What is the best way to get an invitation to a baby shower?

If you are good friends with the mother-to-be, chances are good that you will be invited to her baby shower. If, however, you find out that you haven't made the list of invitees, it never hurts to either call or email your friend and let them know you'd like to attend. There may be situations, though, where there may be a limit to the number of people that can attend, either by venue rules or the edict of the mother-to-be herself. If so, buy her a gift from her registry and have it sent to the shower.