When to Start Wearing Maternity Clothes?
+ Useful Tips for Clothing During Your Pregnancy
Every pregnant woman faces the need for maternity clothes at some point. When it becomes necessary for you depends on many factors. Here, we’ll tell you what to consider and give you some practical tips on the clothes you can and will want to wear during your pregnancy.
When Will You Show?
When you need to start wearing maternity clothes is very personal. If this is your first pregnancy, you are likely to start showing later than someone who is pregnant with their second or third child. Expecting multiples will also make your belly show sooner. On the other hand, if you suffer from severe nausea in the first weeks, you might lose weight initially, allowing you to wear your favorite jeans a bit longer. However, there are always exceptions to these generalities. Even during a first pregnancy, you might show early, which doesn’t necessarily mean you’re expecting multiples. In short, it’s a matter of waiting to see how and how quickly your body adjusts and shows a belly.
Increasing Cup Size and Tightening Pants
If you want an idea of when to have some essentials in your wardrobe, assume that around 6 weeks of pregnancy, you might need a larger bra size, which can increase even more later. A maternity bra is often the first purchase. Do you exercise regularly? Then buy a good, supportive sports bra that you can wear in the coming months during workouts or whenever you feel like it. The next thing you’ll probably notice is that your pants start to feel tight, usually at the end of the first trimester, around 12 weeks.
What Maternity Clothes Should You Buy?
What kind of clothes you need is also very personal. Want a new wardrobe? Go shopping or check out that cool second-hand store. Maternity clothes are usually not worn much, so they’re often still in great condition and it’s a sustainable choice. Not sure what you’ll find comfortable? Start with a pair of maternity pants, some maternity bras, a nice dress, and a few stretch shirts. You’ll soon find out which clothes you like to wear and what suits your daily activities, and then you can always expand your collection.
Handy Tip: Elastic Band Through the Buttonhole
Want to keep wearing your favorite jeans a bit longer? Use an elastic band around the button and through the buttonhole to give yourself more room around your belly. This trick is also useful if your belly suddenly grows and you don’t yet have maternity pants in your closet.
Comfortable Clothing
Ensure that the maternity clothes you buy are comfortable and suitable for the season you’re due. Excessive sweating is a common pregnancy symptom. If you’re pregnant during the summer, it’s best to wear maternity clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. It’s also nice if the clothes can stretch or if the pants have an adjustable waistband.
The Right Size
The size you choose is usually the same as your usual clothing size. Unless you gain a lot of weight, you can always opt for a larger size. Standard maternity clothes are designed to accommodate a growing belly and can stretch or be adjusted. So, choose maternity clothes in your own size, as they will be much more comfortable than regular clothes in a few sizes larger.
Feel How the Clothes Fit
When shopping for maternity clothes, pay extra attention when trying them on. Normally, you might focus mainly on how they look, but now you should also notice how they feel. If you’re trying on pants, sit down in them. If you feel the waistband pressing into your belly, they’re too tight. A good pair of maternity pants has a band that goes under the belly, avoiding any pressure. If you still feel the band, choose a larger size or a different style.
Maternity Dresses and Tights
Do you love wearing dresses? You can wear them plenty during your pregnancy. There are many beautiful options available, so you’ll have plenty to choose from! If you usually wear tights with your dress, get some good maternity tights. They’re like regular tights but with more room for your belly, making them much more comfortable and ensuring your dress falls nicely. Also, check that the front panel of the dress is a bit longer. With a regular dress, it might seem like you can wear it for a long time, but as your belly grows, the front panel will ride up. A maternity dress is designed to accommodate your growing belly so you can still look stylish even late into your pregnancy.
Even After Your Delivery
Think it’s a waste because you only wear maternity clothes for a few months? Don’t forget that many women don’t fit into their old clothes immediately after giving birth. During that initial period, it’s very nice to still have your comfortable maternity clothes to wear.
Sportswear During Pregnancy
If you continue to exercise while pregnant, it’s important to wear good clothing. Regular sportswear is stretchy, but maternity sportswear has room for your belly and can be more supportive. Want to keep exercising? Look for good basics specifically for pregnancy. It makes exercising much more comfortable.
Donating Maternity Clothes
Will you fit into your regular clothes again soon? Then you can make others happy with your maternity clothes. Donate them to a good cause or look online for an organization near you that collects maternity clothes and distributes them to expectant mothers.
Meet Your Midwife in Amsterdam-Zuid
Whether you’re flaunting the trendiest maternity clothes or prefer a relaxed outfit every day, we’re always happy to see you at our practice. Want to meet the midwives in Amsterdam-Zuid? Call or email us and we’ll schedule an appointment soon. See you then!