Updated at: 22-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Other times, the doctor discovers that a woman is pregnant before she does; for these folks it is an unexpected event. When did you first start wearing maternity clothes for the duration of your pregnancy? There is a sense of anticipation and joy that comes with becoming a parent throughout the first few months of a woman’s pregnancy.

Even if you know that you’ll be able to take maternity leave from work, it can still be a nerve-wracking period. In this section, we’ll talk about how long most women’s pregnancies endure and when they normally start wearing maternity apparel!

Around four months during their pregnancy, most women begin dressing in maternity gear. Some women may need to wear them earlier in their pregnancy because of weight gain or other difficulties.

As a result, many doctors advise pregnant women to purchase one piece of maternity apparel at three months gestation to avoid stretch marks from emerging before they are able to purchase more garments later on.

Maternity apparel may not be necessary for most expectant moms until they reach the four-month mark of their pregnancy, when their bellies begin to swell.

When Did You Start Wearing Maternity Clothes During Pregnancy?

Most women begin wearing maternity clothing when they begin to experience discomfort in their regular clothing. What stage in the pregnancy this will be is based on your individual needs and clothing style preferences.

When Do You Need To Start Wearing Maternity Clothes? A Guide - Krostrade

Many expectant mothers begin wearing maternity clothing as soon as they notice discomfort in their regular clothing. Which trimester you’ll be at depends on your specific requirements and style preferences when it comes to prenatal wear.

Size Of The Growing Uterus

A woman’s uterus is the only organ that will continue to expand throughout her lifetime. It is important to know the typical phases of growth of the uterus during pregnancy so that you can determine where you are and what is most comfortable for you. An in-depth breakdown of the normal positions of your reproductive organs is provided here.

  • When you’re 12 weeks pregnant, the uterus is right above your pubic bone.
  • About 2 inches above bone height is reached at 14 weeks.
  • At 16 weeks, the placenta is about midway between the pubic bone and the belly button.
  • At 20 weeks, your belly button is where it should be.
  • After the first 20 weeks, your upper tummy will continue to grow, and this will influence your clothing choices.

Consider the following as your uterus expands.

  • Pregnancy-related fat deposition on the abdomen can begin as early as the first trimester, which can cause your clothes to become uncomfortable and your belly to round and protrude somewhat.
  • You may begin to feel the uterus in your lower belly at 14 weeks, although it may not be visible to others. You may notice that your ordinary clothing is becoming more snug around your waist. Maternity pants are commonly worn during this time since they are more comfortable and allow you to seem pregnant, rather than gaining weight.
  • However, some women don’t begin to show until around 16 weeks, as the uterus grows and excess fat deposits push the belly outwards from the expanding organ. Maternity clothing is a common transition for many women.
  • Most women will be wearing maternity attire by the time they reach the 20-week mark.

Differences In Weight And Body Shape

There are a variety of factors that can delay the onset of pregnant discomfort, including variances in body types, pre-pregnancy weights, and pre-pregnancy maternity clothing designs. Pregnant women’s bellies, like their pregnancies, come in diverse forms and sizes.

Shorter women may notice that their abdomens protrude earlier because of their shorter torsos, whereas heavier women may not show as early as someone with a smaller torso if they are overweight or carry extra weight around their abdominal.

However, pregnant women who are overweight are more likely to acquire weight than those who are slim because of their eating habits. Therefore, knowing your body type will aid you predict the changes it will go through, although you’re bound to get some surprises along the way.

Bloating And Weight Gain

Some women acquire more weight during pregnancy than others, regardless of their pre-pregnancy weight. You can anticipate to see your clothes becoming tighter before the second trimester, regardless of whether or not your pre-pregnancy weight is typical.

Pregnancy weight growth, rather than the size of your uterus, may be the decisive factor in whether to buy new clothing.

  • The way in which a woman’s weight increase is distributed differs from one woman to the next. Women who gain more weight around their midsection than others during pregnancy may find that they require maternity clothing.
  • If you acquire a lot of water weight during pregnancy, you may have trouble fitting into your regular clothes as early as the first trimester. Many women begin wearing maternity trousers for this reason.
  • Progesterone, a female hormone, slows down the bowels during pregnancy, causing women to become constipated and bloated. As a result, you may need to start wearing maternity clothing during your first trimester.

Breast Growth

Your breasts expand in tandem with the expansion of your uterus. When estrogen and progesterone levels in your body are elevated, your breasts will become heavier and larger.

From the first trimester on, you may need larger cup and bra sizes, as well as larger tops, depending on the rate at which your breasts grow. It’s fortunate that maternity bras come with many rows of hooks that may be used to widen the bra as your chest grows.

Number Of Babies On Board

If you’re carrying more than one child, your uterus will grow larger each week than if you’re carrying just one. It’s normal to expect your clothes to tighten up and your skin to show earlier than usual.

Maternity Clothes Have Always Been Complicated - Vox

Primigravida Vs Multigravida

There are no two pregnancies alike. After having a second child, you may acquire more or less weight than you did during your first pregnancy (multigravida) (primigravida). You may require maternity clothing sooner or later than if you were pregnant for the first time, so plan ahead and be prepared.

Morning Sickness

A severe form of morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum, can cause significant weight loss in the first trimester. The necessity for maternity clothing may arise later in the second trimester due to a smaller belly.

Maternity Clothes And Sizes

Pregnancy clothes come in larger sizes to accommodate an expanding belly. Non-pregnant sizes tend to be the norm. If you normally wear a size 8 in clothing, you can expect to wear the same size during pregnancy unless you gain a significant amount of weight.

You may need to go up a size when your uterus reaches a height of 20 weeks, depending on your weight gain.

There are, however, a wide range of maternity designs to pick from, including business attire as well as evening wear and formal attire.

Alternatives To Maternity Clothes

In the first trimester of pregnancy, some women are unable to wear maternity clothing for one or more reasons. However, some women prefer to wear regular clothes that are a size or two larger or more loosely during their pregnancies rather than maternity gear. From the first trimester to term, there are a number of styles that can aid with altering sizing needs, such as:

  • Flaring A-line dresses at the top.
  • Dresses with an empire waist that are not fitting at the waist.
  • Dresses with a flared waist and pleats.
  • Flowy, sleeveless sheath dresses with an elastic waistband.
  • Pants or skirts with an elasticized waist, in instance, can be worn around, below or above the waist, depending on the situation.
  • In the late second and third trimester, you should go up a size or more in your non-maternity clothing.
  • In the first trimester, oversized shirts can be worn to accommodate larger breasts, and they’re also a smart option for the second and third trimesters.
  • In the latter half of the second trimester, and especially in the third, loose, billowy clothes will be more accommodating to your expanding bust and belly.

Pregnant women may now choose from a variety of stylish and flattering maternity clothes, unlike what some of our mothers had to wear. Here are some money-saving suggestions to help you construct a beautiful maternity wardrobe.

Borrow From A Friend

Is there anyone in your family or circle of friends who is about your height? There is no limit on how many or how few maternity clothing you can borrow from us. It’s easier to find maternity clothes that fit, even if you and your partner aren’t exactly the same size in jeans.

Buy Used

It is common for maternity apparel to be in good shape because it is only worn for a short period of time and because people tend to give away maternity clothes more frequently than regular clothing because they are more likely to be fashionable.

Buy Items That Grow With You

When it comes to shopping for maternity wear, keep in mind that your current size may not match your expected postpartum size. Because your body changes throughout pregnancy, make sure you buy maternity clothing that can expand with you. At the end of the day, you don’t want to buy a bunch of jeans at 20 weeks just to have to buy more at 30 weeks. Choose materials that will expand and stretch with your body weight and size.

Ebay

You may find a wide variety of maternity clothing on eBay and other online auction sites. All of the properties are sold for the same price. Some but not all of the things are photographed by the vendor in this case. So even if you dislike 20% of the options, you’re likely to save money in the long run.

Old Navy

Old Navy is a good place to browse for affordable maternity clothing as well. If you’re looking to buy maternity clothing online, you’ll have to do so, but don’t panic; most maternity garments are easy to size and can suit a wide range of body types.

When Should You Start Shopping For Maternity Clothes?

First Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant for the first time are normally ready to wear maternity clothing around 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. It’s crucial to keep in mind that every woman is unique, and that a variety of factors can influence when you’ll need to shop for maternity wear. The following should be kept in mind:

  • If you require maternity clothes earlier in your pregnancy, that’s not a negative thing! It’s far more vital to feel at ease than it is to show up on time for a date in your regular clothing. In addition, if you’re one of the rare women who never use them, you don’t have to worry about it.
  • Maternity clothing will certainly be needed sooner if you are pregnant with multiples.
  • If you already have a few loose-fitting pieces in your collection, you may be able to put off the transition to maternity wear for a while longer.

As you enter your second trimester (14 weeks), it’s a good idea to stock up on some essential maternity items so that you’re ready when the time comes.

Second Pregnancy

The second and subsequent pregnancies typically necessitate the use of maternity clothing far earlier than the first. Having previously stretched your abdominal muscles once, your baby bump will appear sooner than if you hadn’t done so. Between the middle and the end of your first trimester, between 8 and 12 weeks, you may find yourself needing maternity clothing.

If you’ve had a previous pregnancy, you may already have some maternity clothes from that time. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind while selecting whether or not to purchase new maternity wear.

  • There is no one-size-fits-all pregnancy – It’s possible that some women’s bodies carry their infants the same way each time they get pregnant, but for others, things can be quite different. When you’re pregnant for the second time, you may notice that your baby bump is either higher or lower than when you were pregnant the first time around.
  • Due dates vary from year to year, so your pregnancy wardrobe can require some adjustments depending on the season.
  • When it comes to maternity clothing, even if you already have everything you need, adding a few new pieces is an easy way to add some fun to your pregnancy.

To avoid disappointment in your second pregnancy, it’s important not to put too much pressure on yourself. Most of your new clothes don’t need to be purchased right away if you have a few essentials. From here, it’s much easier to see what you have and what doesn’t.

When do your pants start to feel tight when you’re pregnant?

Even if this is your first pregnancy, you may notice that your clothes are getting tighter sooner than you expect. Early pregnancy bloating can be caused by hormonal changes. In particular, this might lead to discomfort in jeans that you may not expect.

When should you stop wearing pre-pregnancy jeans?

It’s time to pack up your pre-pregnancy jeans as soon as they become uncomfortable! There’s no need to add to the discomforts of pregnancy by wearing jeans that no longer fit you, even if they are a beautiful wonder.

Pregnancy jeans can be just as stylish as your usual pair, but they’re designed to be far more comfortable for you and your growing baby bump. Most pregnant women will need to buy at least one pair of maternity jeans during their pregnancy, and they should be one of the first items on your list when you begin shopping for maternity wear.

What To Do In Early Pregnancy If Pregnancy Clothes Don’t Fit?

As your bump grows during pregnancy, you’ll likely find that you’re in need of maternity clothing, but you’re not quite big enough to fit into most of your pre-baby outfits. The following are some pointers to help you get through those last few weeks of transition while still looking and feeling your best:

  • Make the transition to maternity trousers easier by using a belly band – Belly bands, like the Bellaband, are a terrific way to shift from your usual pants. The top portion of your jeans are held in place by belly bands that glide over your abdomen. If your usual pants are unbuttoned, you won’t have to worry about them falling down or exposing your tummy. Despite the fact that it may sound unusual, it’s actually rather cozy! Wearing a cami under the belly band of your pants can help prevent the zipper from chafing your skin.
  • Decide on your preferred look – You can cover your increasing baby bulge by wearing shirts that aren’t too clingy, such as flowy or bulky ones that aren’t too tight.
  • When you’re pregnant, it’s best to keep your tummy disguised by layering vests and cardigans over top of your maternity clothes.

It’s important to look your best, but if nothing fits for a few days, don’t worry about it too much. The most crucial thing to remember is that you are creating and nurturing a brand new life within your own body. When you hold your baby in your arms, you’ll likely forget about your pregnancy wardrobe woes.

Tips for Buying Maternity Clothes

Don’t start shopping too early!

As soon as you learn that you’re expecting a baby, it may be tempting to go on a shopping spree. You may not know how your body will alter throughout pregnancy until you see your bump. Despite the fact that many things and companies claim to be based on your pre-pregnancy size, women’s bodies vary in a variety of ways during their pregnancies. In addition to your growing baby bulge, you may also see significant increase in your chest and hips, which can have an impact on how well your clothes fit.

Maternity outfits you can make with regular clothes | BabyCenter

Plan for returns

It’s not a bad idea to have a few things ready to go when you start shopping. Consider keeping receipts in case you buy anything that doesn’t fit quite properly when you get it home.

Maternity clothing in-store selections are sometimes smaller than those available online, which makes internet buying more enticing. Check if free return shipping is available to avoid incurring further fees. Unless the store where you’re purchasing from offers free returns, Amazon is a good place to look if you’re looking for Motherhood Maternity products and other maternity wear.

Keep it simple

Pregnant women should focus on a few pairs of high-quality slacks or jeans and plenty of t-shirts that can be layered with sweaters and coats as needed. While it’s wonderful to have a few “special” items, it can quickly become tiresome to wear them all the time if they are not extremely adaptable.

Accessorize

By accessorizing, you can transform your pregnancy attire into something more fashionable! To make things even better, you don’t even have to buy anything new. Keep in mind what accessories you currently own when shopping for maternity clothing. This will help you prepare correctly.

FAQs

How far along did you start wearing maternity clothes?

Women who are pregnant for the first time are normally ready to wear maternity clothing around 16-20 weeks of pregnancy.

Is it too early to wear maternity clothes?

Pregnancy clothes are typically needed in the third to fourth month, although it’s best to go by how your usual clothes fit…. There are a number of reasons why it’s best to stock up on maternity clothing early on, including the fact that you are less likely to end up with something that’s either overpriced or unappealing.

Is 15 weeks too early for maternity clothes?

Otherwise, you can shop for maternity apparel whenever you choose, although most women begin to show around 12 to 18 weeks of pregnancy, which is when most of them will need to start wearing them for the duration of their pregnancies.

Is 9 weeks too early to wear maternity clothes?

The bulge “pops” a little later in first pregnancies than in subsequent pregnancies.” Even in the early stages of pregnancy, it’s common for first-time moms to get thrilled about being pregnant and showing off your bump. In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, resist the temptation to buy maternity clothing.

How many pant sizes do you go up when pregnant?

Sizes in maternity apparel are the same as those in non-maternity clothing, so you’ll be the same size in both. You’ll be a maternity small if you’re ordinarily a small. Similarly, a regular 6 or 28 is similar to a maternity 6 or 28 when it comes to numbered sizes, as you’d expect.

What should I wear at 12 weeks pregnant?

It’s a good idea to invest in a stretchy cotton shirt at 12 weeks. Having a T-shirt dress is a great option because it’s flexible enough to grow with you as your hormones change. If you’re looking for a casual appearance for the weekend, wear your stretch dress with simple sneakers and a denim jacket.

When did you start wearing a belly band?

In the early months of pregnancy, when a woman needs less support, belly bands are most commonly worn. However, women can also use belly bands during the postpartum months as they readjust to their prepregnancy clothing.

What week do you start showing?

Pregnant ladies are more likely to choose for belly bands because they don’t require as much support at that time. However, postpartum women can also utilize belly bands to help them transition back into their pre-pregnancy clothes.

What should I wear at 4 months pregnant?

For the most of the first trimester, most women can get away with wearing regular clothes (3 months). For this reason, you may choose to wear looser-fitting garments or a larger bra. In the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, you may begin to wear larger clothing.

Should my pants be tight at 9 weeks?

The fact that you may still lack a baby bump doesn’t mean that you aren’t showing. This is the time of year when your slim pants can be becoming a little snug! Pregnancy symptoms in the ninth week are no different than those you’ve been experiencing for the most of your first trimester.

When should I buy a pregnancy pillow?

You don’t have to use a pregnant pillow at a specific time. When it becomes increasingly difficult to move around in your sleep, it’s time to start utilizing one of them. Around week 20 is when your belly starts to expand for the majority of women.

When should you start wearing maternity bras?

Three months into your pregnancy is the ideal time to get your first maternity bra adjusted, according to most experts.

How are maternity jeans supposed to fit?

Comfortable but firm pregnancy jeans are what you should be looking for. You should not feel any pressure on your tummy, but you should also not feel like you’re going to fall over. Compared to regular jeans, most maternity jeans have a higher percentage of stretch in their fabric, making them more comfortable!

Where can I buy maternity scrubs?

Many places sell maternity scrubs. maternity shops and clothing retailers sell them online and in-store. It’s also possible to receive your scrubs for free by borrowing them from a friend who has extra scrub tops following the birth of her child.

If you don’t want to buy new ones, second-hand stores are an alternative that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective!

How do you turn scrub pants into maternity?

The adjustable waistline of most scrub trousers can easily be replaced with a pregnant version. You can save money by doing this, but keep in mind that it will take some time to get used to, so don’t try it in a pinch when there aren’t any other options.

Because some women just wear their previous scrubs when they know their pregnancy won’t last for long or if they want something different from what is already in their closet, it’s crucial to think about how much use these maternity scrubs will get. If you don’t plan on wearing the scrubs you’ve converted very often, you should just get new ones!

What happens if I do not have maternity scrubs and I need them?

Because some women only wear their old clothes when they know their pregnancy won’t last for long or if they want something different from what is already in their closet, it’s crucial to think about how often these converted maternity things will be worn after they’ve been converted. If you intend to wear your scrubs frequently, you should simply purchase new ones!

There are many reasons why someone would need to convert from ordinary pants and skirts to maternity, so do this adjustment when it is most convenient for you.

When it comes to purchasing converted scrubs, the price ranges from $30 to $60. If you wish to have a wider range of options to choose from, you can purchase them in most maternity stores or online sellers like Amazon.

In order to make maternity scrub pants, all that is required is the addition of elastic bands on both sides of where the original waistband was located, making it possible for those who want to save money but still have something functional rather than discarding perfectly good clothing just because it no longer fits!

Pregnant women will have plenty of time to wear maternity pants during each of the three trimesters of their pregnancy.

How many maternity outfits do I need?

You don’t want to spend a lot of money on maternity clothes that you won’t wear. Pregnant women often only require three pairs of pants and five tops. If you wear jeans more often than sweatpants or skirts more often than dresses, your mileage may vary.

How do I look attractive during my pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant, you can still look good because maternity clothes has come a long way and can be really fashionable. To avoid spending money on maternity clothing, allow yourself some additional time in the morning to get ready so that you feel confident. Some of your favorite outfits may also be available in bigger sizes.

What can you do if the maternity belt doesn’t fit right?

It won’t be a problem at all! There’s no perfect or ‘proper’ way to do it, but you can make some additional money by selling old clothes that don’t fit.

How long is maternity leave in Estonia?

The average length of maternity leave in Estonia is six months.

Wind Up

Keep in mind that your pre-pregnancy weight, your body shape, your expanding uterus and breasts, and your pregnancy weight increase are some of the key influences on when you might choose to start wearing maternity garments.

Pregnancy comfort is an important factor to consider when deciding whether to start wearing maternity clothes and what to wear while you’re pregnant. Despite this, it’s a good idea to start shopping for maternity clothes as soon as possible so that you don’t end up buying something that’s too expensive or unsightly just because you need it.

This article “When did you begin wearing maternity clothes?” was beneficial to you. You can tell us in the comments area below and also if you know any pregnant women who might benefit from this information. Please distribute this information to your colleagues and friends.