Updated at: 07-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Oh my gosh, sweetie! A big congrats on your impending pregnancies. It’s an exciting time, with a lot of important milestones to celebrate. There are a lot of exciting times ahead, from finding out you’re pregnant to meeting your unborn child. Everyone’s decision on when to buy maternity clothing will be unique. You’re wondering if now is the right moment for you to buy. The possibilities are endless, so don’t worry.

The way you carry, your preferences, and whether or not this is your first pregnancy all play a role in determining when you should start wearing maternity apparel. As early as the first trimester, some women begin shopping for maternity clothes. For some, the wait begins with the first glimpse of a growing belly. When it’s time to buy maternity apparel, the most crucial considerations are ease of wear and proper fit. In the end, what we’re all about is finding something that makes you feel good about yourself. A coherent maternity outfit can be built by breaking down what and when you’ll need throughout your pregnancy. As a result, now is the perfect time to finish decorating your home in anticipation of your upcoming arrival.

When Do You Wear Maternity Clothes?

“When do I need maternity clothes?” is the question you should be asking yourself. Be aware that maternity clothing isn’t normally a big deal when you’re pregnant. Most women begin to consider maternity or plus-size clothing shortly after the first trimester. When you should start wearing maternity clothes depends on a variety of circumstances.

When Do Most Women Start Wearing Maternity Clothes? | LoveToKnow

Size of the Growing Uterus

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

  • When you’re 12 weeks pregnant, the uterus is right above your pubic bone.
  • About 2 inches above bone at 14 weeks old.
  • 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.
  • Clothing style will change after 20 weeks because of an increase in your upper stomach.

Think about the following things as your uterus expands:

  • Natural fat deposition begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, so expect to see your tummy sag and protrude a little and your clothes become uncomfortable.
  • The uterus is still not visible to others at 14 weeks, but you may begin to feel its presence in your lower belly. It’s possible that your garments will begin to squeeze around your waist at this time. 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. During this time, many women will purchase pregnancy or plus-size clothing.
  • 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. Because of your shorter belly, if you’re tall, you may notice that your abdomen protrudes earlier than usual.

You may not “show” as early if you are overweight or obese before pregnancy, or if you have a tendency to carry more weight around your tummy. Overweight women, on the other hand, are more likely than slimmer women to gain weight while pregnant.

Weight Gain and Bloating

It doesn’t matter whether you were healthy before getting pregnant or overweight; if you gain a lot of weight in the first trimester, be prepared for your clothes to get tighter. Pregnancy weight growth may be more important than the size of your uterus in determining when to buy new clothing.

  • Weight gain occurs in a variety of ways for different women. Pregnancy fat distribution differs from woman to woman, and this can influence whether or not you need maternity clothing.
  • During the first trimester, if you gain weight due to water retention, you may find that you are unable to wear standard clothing due to discomfort in the midsection. Pregnancy is a common trigger for women to don maternity trousers.
  • Progesterone, a hormone produced by the uterus during pregnancy, slows down the bowels, resulting in constipation and gas. 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 larger and heavier.

From the first trimester onward, you may need gradually larger bra and cup sizes, as well as larger tops, depending on the rate of expansion. You may easily expand the breadth of your maternity bra by using numerous rows of hooks.

Number of Babies on Board

Each week, your uterus will become larger if you have more than one kid on board. You should expect your clothes to get tighter and you’ll start showing sooner rather than later.

10 best places to buy maternity clothes online: PinkBlush, Nordstrom, and more - Reviewed

Primigravida vs Multigravida

Pregnancy is a one-of-a-kind event. Following your first pregnancy, you may gain more or less weight in subsequent pregnancies (multigravida) (primigravida). Even if your first pregnancy “shows” later than your subsequent pregnancies, you should be ready for the possibility that you will need maternity clothing sooner or later than your previous ones.

Morning Sickness

Weight loss can occur early in the first trimester as a result of morning sickness or its crueler sibling, hyperemesis gravidarum. There may be less fat in the belly, which means that maternity clothing may not be needed until the second trimester.

Maternity Clothes and Sizes

As the baby grows, so does the size of the maternity wardrobe. In general, the sizes correspond to those of non-pregnant women. So, unless you acquire a significant amount of weight during pregnancy, if you normally wear a size 8, you may anticipate wearing the same size during your pregnancy.

Depending on your weight increase after 20 weeks, you may need to go up a size or two in your clothing.

In addition to business attire and formal attire, there are a variety of pregnancy styles to pick from.

Alternatives to Maternity Clothes

Maternity clothing may not be ready for some women until later in the first trimester for a variety of reasons. Some expectant mothers prefer to wear larger or looser regular clothing rather than maternity clothing during their pregnancy. There are some styles that can meet a pregnant woman’s fluctuating size needs throughout her pregnancy, such as:

  • Flaring from the top, A-line dresses
  • An empire-waisted dress with a looser silhouette at the waist
  • Dresses with pleats around the waistline
  • Sheath dresses made of flexible fabric that cinches in at the waist are on trend this season.
  • Pants or skirts with an elasticized waist, in instance, can be worn in a variety of ways depending on the situation.
  • Late in the second and early in the third trimester, go up a size or two in your non-maternity 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 latter half of the second trimester, and especially in the third, loose, billowy clothes will be more accommodating to your expanding bust and belly.

Deciding When to Start Buying Maternity clothes

Your pre-pregnancy weight, body shape, expanding uterus and breasts, and the amount of weight you acquire during pregnancy are all important considerations when deciding whether or not you should begin wearing maternity clothing. (or not). The more comfortable you feel in your clothes, the more equipped you’ll be to make your own decisions about when to start and what to wear during your pregnancy.

FAQs

When to start wearing maternity clothes

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. When a woman is six months pregnant, she typically begins wearing maternity clothing.

What you need

There are a number of trendy maternity wear options out there. However, a well-stocked wardrobe does not necessitate a significant financial outlay.

A few key pieces of apparel that can be mixed and matched is the greatest strategy. Pregnant women should keep an eye on the weather and the changing seasons to help prepare. Wearing your pregnancy clothes after giving birth is perfectly normal.

Among the most important pieces of clothes you may want to think about are:

  • bra for pregnant women
  • Cotton underwear that is soft and breathable
  • at least two pairs of well-fitting maternity pants, like maternity leggings or jeans
  • something simple, like a jersey wrap skirt or dress.
  • a long dress
  • a hooded coat
  • a pair of maternity shirts (empire line tops are more flattering)
  • a well-dressed man
  • flats that are easy to walk in

During your pregnancy, you can still wear some of your regular items, such as long tops, sweaters, and cardigans. To make your usual trousers and slacks last a little longer, consider investing in a pregnant belt.

Where to buy maternity clothes

A maternity section is offered by most major retailers in Australia. There are also a number of maternity boutiques to choose from. You can save money by shopping online or renting a dress for a special occasion.

How to choose a maternity bra

Wearing a maternity bra is not required during pregnancy. However, a maternity bra may be more comfortable for certain women, particularly those with larger breasts.

In the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, the breasts begin to prepare for lactation (the process of producing and distributing breast milk). If you’ve been thinking about getting a maternity bra, now is the time to do it.

It’s an excellent idea to get fitted by a professional. A well-fitting bra will keep your breasts in place and make you feel more confident.

Smooth maternity pants, BLACK

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not suggested times to wear an underwire bra. In the long run, your breasts will become larger and the underwire may put strain on them. A blocked milk duct or mastitis can occur as a result of this. It is possible to get maternity bras with less likely to create difficulties flexible low-gauge wire support, though. A sports bra may be all that is required for certain women.

Tips to save money

  • Purchase loose-fitting tee shirts and vest tops in extra-large sizes at a discount retailer.
  • Purchase maternity clothing on sale and plan ahead for the weather conditions you’ll encounter when you need them.
  • Accessorize a simple look with different bags, jewelry, scarves, and shoes.
  • Modify your current wardrobe to accommodate your growing belly by adding a maternity belt or using a drawstring instead of elastic.
  • Use your partner’s or a friend’s maternity wardrobe.
  • Organize a clothing swap.

What are the duties of a maternity nurse?

Mothers who have just given birth benefit greatly from the expertise of maternity nurses who assist them with breastfeeding, baby care, and other postpartum exercises. They also assist the woman in her recovery from childbirth by keeping an eye on her well-being and providing her with information on things like pain management alternatives.

To help the father of a newborn baby keep track of feeding times and such, maternity nurses can aid. Hospital visiting hours vary, so it’s essential to verify ahead of time.

When do I go to the hospital?

Talk to your doctor about the best time to go to the hospital, and don’t wait until the last minute. This includes an overnight bag with toiletries and fresh nightwear as well as underwear that is more comfortable for laboring women than maternity pants or pads because the baby’s head has crowned in preparation for delivery and leaves behind a sensitive area that needs frequent changing.

In addition, some towels and alcohol-free sanitary wipes should be included in the package. So, once you’ve finished pushing out your kid and everything has become a little filthy, those wipes can help you clean up without irritating your skin lower down.

How can I avoid buying maternity jeans?

In order to accommodate your changing physique, you’ll need special maternity clothing. Non-maternity narrow or straight leg jeans in dark denim are an excellent way to maximize your wardrobe while avoiding maternity pants. Pregnant women should do this before putting on any other pants, because once they find one they like, it will be tough to lose the weight they gained.

Is ordinary maternity leave full pay?

Full-time maternity leave typically lasts between 14 and 16 weeks and is paid. The majority of women in the workforce should be covered under your contract’s terms.