When Should I Wear Maternity Clothes?

Early in pregnancy, women are capable of wearing their usual attire. Pants, tops and skirts fit about the same in the beginning, but there comes a time when all of that changes. As the pregnancy bump begins to protrude, the waist bands of jeans, the slack in shirts and the elastic in all types of clothing become a concern.

Personal Decision

Because every pregnancy differs, it is wise for the mommy-to-be to decide when she needs---if at all--to begin wearing maternity clothing.

Visible Belly

By the second trimester, around the fourth month of gestation, a woman begins to "show" or is noticeably with child to the outside world, making that time ideal for maternity clothes.

Room to Grow

As the uterus enlarges to accommodate the growing fetus, a woman's abdominal area expands outward and requires clothing with a bit more "give" to adequately cover the entire area.

Get Comfortable

Non-binding and stretchy clothing provides some comfort to a pregnant woman undergoing weight gain averaging between 20 to 30 pounds, 14 of which generally settle around the belly.

Alternative

Belly sleeves, bands that cover the tops of pants, jeans and skirts, hide the unfastened portion of pre-pregnancy clothing so a pregnant woman can continue wearing them if they fit below the waistline.

The Inevitable

The discomfort felt by tight or restrictive clothing is the mother's burden to bear as the growing baby will continue to expand the uterus' size despite what's occurring on the outside; discomfort can be avoided with maternity clothes.

References

• While Waiting: The information you need to know about pregnancy, labor, and delivery; George E. Verrilli, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., & Anne Marie Mueser, Ed.D.; 2002
• The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy; Vicki Iovine;1995