- Maternity clothes provide a pregnant woman with comfort and room for her expanding belly while keeping her in style. Maternity undergarments are essential to pregnant women because they add support for heavy breasts and a growing uterus. As the baby grows, pressure and strain are placed on your back, which can be relieved by using a "tummy sleeve," maternity belt or supportive panties that extend over the stomach, resting under the breasts. Maternity dresses, skirts, tops and bottoms are designed for fashion, function and comfort.
- Because women come in all shapes and sizes prior to pregnancy, maternity clothes vary in size and length to accommodate differing body types. There are petite, regular and tall lengths and small, medium, large and extra large sizes. Additionally, there are plus size maternity clothes for larger women. Your pre-pregnancy size is the size you will purchase for your maternity clothes. This rule applies to dresses, tops, bottoms and hosiery.
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Maternity dresses are made roomy for growth but often have tiebacks to make the fit more flattering. Maternity tops may have ruching, snaps, buttons or tiebacks and "give" when worn. Maternity tops are longer and wider to provide maximum coverage to conceal the stomach. Nonmaternity tops rise up and expose the skin.
Maternity bottoms, whether skirts, pants, crops, capris or shorts, have elastic on the sides, drawstrings or a panel made of a mixed spandex material for an expanding midsection. The cuts in trousers, slacks and jeans vary much like nonmaternity clothes. They come in straight-leg, flare, wide-leg, boot cut, and skinny. The only difference is the stretchy area for your belly to rest comfortably. The other bottoms have a secret panel and reflect the same fashion trends nonmaternity clothes offer. - During your first trimester, you may be able to continue wearing your pre-pregnancy clothing. A tummy sleeve worn over your existing bottoms can hold them in place if you are unable to fasten them. Once you reach your fourth month, you'll move into maternity clothes that you won't fill in completely until later. This is helpful because you'll need room to grow. Maternity clothes are created to grow with your changing body so that you're not obligated to purchase a new wardrobe every few weeks. Several select items should last you the entire 40 weeks and can also be worn postpartum as you lose your baby weight.
- Clothing makes the woman, even the pregnant woman. When you are experiencing changes in your body on the inside that directly affect the outside, you don't want to appear a fashion victim. You want to look your best and feel good about yourself. Maternity clothes can help you keep your style even when you're temporarily giving up your figure. You can dress to impress and feel confident in knowing you look just as stylish as those who aren't expecting, if not more so. With the many choices of trendy maternity clothes, you can be a pregnant fashonista.
Comments
Felicia822 said
on 12/8/2008 This is a great article, very informative.
Felicia822 said
on 12/8/2008 This is a great article, very informative.
writergirl74 said
on 12/8/2008 Loved it. Wish I had read this when I had my baby bump. I loved shopping too. Great read. Looking forward to reading and rating more of your articles.
LaKeishah said
on 12/5/2008 Great article. I know exactly what you mean. Just taking the extra time to find the right clothing can boost your self-esteem. 5 stars