Updated at: 19-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Is there a certain point in your pregnancy that you have to start wearing maternity pants? This question has no right or wrong answer. You’ll get some ideas from this post, but we’ll be here to help.

There isn’t a specific due date for many expecting mothers, and this is for the best. When your body begins to change, it might vary widely amongst women and during the course of your pregnancy.

Some women’s tummies begin to grow right away when they become pregnant, while for others, it may take until the third trimester before they begin to show.

Pregnancy-specific clothing will be necessary at some point, so keep an eye on all of these variables. The following is a list of bullet points. Signs that it’s about to happen include the appearance of these things:

  • The waistband of your usual jeans becomes too snug.
  • Your hips, thighs, and buttocks require more room.
  • You’ve outgrown your favorite pair of dress pants and can no longer fit into them.

When should I start wearing maternity pants?

You don’t have to wait until a certain point in your pregnancy to start wearing maternity clothes. The sooner you start wearing maternity trousers, the sooner your regular pants will begin to feel a little tight. Every pregnant woman’s tummy will “pop” at a different time, and each pregnancy is unique. Pregnant women may find maternity trousers more comfortable within a few weeks of their due date, or they may wait several months.

Woman Reveals Why She Wears Maternity Clothes Even Though She's Not  Pregnant | Allure

You may not need maternity pants right now, but it’s a good idea to keep at least one or two in your closet for when the time comes. Having nothing to wear following a sudden growth spurt isn’t ideal.

When Do You Wear Maternity Clothes?

Pregnancy clothes are a common concern for many women. Be aware that buying maternity clothes isn’t normally a top priority in the first trimester. After the first trimester, most women will begin to think about maternity or larger-size apparel. When you should start wearing maternity clothes depends on a variety of circumstances.

Size of the Growing Uterus

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

  • The uterus reaches the top of your pubic bone at 12 weeks, the end of the first trimester.
  • About 2 inches above bone at 14 weeks old.
  • At 16 weeks, your pubic bone and belly button are about equal distances apart.
  • It’s at the belly button at 20 weeks.
  • When you reach the 20-week mark, your upper belly will continue to grow, influencing your clothing choices.

Consider the following when your uterus gets bigger:

  • If you have a preexisting tendency for fat deposition on your abdomen, which begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, you may notice some rounding and protruding of your stomach and discomfort in your clothing.
  • You may begin to feel your uterus in your lower abdomen at 14 weeks, although it may not be obvious to outsiders. 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.
  • A woman may begin to “show” after 16 weeks of pregnancy when her uterus expands and she gains additional fat. During this time, many women will purchase pregnancy or plus-size clothing.
  • The majority of women will likely be wearing maternity or looser-fitting clothing by the time they reach 20 weeks pregnant.

Differences in Weight and Body Shape

It’s possible that some women won’t start to feel uncomfortable in their pre-pregnancy clothes until 16 weeks due to disparities in body types, pre-pregnancy weight, and pre-pregnancy clothing choices.

Pregnancy belly shapes and sizes are as diverse as they were before. 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. However, due of their eating habits, obese women are more likely than skinny women to gain weight during pregnancy.

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, rather than your uterus’s size, may be the decisive factor in when you buy new clothes in this scenario.

  • The weight gain is also distributed differently among women. As a pregnant woman, you may need maternity clothing based on the amount of fat that accumulates on your tummy.
  • Water retention may lead you to feel uncomfortable in your regular clothes in the first trimester because you are unable to wear anything around your waist. Many women begin wearing maternity pants because of this.
  • Progesterone, a hormone produced by the uterus during pregnancy, slows down the bowels, resulting in constipation and bloating. 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. Your breasts will enlarge and become heavier as a result of the elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body.

Depending on the rate of growth you may start needing increasingly larger cup and bras sizes, and larger tops from the first trimester. Because of this, maternity bras come with many rows of hooks that may be used to widen the bra as your breasts get bigger.

Number of Babies on Board

As your baby grows, you may need larger cup and bra sizes, as well as larger clothing, starting in the first trimester. You may easily expand the breadth of your maternity bra by using numerous rows of hooks.

Primigravida vs Multigravida

Pregnancy is a one-of-a-kind event. If you have more than one pregnancy (multigravida), you may gain more or less weight than you did with your first (primigravida). Pregnancy clothes may be needed sooner or later than they were with your first pregnancy, despite the fact that first-time pregnancies tend to “show” later.

Morning Sickness

Hyperemesis gravidarum, a crueler form of morning sickness, can contribute to early weight loss during the first trimester of pregnancy. In the second trimester, the belly may be flatter due to less fat deposit, therefore the requirement for maternity clothing may emerge late.

Maternity Clothes and Sizes

Maternity clothes accommodate a swollen belly. Pregnant sizes tend to be the same as non-pregnant ones. 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. Pregnant women have the option of wearing larger or looser regular clothing, rather than maternity clothing. First trimester through term, there are several styles that may adapt to altering sizing demands. These include:

  • Flared dresses in the A-line style.
  • dresses with empire waistlines that do not fit over the lower abdomen
  • Dresses with pleats that cinch at the waist
  • Dresses in the sheath design with elasticized waistbands
  • The elasticized waist of stretchy pants or skirts can be worn around, below, or above the waist, depending on the situation.
  • Your non-maternity clothing may need to be a size or two larger in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
  • In the first trimester, oversized shirts can accommodate larger breasts, and they’re also good choices when you enter the second and third trimesters.
  • Your expanding breasts and abdomen will appreciate the extra room provided by flared or billowy shirts in the second or third trimester.

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). To help you decide when to start and what to wear while pregnant, consider how comfortable you are in your clothing.

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. Keep in mind that no two women are alike, and your individual circumstances may dictate when you should start shopping for maternity wear. To help you out, here are some things to consider:

  • As long as you don’t end up needing maternity clothes too soon, it’s fine! It’s far more vital to feel at ease than it is to show up on time for a date in your regular clothing. However, it isn’t an issue if you are one of the rare ladies who never use them.
  • 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 soon as you start your second trimester (14 weeks), it’s a good idea to stock up on some basic maternity clothing.

Second Pregnancy

Pregnant women who are having their second or subsequent pregnancies will typically have to start shopping for maternity clothing much earlier in the process. When you’re pregnant, your abdominal muscles are more relaxed because you’ve already stretched them once. Between the middle and the end of your first trimester, between 8 and 12 weeks, you may find yourself needing maternity clothing.

You may already have maternity clothing from your first pregnancy, but there are still a few factors to keep in mind when making a decision about whether or not to buy more.

  • Even if some women’s bodies carry their infants the same way each time they get pregnant, others may experience a completely different pregnancy each time. When you’re pregnant for the second time, you may find that the maternity clothes you wore during your first pregnancy no longer fit.
  • In most cases, you’ll need a few more things in your pregnancy wardrobe to accommodate the changing seasons.
  • Even if you already have everything you need, a few new pieces of maternity clothing can be an easy way to add some extra fun to your pregnancy.

To avoid disappointment in your second pregnancy, it’s important not to put too much pressure on yourself. The majority of your new clothing purchases can be put off if you already own a few essentials. From here, it’s much easier to figure out which items in your current collection work and which ones don’t function.

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

The tightness of pre-pregnancy jeans might be felt even if this is your first pregnancy! Often, bloating is a sign of pregnancy because of hormonal changes. As a result, jeans, in particular, may become uncomfortably tight sooner than expected.

When should you stop wearing pre-pregnancy jeans?

Pre-pregnancy jeans should be retired the moment they become uncomfortably tight. 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?

For the majority of women, the time between when your bump first starts to outgrow some of your usual clothes and when it’s not noticeable enough for most maternity apparel is an awkward one for your wardrobe. These suggestions will help you get through the first few weeks of a new job while still looking and feeling put together:

  • It’s easy to move from your regular jeans to maternity pants when you use a belly band, like the Bellaband. The top of your jeans is kept in place by slipping a belly band around your waist. You won’t have to worry about your ordinary pants slipping down or exposing your stomach when you use this. Despite the fact that it may sound odd, it is actually incredibly pleasant! Wear a cami under your belly band if your jeans fit snugly so the unsecured zipper doesn’t irritate your skin.
  • Choosing the proper look – is essential. 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.
  • Simple vests and large cardigans might help you hide your growing tummy until your maternity tops have enough room to accommodate it.

There are days when nothing fits, but 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. Pregnancy clothing issues will likely be forgotten as soon as you have your little bundle of joy in your arms.

When Do Most Women Start Wearing Maternity Clothes? | LoveToKnow Health & Wellness

Tips for Buying Maternity Clothes

Don’t start shopping too early!

When you learn you’re expecting a child, it’s natural to want to go out and buy new clothes and accessories. Until your baby grows, it’s difficult to know how your body will alter during pregnancy. 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 see significant growth in your chest or hips, which can have an impact on the way your clothes fit!

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 right, if you plan to conduct some pre-shopping before the big day.

Because in-store maternity clothing selections at many stores are significantly smaller than those available online, internet shopping has never been more enticing. Free return shipping can save you money in the long run. 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 fun to have a few “unique” items, you may soon start to feel like your outfits are the same every day if they aren’t extremely adaptable.

Accessorize

Maternity clothing essentials can be dressed up by accessorizing! The best part is that you may make use of the jewelry, earrings, scarves, shoes, and other accessories you already own. It’s a good idea to think about the accessories you currently own while shopping for maternity wear.

The 8 Best Maternity Pants

Pros

  • Support for the upper and lower torso
  • Colors are available in three distinct hues.

Cons

  • Large is the only size available.
  • It is possible for certain people to develop pimples at an alarming rate.

Leggings are a necessity during pregnancy, and this pair is sure to keep you warm. This style, which is made of a rayon/spandex jersey fabric, draws up over the belly to keep it in place all day. If you don’t want to be concerned about them being see-through, they’ve been deliberately created not to be. Sizes XS to XL are available for these pants, which come in black, grey, navy, and charcoal.

Pros

  • Waistband with elastic or drawstring
  • Large pockets on the front
  • Ankle straps with elastic

Cons

  • Costly
  • The elastic waistband does not appear to be stitched in place (may turn)

Whether you’re out and about or just lounging around the home, these fleece joggers will keep you warm and cozy. They offer practical pockets on the front and cosy ankle cuffs for fashion. Sizes XS to XL are available, and they may be washed in the dishwasher (but need to be line-dried).

Pros

  • Waistbands that go over the belly
  • Stretchy
  • Fly-by-night

Cons

  • There are no front pockets.
  • It’s a little too big or too little for others (run large)

What more could a pregnant woman ask for? The over-the-belly waistband on these pregnant jeans ensures that they won’t sag as your body changes during the day. They have a 28.5-inch inseam, are available in sizes 23 to 33, and have a fitted slim leg pattern. You may wish to go down a size if you find these jeans to be too big.

Pros

  • Stretchy
  • With the help of the waistband’s elastic,

Cons

  • There are four sizes to choose from.
  • Only one shade is available.

Despite the fact that you’ll still have to go to work and dress up periodically, these pants will make it a little more tolerable. The slim-fitting black slacks come to just above the ankles, and the elastic waistband and back zipper allow them to grow with you. Besides being lightweight and breathable, these pants are also available in pregnant sizes 0 to 3 and may be purchased online.

Pros

  • Sizes range from XS to XXL.
  • Waistbands that go over the belly

Cons

  • Line drying is required after a wash.

These faux leather leggings are perfect for expecting moms-to-be, regardless of whether this is your first or final pregnancy. The “magic” over-the-belly waistband of these leggings, invented by the renowned shapewear brand, can be worn before, during, and after pregnancy (so you can even leave the hospital wearing them). Aside from being very comfy, the leggings’ faux leather fabric is also designed to smooth and support your lower body as you wear them. These fantastic pants come in sizes ranging from XS to 3X and can be washed (but need to be line dried). Reviewers recommend either shrinking down one or going back to your pre-pregnancy size to get the best fit possible.

Pros

  • Full panel elasticized waistband
  • Full panel elastic waistband

Cons

  • Hips and legs may be a problem for some.

Available in two shades of black or brown and a range of small through extra-large sizes, these stretchy, soft, and comfy maternity pants will grow with you as you do during your pregnancy. Pregnant women need these pants for their second and third trimesters because they include an over-the-belly waistband and a seam along the front of the legs.

Pros

  • obtainable in a selection of three distinct shades
  • It’s made of a stretchable cotton.
  • a waistband equipped with cooling technology

Cons

  • There are no front pockets.
  • Some people find sizing puzzling.

Maternity pants can be difficult to find, but these thin jeans are perfect for the job. The front of the pants has an elastic waistband, and the rear has the usual denim style. Most of the denim is constructed from elastic cotton, so it won’t shrink or lose its shape as the wearer does. These jeans come in sizes XS to XL and may be washed and dried in the washing machine and dryer.

Pros

  • Straps that can be adjusted
  • Pockets on the front
  • Nursing-friendly

Cons

  • Design can make it difficult to go to the bathroom during a break.
  • Costly

Pregnant women’s dream come true? All-in-ones for pregnant women. These are available in a variety of colors and sizes, including black, olive, and shell. With front pockets and adjustable straps on the back, this fashionable set is designed to help you maintain a great fit throughout your pregnancy. Then what? Nursing-friendly, so you can wear them after the birth of your child.

What to Look for in Maternity Pants

Comfort

It’s important to keep yourself comfortable during the day because your body is rapidly changing. Browse through our selection of comfortable, roomy maternity pants to find the right fit for you and your developing baby bump.

When it comes to comfort, nothing beats stretchy material. You’ll save money in the long term if you buy pants made of a stretchy cloth. Wearing them during your pregnancy will be a breeze.

Belly Panel Type

While looking for maternity trousers, you’ll find that there are three primary varieties of belly panels: over the belly, side panel, and under the belly. It’s up to you to decide which style of belly panel is most flattering for your figure.

  • You can wear it over the belly for people who want total belly support, and it’s also suitable for the postpartum period.
  • Pants with a side panel will be as near to a conventional pair of pants as possible in terms of fit. The flexible strip on each side of the waistline gives the illusion that you’re wearing conventional trousers, but they’re actually incredibly comfy.
  • If you’d rather not have any extra material hiding your bump, this panel style is for you. It provides sturdy support beneath the belly.

Style

If you’re looking for pregnancy pants, don’t forget about fashion just because you’re doing so. Maternity pants are available in a wide variety of styles, so you may pick a pair that fits well and complements your personal style at the same time.

Most ordinary pants, such as joggers, jeans, leggings, and formal slacks, are also available in pregnancy styles. For the sake of adaptability, they often feature a belly panel or are made of a very stretchy fabric. The best way to make sure that your new maternity pants fit properly and will look great no matter where you wear them – to the gym, the office, or a special occasion – is to try them on before you buy them.

FAQs

How many pairs of maternity pants do I need?

Pregnancy pants requirements vary widely depending on your daily routine. Dress pants are a necessity if you work in an office where there is a dress code. If you like to work out, you’ll want a pair that you can actually use. A relaxed pair of joggers or jeans, such as the kind you’d wear on the weekends, will almost surely come in handy.

It’s possible, though, that a single pair of pants can be worn for multiple purposes. For example, you might want to relax in your workout jeans. You might wear your work slacks to meet with friends, or you could choose for pregnancy dresses for these occasions if you like. Start with a few basics and gradually expand your wardrobe as you see fit.

There is nothing wrong with buying a few pairs of pants for the duration of your pregnancy. In spite of this, you still need to be able to dress yourself and be ready for the day during those nine months.

Can I go up a pant size instead of buying maternity pants?

In the early stages of pregnancy, you may want to consider going up a pant size rather than purchasing maternity trousers. Your belly will grow and you may need to size up several times as your pregnancy proceeds. This could turn out to be a costly and time-consuming solution in the long run.

Pregnant women’s pants are made to fit snugly around the developing belly and provide additional support. Non-maternity trousers (or other apparel) that are a size larger than your regular size will be larger around the waist, but they will also be larger in other areas. Because of this, they are unlikely to provide you with the overall fit that your body requires throughout pregnancy.

How early is too early for maternity pants?

The bump often ‘pops’ later in the first pregnancy than in subsequent ones. There is nothing more exciting for first-time mothers than being pregnant and showing off your baby belly. In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, resist the temptation to buy maternity clothing.

Is 6 weeks too early for maternity clothes?

Most pregnant women don’t need to start wearing maternity clothes until they’re between 12 and 18 weeks along, which is when most women begin to show.

When do you typically need maternity clothes?

A woman’s regular clothes should fit her by the time she is three to four months pregnant. Wearing pants with a lower rise may give you more endurance than wearing pants with a higher rise.

What should I wear at 12 weeks pregnant?

It’s a good idea to invest in a stretchy cotton shirt at 12 weeks. In terms of versatility, nothing beats a T-shirt dress since it can grow with you as your hormones do. If you’re looking for a casual appearance for the weekend, wear your stretch dress with simple sneakers and a denim jacket.

Is 14 weeks too early for maternity clothes?

Most women don’t start showing until approximately 16 weeks, so you may start noticing some swelling in your abdomen around that time. Most expectant mothers will be wearing maternity or loose-fitting clothing by week 20.

When to start wearing maternity clothes? - October 2020 Babies | Forums | What to Expect

Can I earn money while on maternity leave?

While on maternity leave, you might make money in a variety of ways. Working from home, moving to a new area, or commuting part of the day or week are all options for some people. You can rack up a lot of money if you choose one of these alternatives for maternity leave!

You can also make money while on leave by selling products online or babysitting your family members’ children. Tutoring is another option, as well as babysitting your nieces and nephews.

Try your hand at creating eBooks or how-to guides if none of the above appeals to you. People are always in need of what you have to offer, and the internet has made it possible for anyone to sell their knowledge.

Do you get your job back after maternity leave?

Your maternity leave is one of those things for which no one is ever quite ready. Suddenly, it’s all over in a flash, and you’re a little giddy about it. There is a new arrival in your family! What’s next?

Today, we’ve assembled some valuable information regarding returning from unpaid maternity leave. You may not have much legal protection if you opt to not return or work part-time, but maybe this will change in the near future!

More employers should consider offering paid family leave instead of only requiring new parents to take unpaid leave of up to twelve weeks under federal law. As long as you have this, you’ll be fine!

Is it illegal to work while on maternity leave?

While on maternity leave in the United States, it is against the law to go back to work. Regardless of whether a worker receives a paycheck or not, this legislation is still in effect. If a doctor has given the employee permission, many employers may be aware of this and recognize that a pregnant employee may be unable to handle heavy goods, thus they will allow the individual to work from a desk instead during those months.

It’s not uncommon for women to work throughout their pregnancies, but they then take additional time off after giving birth to bond with their newborns, sometimes lasting up to six weeks!

What each woman decides to do is up to her, although there may be penalties if she returns from maternity leave too soon, such as having her job canceled or demoted.

When should I start my maternity leave?

Women can take time off from work throughout their pregnancy and still get compensated for it. Understanding federal FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) and state requirements, if applicable, is the first step to determining when you should begin your maternity leave.

When it comes to maternity and paternity leave, some jurisdictions mandate employers to provide at least 12 weeks of unpaid time off, while in other states, only partial pay is provided.

You should be aware of this fact: Even if your employer provides paid parental leave benefits through your health insurance plan, these benefits won’t start in until you actually go on bed rest due date! As a result, some employers offer two distinct types of paid maternity leave.

How long do most companies give for maternity leave?

Depending on where you live, this question can be answered with ease. Californian women are entitled to six weeks of maternity leave before giving birth, and an extra eight weeks following if they choose not to take any further time off – this totals 14 weeks of paid leave for the mother.

In their first year of employment, women can expect to work up to 16 of the 52 available hours per week, which translates to a 50% pay rate instead of a 100% rate.

However, federal law mandates that only organizations with 50 or more employees must provide employees with 12-weeks of unpaid family leave, meaning that many people are left vulnerable to workplace discrimination or termination because their employer is taking advantage of a basic human need.

When Do I Start Wearing Maternity Clothes?

Pregnancy is a unique experience for each woman, but there are a few common challenges that nearly all women face. Dressing for your changing physique is one of those things! We’ve got the answers to all of your queries about fashion and comfort when it comes to major changes.

The short answer is that most women begin wearing maternity clothing when they begin to feel uneasy in their regular attire. This point will come at different stages for every woman, but there are some specific things you can consider when deciding whether or not it’s time to take the plunge.

Your Uterus

The uterus is the only item that will be expanding for all women. Pregnancy growth phases and how they affect the uterus might be useful in determining where you are in the process and what will be most comfortable for you. A breakdown of where your uterus is expected to be at various points in time is shown here (usually).

The uterus is right above your pubic bone at this point.

Your pubic bone should be around two inches above your belly button at this point.

Halfway between your pubic bone and belly button, the uterus is now at 16 weeks.

It’s 20 weeks old when it reaches your navel.

After 20 weeks, your uterus will steadily get bigger as you move along in your pregnancy. Most women don’t start showing until approximately 16 weeks, so you may start noticing some swelling in your abdomen around that time. Most expectant mothers will be wearing maternity or loose-fitting clothing by week 20.

Body Shape

During your second trimester, your uterus will continue to expand. At 14 weeks, you may notice that your stomach has expanded, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be showing just yet, as most women begin to show around 16 weeks. Most expectant mothers will be wearing maternity or loose-fitting clothing by the 20th week of their pregnancy.

Weight Gain

This, like everything else in pregnancy, differs from person to person. There are some women who put on a lot of weight during pregnancy regardless of their pre-pregnancy weight. When it comes to fat distribution, women tend to gain weight in different parts of their bodies, which might have an impact on the clothes they desire to wear. Consider whether you need to buy maternity clothes right away if you tend to acquire weight around your face or legs.

If you’re feeling particularly bloated during your first trimester, it’s possible that you’ll need to switch to a different formula sooner rather than later.

Other Factors

During pregnancy, your body’s progesterone and estrogen levels rise, causing your breasts to quickly enlarge and bulk up. Your chest may require maternity clothing before your abdomen does, so keep that in mind! Fortunately, most maternity bras feature multiple rows of hooks, so you don’t have to buy a new one every time you go up a cup size.

Your delivery time will be significantly faster if you’re carrying more than one child. It’s still a good idea to keep these elements in mind while you plan your wardrobe!

Morning sickness can cause you to lose weight before you gain it throughout your pregnancy. For a longer amount of time, you will not need to purchase maternity clothing (at least for your abdomen area).

There must have been a pregnant woman who came up with the idea for maternity clothing, because they’re so easy to adapt to your own size! Maternity clothing sizes are often the same as pre-pregnancy sizes.

Alternatives

For those who have put off purchasing new clothing, there are still items that can be worn long into the third trimester of pregnancy. Dresses with an empire waist, a-line dresses that flare out, or sheath dresses made of elastic fabric are all good options. To accommodate your changing body shape, choose pants and skirts with elastic waistbands. And lastly, your chest will appreciate it if you wear loose-fitting t-shirts or flowy blouses!

While many women’s transitions to maternity clothing will be unique, keep in mind that it’s all about your personal comfort. When the time is right, you’ll know it!

In Conclusion…

It’s a good idea to plan ahead when, where, and how you’ll buy your maternity clothes so that you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed. Even if there isn’t a magic number for when you should start wearing maternity clothes, planning out what you’ll need and how you’ll put it all together is a great way to get ready to shop for maternity clothes. Also, a belly band and some loose-fitting clothes might go a long way toward getting you through the interim.