tess Daly.

The situation can only get worse now Victoria Beckham has announced she is also pregnant. Any pictures we see of her in the next six months will see her bump heavily disguised and she appears to think pregnancy is still some sort of confinement. Despite loving the limelight I reckon you could count on one hand the number of times she has been pictured heavily with child.

When did it become de rigueur to deny the bump? Women should claim back those nine months of time off for good behaviour. It doesn't mean you shouldn't take pride in your appearance or look good, but surely the fairer sex deserves this golden opportunity to look bigger than normal and for it to be a reason to celebrate the extra curves?

My bump was massive and I loved every minute of it. In fact I couldn't wait to dig out the maternity clothes which are fabulously stylish these days and allow you to breathe.

Former Miss UK Suzannah Younger and close friend Bronnie Bayliss are in total agreement. As working mothers and one of Shropshire's newest fashion teams, Suzannah and Bronnie are expertly-groomed and ultra-glamorous at all times but both enjoyed being pregnant. And more importantly the pair, who met at antenatal classes, are as relaxed as they could be about the changes to their bodies.

"We're slightly aghast at the recent trend for maternity and control undies and it seems a lot of you have pretty strong opinions too," said Suzannah, who has launched Bronnie and Suzannah's Fabulous Fashion Shows with Bronnie.

"Are the days of floaty dresses, baggy shirts and hubbie's jeans really in the past? Is shoehorning yourself a pair of constricting tights to minimise your bump an acceptable thing?"

"Talk about Victorian (or even Elizabethan) revival, surely this should have gone out with the Ark! We don't think they are the best option and can anyone tell me how long it takes to get them off when you rush to the loo for those inevitable frequent trips during pregnancy.

"We're not saying wearing a pair of grey tracksuit pants during your pregnancy is the right way to go, but remember you look gorgeous, it's natural; and before you know it you'll be running around after your toddler and back to your usual shape."

By Tracey O'Sullivan