A women-led team from the US sportswear giant approached Olympian Perri Shakes and other expectant mothers for their opinions on the Nike (M) line. The collection is designed with all aspects of pregnancy in mind.

Anyone who has ever had to wear a "big mama" maternity bra knows that dressing up during pregnancy and after birth often requires a personal style compromise.

And when it comes to exercise, the compromise extends from aesthetic to performance.

Recently retired British track star Perri Edwards knows better than most how big an impact training clothing can have.

"When I compete, it's about looking good, dressing well and getting good results," she said. You get that confidence knowing your outfit fits and looks good."

And as the face of Nike (M), she is fortunate to be able to continue this philosophy as she prepares to become a mother.

Nike (M) is a disruptive new line of athletic gear that has been designed with every aspect of pregnancy in mind, from extreme body shape changes to the practicalities of breastfeeding.

Building the Nike (M) line was a real passion project for the small, mostly female team behind it.

Carmen Zolman, senior design director at Nike, said: "We have seen that women are already wearing Nike as a maternity wear because it provides the performance they need. So we're interested in hearing from them, learning from them, and then harnessing the power of our exercise science collective to create a collection just for them."

Over the past three years, Zolman and her colleagues have studied more than 150,000 body scans, worked closely with 30 elite and amateur athletes, and harnessed all of Nike's technological engineering innovation and expertise to create clothing that is resilient, resilient, comfortable and stylish enough to satisfy even the most discerning expectant mother.

Edwards has been putting the collection to the test over the past few months, wearing it to exercise around her home, using everything from kettlebells to stairs and furniture to help her stay strong.

"It was a godsend," she says. Before, I tried to slip into my old tights, but they were too tight for comfort. And these clothes are snug but not tight, no zippers, no drawstrings, just put on, and fit your body shape. And what I love is that I can wear these outfits and you don't see my stomach sticking out because the clothes don't fit."

In black, grey and pink, with a white logo here and there, the pieces look at first glance like they're part of a sleek, sophisticated Nike classic collection.

There are four options: a supportive quick-drying sports/nursing bra with no "granny vibe"; An ultra-soft reversible pullover that doubles as a breastfeeding smock; A super elastic crew-neck vest.

And a pair of leggings that can be pulled up to cover your stomach or folded under it. And, they are all made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester and organic cotton whenever possible.

The Nike (M) collection is the next logical step in the brand's mission journey to make women's movement as inclusive as possible.

Over the past few years, Nike has been paying attention to the shortcomings of its products and listening to the opinions of relevant women in order to try to meet their needs.

So far, it has launched Nike Plus Size, Nike Victory Swim (a demure swimsuit with a hijab) and women's World Cup jerseys - all designed around women's bodies, rather than shrunk-down versions of men's.

As Zolman says, "There are enough complications and distractions in life to keep you away from sports, and we don't want sportswear to be one of them."