Tips for Maternity Wear

Maternity turtleneck
Photo: Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock
Being pregnant is one of the most beautiful phases in a woman’s life. The mere feeling of carrying a living and breathing being inside for about 9 months has to be experienced to be understood. However notwithstanding this beauty, being pregnant also means being able to cope up with massive changes in your physique.
 
And part of coping up with these changes is shopping for appropriate clothes that would not just fit you but also be comfortable and stylish to an extent. This special style of clothing has come to be known as maternity wear. Buying maternity wear can be a confusing and some times frustrating affair, due to a variety of reasons. That’s why this write up seeks to help you out in selecting the right maternity wear at right times.
 
The first three months or the first trimester
 
• Most women would pass at least first three months without feeling the need to buy new clothes.
 
• You might need to make some minor adjustments like using ‘belly bands’ that fit over your trousers or jeans and hold them on, so that you can wear them unbuttoned.
 
• Put off buying any significant maternity wear until the middle of second trimester, as different woman gain bulk in different parts, like thighs, posterior etc.
 
Rest of the pregnancy
 
By the fourth month of the pregnancy you begin to have a fair idea of how you are going to gain weight. Also by this time you begin to feel the need to buy maternity wear as changes in your body are rapid now. >Keep in mind the following when you start buying maternity wear:
 
New or used maternity wear?
 
• Maternity wear can be quite expensive and could be potentially of no use after the pregnancy, esp. if you are sure that this is your last pregnancy.
 
• So in case your budget is on the tighter side as is the case with many of us, go for used maternity wear.
 
• You can get some good deals at consignment stores or thrift stores on once or twice worn good quality maternity wear.
 
How should my maternity wardrobe look like?
 
• Maternity clothes can be shopped in pre pregnancy sizes (check the size charts before). They are generally available in cotton or other stretchable fabrics so they give you the room to expand but only when needed.
 
• Transitional clothes like empire waist dresses or tops, baby doll tops etc are great during the initial stages. They are called so because you can wear them after the pregnancy as well.
 
• While a little bit of Lycra or spandex is unavoidable in the maternity wear because of its stretch capacity, in general opt for more natural fibers like cotton. That’s because synthetic can make you feel even itchier than you already do because of the hormone changes.
 
• Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean that you can’t look sexy. If you want to flaunt your newfound super cleavage, that’s perfectly alright. Low cut tops and short dresses to flaunt you legs are great as long as you feel comfortable wearing them.
 
• Form fitting clothes are much better than the loose baggy types, as the former make you look more sensuous and more feminine as compared to the latter.
 
• Consider layering a bit, so that you can take off that sweater over your camisole when you get that sudden heat attack.
 
• Accessorize as much as it looks good. Wearing a chunky piece of necklace for example takes the focus back to your face. Good accessories therefore help you in presenting a more balanced picture.
 
• Maternity lingerie is another important piece of clothing that needs attention. Don’t buy more than a couple of bras at a time, as your breasts tend to change shape and size very quickly.
 
• Buy the bras that let you adjust not only the band size but shoulder straps as well. You may not need a special maternity bra, though if you plan on breastfeeding, give a thought to buying a nursing bra. Maternity panties in differen sizes and comfortable and stretchable fabric are also commonly available.
 
Shoes
 
• Shoes are the final piece of essentials in your maternity cupboard.
 
• The emphasis here is on comfort and practicality. Just like the rest of the body, your feet also expand during pregnancy.
 
• Choose flats or kitten heels for comfort factor as your feet take a lot of stress.
 
• Consider buying slip-ons as they save you the trouble of bending.
 
With that unmatched glow on the face and in eyes, it is said that a woman actually looks her best when she is pregnant. So why not make the best out of this stage of your life with a little thoughtful choice in wardrobe. Hopefully with this guide in your hand you will find planning and shopping for maternity wear a much less stressful if not enjoyable activity.
 
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