Pregnancy changes everything, and that includes your wardrobe! While you may be able to stay in your pre-pregnancy clothes until about week 16 or so most moms-to-be find they need to make their first maternity-clothes shopping trip at some point in the early second trimester, when all but the stretchiest-waisted pants, bras and skirts get just too confining. Fortunately there’s a lot of great maternity wear out there, and by picking some basic pieces you can get your wardrobe without spending a whole lot. What you’ll want to shop for:
- Simple t-shirts in basic colors that can be dressed up with a necklace and skirt for a classy occasion or paired with jeans every day.
- Jeans. Even if colored denim is in style, a classic pair of blue denim ankle-length or capri jeans is a must: they go with everything and almost anywhere, and even if you work in an office you’ll want at least one pair for your time off-duty. Make sure they have pockets, smooth seams and a snug maternity panel that will keep them from sagging.
- Bikini-style underwear that can go under a growing bump is a good buy, because you’ll be able to wear it postpartum, too. To help prevent all-to-common pregnancy yeast infections and UTIS, go for all-cotton and avoid thongs.
- Nursing bras are basically just softer and roomier regular bras with a “booby hatch” twist. It’s good to buy a few in late pregnancy because they’re made to accommodate changing chest sizes and will have space for a nursing pad, helpful if you’re leaky. Also, if you find a brand with a size and fit that works if you want more you can order online or send someone else to the store if you need to restock after the baby’s born.
- Pants or shorts with a panel. For a little while skirts and the stretchier pants in your wardrobe will do, but at some point in the second trimester you’ll need at least a few pairs of actual maternity pants. The full-panel kind will be useful for longer- if you don’t need it yet you can fold it down. Because you’ll wear pants for such a short time, just buy a couple of pairs in neutral tones so no one will notice you’re wearing the same pair a few times a week. Make sure they have pockets!
- When it comes to dresses, empire-waist and wrap styles are better than clingy styles because you’ll get more wear out of them, and some you may even be able to wear postpartum.
- Something to sleep in. If your partner’s t-shirts aren’t big enough you’ll want at least one maternity nightgown or set of PJs that you can also take to the hospital and wear postpartum.
Sophie Morton says
cute maternity clothes