GWYNETH Paltrow and Sophie Ellis Bextor are about to take the plunge, while Kate Hudson and Donna Air are literally getting their hands dirty with the task in hand.

There's no doubt about it, motherhood is currently a highly glamorous phenomenon and few would argue this particular cluster of celebs didn't positively glow as mums to be.

OK, they do have stacks of cash to keep them at the cutting edge of fashion, but nowadays pregnancy needn't be about frumpy leggings and oversized T-shirts.

To recognise this, maternity brand Blooming Marvellous is hunting for 12 yummy mummies to take to the catwalk of The Baby Show at the NEC, head high and bump at the ready.

Selected by a panel of judges, winners will receive the once-in-a-lifetime chance to model a stunning range of maternity clothes at the Birmingham event from May 21-23.

Proud friends, partners and family members are invited to nominate imminent mums, in particular, those who have overcome difficulty or challenges during pregnancy and are now loving every minute of it.

As well as treading the catwalk boards in front of thousands of expected visitors, the dazzling dozen will receive Blooming Marvellous gift vouchers and free tickets to the show for their loyal supporters.

Nominations can be made on line at www.thebabyshow.co.uk or by calling 0161 273 5923 for an entry pack (closing date is May 4).

The show itself, in association with Practical Parenting magazine, is an absolute must for pregnant women and parents of babies and toddlers.

On the brink of parenthood, you can't help but coo over teensy weensy clothes, and as a new mum or dad, ooh and aah every minute your little one tries out a new toy, which is exactly what the Baby Show is all about.

Parents can wander around the stands trying out hundreds of essential and not so essential products, along with expert advice and information, fashion shows and fantastic fun and games for children.

Pampers, Mothercare, Tommee Tippee, Vtech, Huggies, Tomy, Fiat and Simple are a few of the supporters of the show, currently celebrating its third year at the NEC.

But there are also scores more companies exhibiting, including healthy eating promoters, real nappy advocates, child carers, photographers and experts on twins and multiple births.

Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door and can be purchased on-line at www.thebabyshow.co.uk or by calling the 24-hour ticket hotline on 0870 122 1313.

Children who are 10 and under are admitted free.

For further details on the show and a full list of exhibitors, visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk

For more information on Blooming Marvellous and to see its range of maternity and nursery products visit www.bloomingmarvellous.co.uk or call 0870 751 8944 for a catalogue.