Clothing during pregnancy

Maternity clothes | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

beginning of content

3-minute read

Listen

As your baby bump grows, you may find yourself unable to fit into all your normal clothes. But there’s no need to buy a whole new wardrobe of maternity wear. These tips will help you look and feel good without blowing your budget.

When to start wearing maternity clothes

Most women can wear their normal clothes for most of the first trimester (3 months).

But you might need to consider a larger bra or looser fitting clothes for comfort during this time.

When you are around 4 or 5 months pregnant, you may have to start wearing larger clothes. Most women switch to maternity wear when they are about 6 months pregnant.

What you need

There are plenty of fashionable maternity clothes available. But it is not essential to invest large sums on money in a full wardrobe.

It is best to buy a few key items of clothing that you can mix and match. Consider the weather and changing seasons during your pregnancy. Remember that you will still be wearing some of your maternity clothes for a while after the birth.

Key items of clothing you may want to consider include:

maternity bra
comfortable cotton underwear
two pairs of well-cut maternity trousers, such as maternity leggings or jeans
a plain skirt or dress, such as a stretch jersey wrap dress
a maxi dress
a jacket
two maternity tops (empire line tops are more flattering)
one smart outfit
comfortable, flat shoes

It is possible to adapt some of your normal clothes through your pregnancy, such as longer tops, sweaters and cardigans. You can also buy a pregnancy belt to extend your regular jeans and pants.

Where to buy maternity clothes

Many large stores in Australia carry a maternity range. There are also plenty of specialist maternity shops. Shopping online or hiring clothes for a special occasion can help you save money.

How to choose a maternity bra

You do not have to wear a maternity bra during pregnancy. But for some women, especially those with larger breasts, a maternity bra can be more comfortable.

Breasts prepare for lactation (making breast milk) quite early in pregnancy and most changes to the breasts have finished by about 16 weeks. This is a good time to invest in a maternity bra, if you want to.

It is a good idea to be professionally fitted. A correctly fitted bra will support your breasts and make you more comfortable.

Underwire bras are not recommended during pregnancy or when you are breastfeeding. Your breasts will change in size and shape and the underwire may put pressure on your breasts. This can lead to an increased risk of a blocked milk ducts or mastitis. However, some maternity bras do have flexible low-gauge wire support that is less likely to cause problems. Some women find a sports bra is all they need.

Tips to save money

Buy large, cheap, stretchy t-shirts and vest tops.
Buy maternity clothes during the sales — think ahead to what the weather will be like when you need them.
Vary a basic outfit by accessorising with bags, jewellery, scarves and shoes.
Adapt your existing clothes by moving buttons, replacing elastic with a drawstring, or using a pregnancy belt.
Borrow clothes from your partner or from friends who have been pregnant.
Hold a clothes-swapping party.

Sources:

Australian Breastfeeding Association (Choosing a maternity bra), Babycenter Australia (Buying maternity clothes on a budget), What to Expect (The basics of maternity wear), Raising Children Network (19 weeks pregnant)

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2021

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.

Support this browser is being discontinued for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site

Internet Explorer 11 and lower

We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:

Chrome by Google
Firefox by Mozilla
Microsoft Edge
Safari by Apple

You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.

Types of Clothes, Do's & Don'ts

Home
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care

Pregnancy is a huge milestone – as a pregnant woman, you will be bringing a new life into this world. Pregnant women do everything in their power to make sure that their little ones are comfortable and taken care of. But, more often than not, mothers forget that they too, need to be taken care of and feel comfortable. If you’re pregnant, comfort should be on the top of the list because your body, as well as your mind, needs it for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Wearing the right clothes during pregnancy is not a luxury, but a necessity as it will keep you comfy while you grow. So, what should you wear during pregnancy? This article should help you get your pregnancy wardrobe in place. Let’s begin with why pregnant women need comfortable clothes.

Why Pregnant Women Should Wear Comfortable Clothes

Can clothes affect your health during pregnancy? Here are some reasons why you should wear comfortable clothing during pregnancy:

Your body changes drastically during pregnancy. So, you need to wear clothes that are not just comfortable, but appropriate for your growing body as well.
During pregnancy, your body is on high alert because of the drastic hormonal changes, which commonly lead to skin sensitivity, making your body prone to skin allergy and rashes. Wearing clothes made out of the right fabric is imperative if you want to avoid any type of skin irritation.
The first trimester of pregnancy is synonymous with nausea and vomiting for most women. Wearing uncomfortable clothes is not the wisest decision, as you’re just contributing to feeling worse. Clothes that are tight can cause heartburn and indigestion, which in turn can cause nausea and vomiting.
Going through nine months of pregnancy means you’ll be going through different seasons as well. A lot of pregnant women find summers too hot and winters too cold. Wearing cotton clothes during summer can keep you cool as the fabric absorbs sweat. Woollens, on the other hand, can keep you warm during winter.
The sleeping posture changes during pregnancy, especially during the final trimester. Loose, soft, and comfortable clothes, especially nightwear, help you get sound sleep and prep your body for the delivery.

Now you know that you need to focus on loose, soft, and comfortable clothing. But, what exactly can you wear, and how should you choose your clothes? Read on to know more.

What Types of Clothes You Should Wear During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can come in the way of your fashion statement, especially when your favourite pair of jeans and tops don’t come anywhere close to fitting you right. However, all hope is not lost, because you can still look like a million dollars and be comfortable as well. The tips given below will show you how.

Cotton is your best friend. Wear cotton clothes that are loose and breathable. Cotton helps absorb sweat and keeps you cool. Cotton also happens to be skin-friendly and helps you prevent skin rashes. You can look for
Go for pants or skirts that can be fastened with a drawstring, as opposed to those that have a belt or zipper. This way, you can adjust the clothing around your waist at your convenience. Drawstrings are easy on your skin too.
Wear clothes that provide ample support to your growing belly. You can choose from a range of maternity tops and bottoms that provide support to the baby bump. As the second trimester comes close, the belly expands and you might want to look for maternity leggings and jeggings that can provide extra support to the growing belly and is also comfortable.
With pregnancy, your waist and breasts increase in size. So, discard your old inners and get new ones that fit appropriately. You might want to invest in good quality nursing bras which will be useful post delivery too. Also, avoid wearing underwire or padded bras, as this can inhibit blood circulation, and in some cases, cause lumps due to fluid retention. You can look for Bella Mama’s collection of wireless maternity and nursing bras that provide absolute comfort and protection to the growing breasts.
Wraparounds are not just trendy and classy; they’re extremely comfortable as well. Invest in these, and team them up with tank tops or tunics.
You can wear clothes that have elastics, but make sure they aren’t too tight.
Frequent visits to the loo to urinate are common during pregnancy. Buy clothes keeping this in mind. You’ll find skirts and dresses extremely useful as they will make your life easy during the pregnancy term. Maternity nighties for home and maternity dresses for outside are good options. With the onset of the second trimester, maternity dresses come in handy with good room for the baby bump, flowy silhouettes, and smooth cloth texture.
Avoid unnatural fabrics like synthetics, elastin, chiffon, and georgette. Your hormones are on overdrive, owing to which you will sweat excessively. Wearing these materials will make it worse.
Wear clean clothes during pregnancy. The last thing you need is an infection or skin rash.
It’s not like you are going to stay at home during the whole pregnancy period. You would also want to go out, flaunt your baby bump and enjoy the pregnancy. Maternity kurtas, maternity tops and shirts, maxi dresses, loose shirts, gowns, tunics, and wraparounds are a few appropriate choices because they are easy to wear and comfortable too. Lookup for loose dresses to wear during pregnancy.

Things to Remember While Choosing Pregnancy Clothes

Here are some things you must remember before buying clothes during pregnancy.

Firstly, as mentioned above, your waistline grows in a matter of months during pregnancy. So, ensure you buy clothes that do not fit the current shape of the body. Always go for loose clothing in light fabrics.
You need to know what to wear during the summer. The hot weather and the drastic hormonal imbalances will cause excessive sweating. And, this is why investing in light coloured cotton clothes is a must. Summer is not the time for synthetic clothes at all as it can cause you to sweat more. Make sure your clothes don’t have heavy sequins work or embroidery on them unless you absolutely have to wear such clothes on special occasions.
During winters, use woollens to keep yourself warm. Your body is sensitive during pregnancy, and you’re taking care of both you and your child. The drop in the mercury level could lead to a cold or even flu during pregnancy. So, invest in soft woollen clothes, socks and gloves to keep yourself warm.
Another thing you need to keep in mind while shopping for pregnancy clothes is your budget. You can get thrifty and shop at the local store, but make sure that the clothes are of good quality.
Wear clothes that can be washed often as morning sickness and sweating will get them dirty in no time.

Pregnancy is not just about your baby; it is about you as well. The first step to taking care of your baby is to take care of yourself. Wearing the right set of clothes will keep you comfortable and will lead to a calmer and happier you, and a happier you means a happier baby.

Also Read:

How to Choose Right Bra During Pregnancy
How to Wear Saree during Pregnancy

Previous article « Whooping Cough in Babies

Next article 4 to 6 Months Old Baby Food Ideas »

how to dress and what to wear during pregnancy / School of Shopping

A long-awaited article about style and wardrobe for pregnant women. :-)

Dear girls, as a mother of two children, I tried to tell in detail about the features of the wardrobe for this wonderful period.

I hope you enjoy the article and find it useful!

How to dress during pregnancy?

A woman who is expecting a baby is especially beautiful. It is during this period that the qualities that are inherent in us by nature are especially clearly revealed. Femininity, charm, universal love overwhelm us. Of course, at this time we are faced with certain difficulties. One of these difficulties is our wardrobe, when we realize that most of the clothes with every month of pregnancy no longer fit us.

In this article, I will tell you how to stay stylish during the "interesting situation" period, as well as give practical advice on creating a functional wardrobe that will work for you after the baby is born.

Pregnancy wardrobe

When shaping your wardrobe, prioritize the basics. Choose a color, not a complex and decorative cut. Things sewn in a straight line sit on any figure, but various “complexities” interact poorly with volumes and bends. And volumes and curves for 9months, as you understand, will only increase :)

Your figure will noticeably change during pregnancy, so it is better to decorate it with clothes made of high-quality natural fabrics with a laconic cut. So you will feel comfortable.

And the color will help diversify your wardrobe and, accordingly, make the image interesting.

Also in the last few seasons, straight-cut and oversized items are in fashion. In such clothes you will look good before and after pregnancy!

You can buy these things in any clothing store. You don't even need to do shopping in maternity stores, which are famous for their unsympathetic assortment. Just stop paying attention to fitted clothes and you will see what a really large selection of clothes for this period you will find in the most ordinary and familiar stores!

From brands such as ASOS, ZARA, H&M and many more, including specialist brands, you'll find skirts and trousers with an elastic waistband that molds to your rounded tummy. It is very comfortable!

Avoid tight, inelastic fabrics. Since your body measurements are rapidly changing right now, these clothes are more likely to find a place on one of the shelves in your wardrobe marked “until better times” than in one of your looks.

When choosing clothes with a straight cut, do not overdo it and choose clothes that are too shapeless. Remember, the more you want to hide your pregnancy under plus size clothes, the bigger you will look in it.

If you still want to hide your "interesting position", then a few simple tricks will help you in the first stages of pregnancy.

Pay attention to blouses and knitwear that do not accentuate the waist. There are sooooo many such clothes in all brands. Just choose stores of the usual price category or look for the right things online.

Wear a straight-cut blazer or vest to hide the hint of a tummy.

Fitted blazers in an outdated style run the risk of feeling uncomfortable and giving away your position by emphasizing a rounded waist.

Please note that for safety you can wear the top over the skirt or trousers, ie. do not tuck it in, and throw a blazer or vest on top.

Dresses with a straight cut (cocoon or trumpet) also perfectly mask the first signs of a wonderful position.

Another important point that is relevant for many is whether or not to wear tight-fitting clothes during pregnancy. If you look at world stars, then during pregnancy they actively wear tight-fitting things, wanting to emphasize their rounded tummy.

We believe that slim fit will suit slim girls who did not gain extra weight during pregnancy. Only in this case, a knitted sheath dress will look beautiful on you, and you will tell the whole world about the upcoming event in your life, not forgetting your sense of style.

During pregnancy, you should also pay special attention to shoes. Everything is very individual! Someone runs on stilettos all the way to the hospital, and someone has swelling and “hello” uggs and ballet flats are 2 sizes larger.

From a medical point of view, choose shoes with low heels or flats and follow your doctor's advice.

Fortunately, "life without heels" is in vogue now. Sneakers, sneakers, loafers, boots - you can definitely choose a stylish and up-to-date option.

By the way, doctors do not recommend wearing ballet flats. From an orthopedic point of view, these are the wrong shoes. It will put extra pressure on your legs.

Don't forget the dresses. During this period, a knitted dress with a wrap, which you can wear after pregnancy, as well as a dress with a high waist and a loose fit, is perfect for you.

The knit or cashmere sweater dress is another practical piece that you can wear throughout your pregnancy. And, of course, a cocoon dress! In such options, you will be very comfortable.

If a dress code and a sweater dress are not an option in the office, then, again, straight-cut blouses or blouses with drapes, slightly loose shirts, comfortable skirts and trousers with an elastic waistband will come to your aid (it will not be visible under the top), smooth knitwear, blazers, cocoon dresses and wrap dresses.

If you're having a hard time finding blouses or dresses with sleeves, you can always throw a loose cardigan over your shoulders!

For important meetings, you can wear pumps with low heels, and you can store a pair of comfortable shoes under the table. :-)

In the cold season, you will be warmed by an elongated down jacket. Depending on the gestational age and your volumes, choose the appropriate size. Also, a coat made of soft cashmere, a model with a wrap, is perfect for you.

Slightly open, you can wear a straight-cut coat, but it's not very warm. Therefore, you do not need to choose fitted models, your tummy will not fit in them later!

It's funny, but many pregnant girls fit perfectly into their pre-pregnancy clothes throughout their pregnancy! During my first pregnancy, I wore my usual clothes, just tying the belt on coats and raincoats a little higher. During my second pregnancy, I gained more than 20 kg, and Kirill Gasilin's down jacket saved me in the cold. It is sold for many years in a row in each collection, only the colors change. Two length options. The down jacket looks like a huge plaid, it has a funny cut in the back area, but I tied it with a belt so that the back looked straight :-) Regular oversize coats from this brand are also ideal for pregnant women!

A similar but quieter model is available from Pepen.

Fashion and maternity clothes are compatible! Accessories will always help you create a stylish Total Look and draw attention to yourself.

A good bag, stylish glasses, watches, cozy scarves and stoles, hats - all this will help you to be irresistible and beat comfortable basic things in your wardrobe.

Holidays and celebrations are a great occasion to wear a high-waisted Empire style dress.

This is a wonderful period! I wish you to do without edema, stretch marks and toxicosis, enjoy every day and delight those around you with your appearance!

Remember that pregnant women are beautiful!

When I was "very pregnant", even from passing cars men shouted to me: "Sexy mama"! And it was funny, but damn nice:)))

I felt like an unreal beauty even with 20 extra pounds and a huge waist!

I wish you the same!

Have a pleasant and easy pregnancy, expectant mothers!

PHOTO - ASOS. RU

What clothes to wear for pregnant women - choosing the right clothes for expectant mothers

During pregnancy, you want to look your best and enjoy every day of this wonderful period. In order for the expectant mother to feel comfortable, it is important to choose the right wardrobe for her. Modern clothes for pregnant women are designed for comfortable walks around the city, special occasions and for everyday work. Jeans, sweaters, dresses, blouses and other wardrobe items are made taking into account the changes in the figure of the expectant mother.

When buying things for yourself during pregnancy, it is important to consider seasonality. For example, if the second or third trimester of pregnancy falls in the summer, it is worth buying sundresses, dresses, leggings and other light clothes that do not hinder movement, do not put pressure on the stomach and allow you not to give up your usual lifestyle. What else to consider when choosing clothes for pregnant women? Below we describe the main aspects.

How to choose clothes for pregnant women

A future mother's wardrobe should contain basic things that will become the "foundation" of all images. Basic clothing is characterized by:

simple cut;
discreet shades;
lack of decorative elements.

The base is made up of things that go well with each other. In this case, the base can be not only in black, white and beige shades, but also in other colors. For example, you can focus on pastel shades. The following items will become basic for a pregnant woman's wardrobe:

Plain blouses and turtlenecks. They can be worn with trousers, skirts, jeans and leggings. Such clothes are appropriate for both business and casual style. Loose and tight, they are great for any season. In the summer they can be worn as independent elements of images. In autumn and spring, they are complemented by a jacket, cardigan or raincoat. In winter, blouses and turtlenecks can be used in multi-layered looks.
T-shirts with long sleeves. Made of cotton, they are pleasant to the body, so a pregnant woman will be able to feel comfortable throughout the day. It is convenient to wear such clothes with windbreakers, vests, jackets and sweaters. You should buy at least one light and one dark T-shirt.
Sports dress in neutral color. It can be worn not only for walks in the park and at home, but also for photo shoots. Complementing this hooded dress with stylish sneakers, you can create a fashionable look that will definitely be appreciated by others.
T-shirts with short sleeves. Pay attention to monophonic models of an unusual cut. Asymmetric sleeves, a beautiful neckline, layering - all this makes ordinary T-shirts bright and noticeable.
Warm leggings. They can be worn with a skirt or shorts, or under jeans or trousers, so that the expectant mother feels even more comfortable on a cold winter day. The black model can be worn with all wardrobe items, including casual dresses.
Jeans for pregnant women. With an elastic band at the waist, they are perfect for all occasions. A properly selected model will not put pressure on the stomach, so you can go all day in such jeans without discomfort.

When the base is completed, you should think about buying outerwear. Jackets that are several sizes larger may not fit on the stomach if the last months of pregnancy are in the winter. It is best to pay attention to models with elastic inserts at the waist.

When shopping for maternity clothes, you should also consider:

Midi skirts. They look very feminine and elegant, emphasize the dignity of the figure. Such wardrobe items go well with sweaters, blouses, jackets, turtlenecks. The color of the skirt can be bright - wine, emerald, blue, turquoise, orange or, for example, lilac. Products made of dense materials can be worn not only in autumn, but also in winter, if you complement them with insulated leggings.
Sweatshirt, trousers or skirt suit. Sporty and warm option for outdoor activities. Parts of the costume can be worn separately from each other and combined with other things.
Bright blouses. A calm and simple look can be made more interesting by wearing a bright blouse. Do not be afraid of asymmetry, prints and stripes. With the help of such details, the image becomes individual and unlike others.
Knitted tight dresses. And although they can be uncomfortable in everyday life, they can be worn on a visit, for birthdays and for photo shoots. Such clothes allow you to emphasize the changes in the figure and focus on the rounded tummy.
Loose casual dresses. Oversized has been in fashion for several years now, so loose items do not surprise anyone now. In order not to feel limited in movements, you can choose just such models. Emphasizing the waist in this case is not necessary, but this can be done with a strap.
Summer trousers. These pants are characterized by a variety of elastic bands with which you can adjust the size and fix the pants on the hips or on the stomach. Lightweight and thin material that is used for this model allows the skin to breathe. Bloomers are the best maternity pants for the summer season. Such an unusual style looks very beautiful.
Sundresses. Today, free-cut models are in fashion. Sundresses with open shoulders and arms emphasize the beauty and sophistication of the female body. At the same time, the tummy, which is not tight, but only emphasized with the help of such a piece of clothing, also adds to the image of tenderness. Pregnant women usually prefer bright sundresses: yellow, blue, red, menthol.

When choosing things for a maternity wardrobe, it is best to select two or three colors that will go well with each other. This approach will allow you to create many images with a minimum number of things. The main rule is to carefully study the manufacturer's dimensional grid. Each store may have different sizes, so it's best to check this information every time. When placing an order in the Proud Mom online store for expectant and nursing mothers, you can measure your parameters once and focus on them in the future.

Also in our online store delivery with fitting is available, which allows you to make sure that the item will sit on the figure. If some clothes do not fit, you can immediately return it to the courier and do not pay for it. The only limitation is the time, the buyer gets up to 15 minutes to try on.

What clothes to wear for pregnant women in the early stages

In the first months, women may not know about pregnancy, since not everyone has symptoms of changes in the body, and the tummy is not growing yet. As long as the figure does not change, you can wear ordinary clothes. But to feel even more comfortable and confident, in the first trimester it is recommended to avoid:

very tight clothing that interferes with normal circulation;
items made of synthetic fabric;
clothes not suitable for the weather (it is better to dress a little warmer so as not to freeze and not to catch a cold).

Otherwise, you can not make special purchases until 10-12 weeks. When in the evening the stomach will increase (after meals), you can unbutton the top button on your trousers or skirt. If the first trimester of pregnancy falls on the warm season, you can walk in the usual dresses and sundresses. Models of dresses with a high waist and a loose skirt can be worn in the future. The only difference will be that due to the tummy, the clothes will rise a little higher.

You can also buy high-quality home clothes to comfortably do household chores, watch movies and just relax after working days. Pay attention to:

Nightgowns. Versatile sleepwear made of cotton fabric. The optimal composition for such a product is 95% cotton and 5% elastane. You should not buy too short models, as they will ride up during sleep. The best choice is to the knee or slightly higher.
Home dresses. Such solutions from manufacturers of maternity clothes allow girls to look great at home. Being in your apartment or in your house, it is very important to always stay on top. It's time to toss out your old T-shirts and stretchy-knee jeans. A woman can always afford to look beautiful and elegant, and home dresses during pregnancy are great for this.
Pajamas. Please yourself with clothes with bright and original colors. It is comfortable to sleep in cotton pajamas at any time of the year: this material allows air to pass through, allowing the skin to breathe, and retains heat. Cotton is very pleasant to the body, so sleeping in such pajamas will be comfortable.
Thermal underwear. Thermal t-shirts and thermal leggings will keep you warm even in winter. You can wear them under normal clothes and not worry about the air temperature dropping below zero. Thermal underwear from Proud Mom is made of Trevira material, which retains heat well. This polyester fabric has antibacterial properties, so wearing such products prevents skin irritation. Trevira effectively supports heat transfer, which makes this material the best for such products.

Pregnancy in the early stages may be accompanied by a slight weight loss due to toxicosis, so do not rush to say goodbye to those things that are a little tight for you at the moment. There might still be an opportunity to wear them.

How to hide a pregnant belly with clothes

Expecting a baby is a tremulous and very important period for all family members. At the same time, I want only the closest people to know about the pregnancy. A woman often does not seek to answer questions from acquaintances and once again attract attention to herself, so there is a desire to hide her pregnant belly while it is still possible. When deciding what clothes to wear during pregnancy, it is also worth considering whether it will allow you to hide a rounded tummy.

If you want to endure the intrigue longer and avoid unnecessary questions from others, you should buy clothes that will hide your belly for a few more months. You can choose from: