When it comes to getting dressed during pregnancy, some women want to remain fashionable throughout this period as well and not give up their great sense of style. Others, just want to stay comfy in their baggy tracksuits, without putting too much thought into how they look. While being fashionable during pregnancy is totally possible nowadays, still wearing your regular clothes during that period may not be entirely possible.
A couple of months after you get pregnant, your figure starts undergoing a major transformation. Everything will become bigger – from your breasts to your belly, and everything in between, which means you will have to start wearing clothes that are one or a couple of sizes up. This means your old clothes may become a little too tight to wear during pregnancy.
As you are tempted to squeeze into those jeans you so much love, you might be wondering “are tight clothes bad for pregnancy”. And the truth of the matter is, they are. According to experts, tight clothing may prevent the proper circulation of fluids within your body. Swelling and experiencing discomfort are common symptoms during pregnancy. The main reason for that is the increased blood volume that pregnant women experience, which can double up to fifty per cent.
Wearing tight clothing while pregnant, especially for long periods of time, can make the swelling even worse and may also cause digestive discomfort. Tight clothes may constrict the abdominal muscles and other parts of the digestive tract aggravating conditions such as heartburn and morning sickness. And last but not least, tight clothing can lead to bacterial and/or fungal infections in your private area.
When Do You Need Pregnancy Clothes?
Maternity clothes are designed to be worn from the moment your regular clothes don’t fit you any more to postpartum. Most women will start wearing maternity clothes upon entering the 3rd or 4th month in their pregnancy but this also depends on the fit of their regular clothes. Women that wear lower rise pants may be able to wear them longer than those who wear a higher rise. Still, it’s a good idea to shop for maternity clothes as soon as you start feeling uncomfortable in your old ones. This will prevent you from buying something expensive and ugly (or both) when you no longer have any options simply because you need something to wear.
Fortunately, today there are a lot of designers focused on manufacturing maternity clothing. Just visit any reliable online pregnancy shop and you’ll come across tons of cute clothing pieces. However, there are certain things to keep in mind to make the most out of your shopping spree.
Look for Deals
Keep an eye out for sales. Especially at the end of the season, you should be able to find some great bargains at most maternity stores. You can also use this opportunity to find great bargains on baby stuff too. As I mentioned before, don’t wait to visit your favourite pregnancy shop until the last minute. If you know you have an event coming up in August and it is June, start thinking about what you might like to wear and buy something in advance. Waiting until the last minute may cost you more than you were willing to spend in the first place.
Keep it Simple
When shopping for maternity clothes, try to stick to the basics. A pair of jeans, a couple of basic tops and leggings can be both professional and casual. Consider the clothing you have at home and buy pieces that will complement those items. For example, a nice pair of jeans with an elastic waist, a pair of black pants and a button-down shirt can be the base for many combinations. You could pair the jeans with some colourful cotton tank you have at home or wear the button-down shirt over the tank like a cardigan or sweater.
For a more professional outfit, you can wear black pants with a button-down shirt and add a cardigan with some cute jewellery from home. By investing in items that can be mixed and matched with what you already have, you will be able to expand your wardrobe without spending a fortune. Try to avoid buying clothing that doesn’t go with anything you already have in your closet.
Choose Items That Grow With You
Before you buy something, keep in mind that the size you are now is not the size you will be at 34 weeks. So, it is essential to choose pieces that will grow with your changing body. You don’t want to buy a couple of pairs of jeans at 20 weeks and have to buy larger ones at 30 weeks. Try to find items that stretch as your belly grows.
Accentuate Your Features
One tip from the fashion experts: choose clothing that elongates your silhouette, like v-necks, button-down shirts, and dresses. The idea is to make yourself look taller. They also recommend accentuating your legs. With the right choice of pants, it is totally possible to make your legs look longer and leaner under your growing belly.
What to Do with Maternity Clothes After Pregnancy?
You won’t need your maternity clothes forever, but if you are thinking about having more children, you should definitely consider saving the pieces you’ve bought. Considering the fact that maternity clothes can be expensive, it makes perfect sense to neatly store them until your next pregnancy. If not, there are many ways to re-use these clothes or maybe sell them online or at a consignment shop.
