Wedding gowns for pregnant brides

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Pregnant brides have been buying maternity wedding dresses

While other businesses may be struggling through the credit crunch, Natalie Gladman says she has seen a big surge in business.

At her wedding dress shop in Hampshire - especially for pregnant brides - business is apparently booming.

She says she is attracting clients from all over the world, and that sales of her designs are up 107% on last year.

She puts it down to changing attitudes and claims 20% of brides are walking up the aisle with an "extra hidden guest".

"There are still those tutting traditionalists who believe it is wrong, but all the women I see want to celebrate the fact that two of the most exciting things in their life are happening at the same time," she said.

"No longer are brides hiding their bump under strategically held bouquets and smocked meringues - they now want to wear their bump with pride."

She said between 33% and 50% of all brides getting married in 17th Century rural England were pregnant on their wedding day.

This rose to between 33% and 60% from the 1840s and 1870s, she said.

"As our clients have expanded outwards, so have we," she added.