During my first pregnancy, about five months was when I began to show a need for maternity clothes. But the second pregnancy revealed itself much earlier. It seemed as though I needed maternity clothes the minute I saw that positive test. Depending on how rapid your stomach is growing, this article can help you decide what style is right for you. I also have a few tips for stretching your pre-pregnancy wardrobe, how to choose the right bra for a growing bustline, and the deal with the pants. Also, check out some pictures of me modeling some different styles at a maternity fashion show!
Stretching your wardrobe: There are a couple of tricks that I used to stretch my wardrobe as I got bigger. When my belly expanded, shirts got shorter and higher on my torso. To make the shirts appear longer and cover my stomach, I would layer my clothes with a man’s tank-top underneath in either the same color as the top shirt, or a contrasting one for boldness. This draws the eye downward, creating a longer looking torso. There are a couple of ways to stretch your pants as well. Bella Bands are gaining popularity, and are stretched over the top of your pants to hold them up without buttoning them. A cheaper option is to loop a rubber band through the button hole of your pants and then around the button. Also, the style of knit pants has leaned toward panels on the top, just like pregnancy pants! So you can find comfortable panel or yoga pants for pregnancy at un-maternity prices.
Cute T-shirt Sayings: I have been known to wear shirts that poked fun at my growing belly, such as “Think I’m Big Now, Wait ‘til October!” But my favorites were ones that I created with iron-ons, that said things like “Peace on Earth Begins With Birth”. I once saw a t-shirt that had a crystal ball on it and underneath said “I See an Epidural in My Future”. While this is probably supposed to be humorous, I believe we have an opportunity to spread positive messages with our huge billboard-bellies. I personally do not find epidurals funny.
Clothes to avoid: Baggy clothes will not just cover your gorgeous belly – they will make you look fat. Instead of trying to hide your curves, the new style is definitely aimed at flaunting it. The problem that I saw with maternity clothes is the same one I see with regular-size clothing: Everyone is assumed to be thin, even pregnant women! I was not overweight, but my stomach was so large that it was peeking out of large maternity shirts halfway through the pregnancy. Don’t resort to wearing your husband’s old t-shirts just because nothing at the store fits you. What’s wonderful about the style of clothes today (2006) is that long shirts are totally in fashion. I was accused of carrying twins during my second pregnancy, yet most of the clothes I wore were right out of the regular-sizes section! So if you can’t find something that fits you right in the maternity stores, go to a store like Target or Marshall’s and look for simple shirts that are long and form-flattering. And don’t be afraid to show your curves.
Choosing the right undergarments: Comfort is your goal here. Some women grow in bust size during pregnancy and most women do when their milk comes in, so finding the right maternity/nursing bra is very important. If you have already grown, consider buying one now. But take into account that you may be even fuller when your milk comes in. I did not fill out until after delivering, so I used my regular size until then. However, I did not wear underwire bras. Instead I wore lifting bandeau-style bras when at all possible. As for underwear, my favorite style was and is the mesh type. It is almost invisible under clothing, and is very forgiving.
About the photos: On May 12th, birthNetwork put on a maternity fashion show at the first-annual Midwives and Mothers Celebration ! I heard that they were looking for models for their show, so I signed up. I got to visit the very posh Bella Bellis maternity store in Birmingham, MI to get fitted for some awesome clothes. By the way, I am only five months pregnant here!