Updated at: 03-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

When is the best time to buy maternity clothing? What are the finest first-time-pregnancy maternity wear options? It’s all up to you what the answer will be! All of us have unique preferences, body types, and weights.

Choosing the ideal option for pregnant women can be difficult, if not overwhelming, because there are so many options to choose from.

Looking at photographs or even putting on last season’s ‘non-maternity’ apparel that fits in most areas is an excellent place to begin. Even if none of your present outfits work, buying a cheap blouse or dress from any store is an option if none of your current options do.

This is an excellent alternative to maternity clothing because it is less expensive, lighter, and more convenient to carry around. It also works well for all stages of pregnancy.

When should I start buying maternity clothes?

First Trimester

First 3 months of the diet may cause you to feel bloated or find that your physique hasn’t changed much at all. You may even find yourself questioning if your stomach is growing or if you ate too much for supper the night before when you look in the mirror. Take each day as it comes, and don’t worry about whether or not your pregnancy is “normal.” After all, what exactly does “normal” imply anyway?

When to Buy Maternity Clothes and What to Look For

Your pants are usually the first thing you’ll outgrow. A pair of leggings might be a nice place to start if you notice that your trousers’ waistbands are digging in as your waistline grows, but you aren’t quite ready for maternity pants. Another option for added support is a pregnant tee or tank with a fitted design. We’ve made our maternity tops longer so that they can be worn as a layering piece over shorter bottoms or undone pants.

Second Trimester

You’ll be able to tell when you’ve outgrown your bra by how much your boobs have grown during your pregnancy. Between 12 and 16 weeks and 29 and 32 weeks, most women need to be fitted for maternity bras. As soon as you get home from the store at night, shed those hard underwires! A softer underwire maternity bra is preferable to an unpadded bra during pregnancy.

OurHotmilk’s pregnancy bras come in a variety of attractive styles that are also excellent for nursing, thanks to the bras’ clip release straps.

If you’re looking for a nursing bra that feels like you’re wearing nothing at all, go no further than our Seamless Nursing Brais.

After about 13 to 16 weeks of pregnancy, you’re ready for maternity jeans that look like your regular jeans but have a different kind of waistband. We’ve got it all: skinny legs, boyfriend jeans, over-and-under-the-bump waistbands, bright and dark washes, distressed… We provide the widest selection of maternity jeans in the industry to meet the needs of every expecting mother. Maternity jeans are, shall we say, a bit of a thing for us.

Over-The-Bump

In other words, how do you go about finding a pair of jeans whose waistband is just appropriate for your body type? No other method is as effective as trying them both on and comparing the results. If you’re not used to wearing pants with a waistline that sits below your belly, you might want to consider an over-the-bump band. In those early months, you can flip down the waistband and wear it over your bump if you need more support. Alternatively, you can wear it over your bump if you want.

Under-The-Bump

Some women have an aversion to anything that makes them feel constricted around the midsection, such as a waistband covering their growing belly. In the event that this is the case, you’ll most likely want to choose for under-the-bump pants. To ensure a supportive and comfortable fit, the under-bump waistband sits low in the front and high across your back.

Our denim sale isn’t to be missed! If you buy two pairs of denim at the same time, you’ll save 50% on the second pair.

Third Trimester

This is the real deal! It’s time to start thinking about nursing gear. For those who have not yet given much attention to nursing, it is never too early to start investing in attire that will make feeding in public a little simpler! Did you know that our nursing tops may be worn throughout your entire pregnancy, not just when you’re nursing? Invisible zips and second layers mean that you can wear these styles at any time, and no one will know what’s happening on under that second layer.

Hospital here I come!

From 30 to 34 weeks, you’ll be reading lists of things to bring in your hospital bag for your baby. Keep in mind what you’ll require, mother.

After the birth of your child, you may need a little help to regain your self-confidence and get back into the gym. When you’re trying to get your midsection back into shape, our Recovery Compression Shorts and Recovery Compression Briefs can help.

When to buy maternity clothes: First trimester bridging the gap

To construct a maternity wardrobe, it’s a good idea to browse through your closet and see if there are any items that you can wear as your belly swells. Yoga trousers and casual skirts made of stretchy material are an excellent place to start, but the lower the rise, the more comfortable they are. Because it expands and may become painful, many women despise the sensation of anything touching their stomach. For a few weeks, empire-waisted dresses and blouses may be a good option for hiding a growing bump. In the early stages of pregnancy, you can wear fold-over yoga pants, long tank tops, wrap dresses, leggings, and tunics.

You can use a belly band if you can no longer button your jeans. They’re like a spandex belt that keeps your pants in place even when they’re undone. In the postpartum period, they are an excellent alternative to maternity clothing when conventional clothing is too small or uncomfortable.

You can get away with buying a size larger in loungewear and leggings, but a size or two larger will make you look like you’re swimming in your clothes in the majority of fashion designs!

Tips for finding fashionable maternity clothes inexpensively

For expectant mothers, there are many fashionable and flattering maternity outfits to choose from, unlike what some of our mothers had to wear! Creating a stylish maternity wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank.

You may be able to borrow many or all of the maternity garments you need from a friend or relative of your own size. Pregnant women who don’t wear the same pants size may both wear a M in maternity clothes because they are more forgiving.

When to Buy Maternity Clothes and What to Look For

Buying used maternity clothes is a great method to save money because they’re only worn for a few months at a time, and they’re more likely to be in style because women give away maternity clothes more often than regular clothing. Clothes for expectant mothers can be found at many children’s consignment shops. Swap.com, for example, may be of interest to you.

Maternity clothing can easily be found at internet auction sites like Ebay. These parcels will be sold as a whole for a single price. Many goods will be photographed by the seller, but not all of them. Maternity clothing can be found at fantastic prices even when you only like 80 percent of the items in the lot.

When it comes to maternity clothing, Old Navy is one of the best places to shop. Maternity clothes are easy to size (simply purchase your regular size in S, M, L, etc.) and usually fit a wide range of body types. You’ll probably need to buy them online.

Motherhood Maternity sells maternity items in-store and online, so you may try them on before you buy if you like. However, they are more expensive than Old Navy. During their sales, you’ll be able to save a lot of money.

Invest in some higher quality clothes

A few higher-quality maternity garments may be worthwhile if you anticipate having additional children. These include dresses that can be dressed up or down and made more comfortable with a sweater and leggings. It’s possible that you’ll end up spending less money in the long run by purchasing more expensive garments that will only last a few months after giving birth.

You may also want to consider investing in a few convertible pieces that can be worn both while pregnant and after the baby is born. From tank top to maxi dress, the Hipknoties are a one-size-fits-all piece of clothing that can be worn 30 various ways. Many pregnancy shirts double as nursing tops, so you can keep them for years if you want to.

When Do Most Women Start Wearing Maternity Clothes?

When Do You Wear Maternity Clothes?

Pregnant women often ask themselves, “When do I need maternity clothes?” Be aware that buying maternity clothes isn’t normally a top priority in the first trimester. Most women start thinking about maternity clothes or larger sizes soon after the first trimester. When you begin wearing maternity clothing, there are a few items to consider.

Size of the Growing Uterus

Preparing for maternity wear might be made easier if you are aware of the typical increase in uterine size.

  • During the first trimester, the uterus only reaches your pubic bone when you are 12 weeks pregnant.
  • About 2 inches above bone at 14 weeks.
  • At 16 weeks, the placenta is about midway between the pubic bone and the belly button.
  • It’s at the belly button at 20 weeks.
  • After 20 weeks your upper belly will progressively get bigger which will determine clothing style.

After 20 weeks your upper belly will progressively get bigger which will determine clothing style.

  • When you reach the 20-week mark, your upper belly will continue to grow, influencing your clothing choices.
  • The uterus is still not visible to others at 14 weeks, but you may begin to feel its presence in your lower belly. If it hasn’t happened already, your garments may start to tighten around your waist at this stage. Pregnant women often begin wearing maternity trousers at this point in their pregnancies because they are more comfortable and provide a better fit, making you appear pregnant rather than just gaining weight.
  • At around 16 weeks, some women begin to “show” as the uterus grows and additional fat deposits protrude. It is common for women to transition to larger clothing at this time.
  • Most women will be wearing maternity or looser-fitting clothing by the time they reach the 20-week mark.

Differences in Weight and Body Shape

Some women may not begin to feel uncomfortable in their pre-pregnancy clothes until after 16 weeks of pregnancy due to variances in body shapes, pre-pregnancy weight, and pre-pregnancy clothing designs.

Pregnant women’s bellies come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, just like they did previously. As a result of having a shorter belly, you may notice that your abdomen protrudes earlier.

The earlier you “show” depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and whether or not you tend to carry more weight around your belly. Pregnant women who are overweight are more likely to acquire weight because of their eating habits.

Weight Gain and Bloating

If your pre-pregnancy weight is normal or overweight, expect your clothes to get tighter before the second trimester if you acquire a lot of weight early in pregnancy. Pregnancy weight growth may be more important than the size of your uterus in determining when to buy new clothing.

  • The weight gain is also distributed differently among women. You may need maternity clothing based on the amount of fat you accumulate on your tummy during pregnancy.
  • First-trimester water retention can make it difficult for you to wear normal clothing because you can’t bear anything around your waist. Many women begin wearing maternity pants because of this.
  • Pregnant women may experience constipation and gas-related bloating due to the slowing effect of the progesterone hormone on the bowels. As a result, maternity clothing may be required as early as the first trimester.

Breast Growth

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

A higher cup size and larger bra size may be required before the end of the first trimester depending on the rate of growth. You may easily expand the breadth of your maternity bra by using numerous rows of hooks.

Number of Babies on Board

If you have more than one baby on board your uterus will be larger each week than if you have a single baby. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is possible that your clothes will become tighter and you will begin to show.

Primigravida vs Multigravida

If you have more than one baby on board your uterus will be larger each week than if you have a single baby. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is possible that your clothes will become tighter and you will begin to show.

Morning Sickness

If you have more than one baby on board your uterus will be larger each week than if you have a single baby. It is likely that your clothes may begin to get tighter earlier and you will begin to show sooner.

Maternity Clothes and Sizes

Having more than one child means your uterus will grow larger each week than with only one. It is likely that your clothes will begin to get tighter and you will begin to show earlier.

Depending on how much weight you’ve gained, you may need to go up a size or two after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Professional attire as well as evening and formal wear are also available in pregnancy versions.

Alternatives to Maternity Clothes

For whatever reason, some women aren’t ready to start wearing maternity clothes until much later in their pregnancy. Pregnant women may opt to wear regular clothing that is a size or two larger or more loosely during their entire pregnancy. First trimester through term, there are several styles that may adapt to altering sizing demands. These include:

  • Flaring from the top, A-line dresses
  • Dresses with an empire waist that aren’t tight at the waist
  • Intricately pleated dresses that widen at the hips.
  • Sheath dresses made of flexible fabric that cinches in at the waist are on trend this season.
  • The elasticized waist of stretchy pants or skirts 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 regular clothing.
  • In the first trimester, oversized shirts can support the increasing breast size, and they are also a smart alternative for the second and third trimesters.
  • In the late second and third trimester, flared, billowy shirts will be ideal for both your expanding breasts and stomach.

Deciding When to Start Buying Maternity clothes

Depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and body shape, your developing uterus and breasts, and your pregnancy weight gain, you may decide when to begin wearing maternity clothing (or not). Choosing when to start and what to wear based on how comfortable you feel in your clothes during your pregnancy is a sound strategy.

FAQs

Is 9 weeks too early for maternity clothes?

When a woman is pregnant for the first time, the bump sometimes takes longer to ‘pop’ than in future pregnancies.” Even in the early stages of pregnancy, it’s common for first-time mothers to get thrilled about being pregnant and showing off their bumps. During the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy, resist the impulse to start shopping for maternity apparel.

Is 6 weeks too early for maternity clothes?

Most women don’t start showing signs of pregnancy until they are between 12 and 18 weeks into their pregnancy, so you can shop for maternity apparel whenever you’re ready.

Is 14 weeks too early for maternity clothes?

It’s possible that your belly will expand around 14 weeks of pregnancy, but most women don’t start displaying until around 16 weeks. The majority of pregnant women will be wearing maternity or at least loose-fitting clothing by the 20th week of pregnancy.

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. Pregnant women typically wear a size small. Similarly, a regular 6 or 28 is similar to a maternity 6 or 28 when it comes to numbered sizes, as you might expect.

Should I buy maternity clothes or just bigger sizes?

What’s the most important piece of advice you can give? During your entire pregnancy, wear clothes that are one or two sizes larger than what you are now wearing. For women who have not yet returned to their pre-baby sizes following their pregnancies, these pieces can be excellent transitional pieces. As your belly grows, you should wear low-rise jeans.

When to Buy Maternity Clothes and What to Look For

What should I wear for a maternity photoshoot?

Keep in mind that most maternity sessions take place outside, so plan accordingly. Make sure you wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable during the photo shoot.

Anything too tight could make it difficult to capture your expanding belly in a flattering light. The majority of maternity photo shoots take place after 36 weeks of pregnancy, so if you can, try to wear things you already own (if they fit).

Props like scarves and caps, as well as goods like blankets, are perfect for shots but not always practical in the outdoors, where the wind may blow them around, can be used now.

Wear light colors with light backdrops and darker colors with dark when choosing an outfit. Bring some running shoes or yoga gear with you for your maternity photoshoots, but don’t wear them too snugly, since they could cause discomfort.

What week is best for maternity photos?

Maternity images look their finest in the morning light. Everyone may benefit from this, since it gives you a gorgeous golden glow from the sun and provides soft light on your face.

The parks and other gorgeous sites where we hold our photo shoots are less crowded during the off-season, so there’s less danger of someone coming into one of your pictures unexpectedly.

Are 30 weeks too early for maternity pictures?

It’s true, of course. When it comes to maternity photos, many photographers will not begin taking them until you are at least 28 weeks pregnant. When the bulge is big enough, you’ll be able to see how beautiful your pregnancy can be! While 30 weeks may be doable for some women, I don’t believe it is for everyone, especially those who are tiny or have shorter torsos.

During the first few months of pregnancy, you should contact with your doctor before commencing any kind of exercise regimen, since blood pressure changes and other factors could have a significant impact on your health.

Pregnancy weight gain is typically between 20 and 30 pounds, so being further along in the third trimester means less time to shed the baby pounds, which may leave mommy feeling shortchanged.

Even though I’m only 5’2″, my growing belly was already impeding my ability to tie my shoes or reach high shelves when I was 32 weeks pregnant.

The truth is that your physique can alter considerably depending on when your child is developing, even if you are tall and think, “oh she looks so large.” My experience with this pregnancy has taught me that no two women are same.

Can I get fired for missing work due to pregnancy?

Even if you are unable to report to work due to your pregnancy, employers are unlikely to fire you for this reason alone.

If the absence is the result of a pregnancy-related disease or illness, there may be some exclusions (or prior). If this were the case, and you were off from work for an extended period of time without your doctor’s approval, you may be fired.

How long you’ve worked for them/how well they know about your medical condition could also play a role.

So if you’re fired from your job for taking undocumented pregnant leave, investigate your state’s rules so you may fight back! Ask yourself, “Is my employment covered by the law?” So, there’s no need to be alarmed.

How does FMLA work for pregnancy?

Because FMLA classifies pregnancy as a disability, employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during this time. Before or after the birth of the baby, this time off might be utilized. Get in touch with your company’s human resources department right away if you have any further questions about FMLA and pregnancy.

How does FMLA work for maternity?

Under California’s Paid Family Leave Program, a new mother who has worked for at least one year and 1350 hours in the previous year is entitled to six weeks of paid medical leave (CFRA).

In order to be eligible for CFRA maternity benefits after returning from a pregnancy-related disability leave, the employee must take at least two weeks off in a row.

What happens if I’m adopting a child?

CFRA grants up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave to employees who have worked at least 30 days in the previous year.