Wearing Maternity Clothes

It is almost certain that as soon as women become pregnant, they start to surf the Internet or flip through baby and parenting magazines. Most marketing sales pitches suggest that you shall soon need specific maternity wear if you are to ensure that you carry yourself well throughout the pregnancy. One even tends to look at the model with pearl white teeth and a small baby bump and start wondering whether you will look as graceful when you start showing. That you will definitely need maternity wear is certain but the question is when?

There are no fixed parameters that decide when you need to start wearing maternity clothes. This is mainly because while there are benchmarks to assess whether your weight increase is normal or not as the months go by, there is a wide differentiation in how the body of each woman reacts to pregnancy. The size of the baby, the diet and various other factors like metabolism also affect the manner in which the tummy shall grow.

Maternity wear should ideally accommodate the diversities of the female body and the first thing is to know what is available for your size and shape. Below is some advice that may prove useful.

Regardless of the fact that it is suggested that most women do not start showing or gain significant weight before the first trimester is over, some women do gain significant weight in the first trimester. Many feel bloated and normal clothing may tug against the sensitive stomach. The best thing in this case would be to buy non-maternity clothes that have a drawstring or an elastic band at the hip. Buy a few pairs of maternity jeans, pants, skirts or shorts, whichever you prefer, and you will be able to wear them even after you deliver the baby. You can do the same with dresses as well. Simply buy those with a stretchy material and one size up from normal. A Bella Band is also an excellent device that allows you to continue to wear your current jeans and pants without buttoning them!

This type of clothing may serve you well even during the second trimester when you have a clearly visible baby bump. However, for your own comfort you can look for maternity wear with flat tailored panels and adjustable waistbands that are more discreet and comfortable. You may also have to get yourself good support bras to boost your confidence.

By the time you enter the third trimester you would have outgrown your wardrobe. Maternity wear at this stage is mostly dependent upon your size and selection. The basic theory is the same as in the first and second trimester. Trousers and stretch panel skirts with adjustable waistbands are a must as they fit comfortably over the bulge. Depending upon your mood and inclination you may choose maternity wear that covers the baby bump or shows it. This is also time for you to look for a nursing bra, nightwear suitable for breastfeeding and other loose fitting post-pregnancy clothing.

As stated earlier, when and what type of maternity wear you will require depends largely upon how your body changes during pregnancy. Some women are known to live through the entire pregnancy with adjustable non-maternity clothing while for some it may be necessary in the first trimester itself. The thing to cheer about is that there never was such a huge variety of affordable and fashionable maternity wear as there is today.