FIGURING out which maternity clothes actually fit and flatter can be a daily challenge for many moms-to-be. I recently decided to go on a shopping spree as my clothes could no longer accommodate my baby bump.
For a person who does not really enjoy shopping that much (yes, strange for woman), it was surprisingly fun and I did not struggle to buy clothes that suited my body.
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I was looking for something that I will be comfortable in. I did not go for maternity styles, I just went for bigger sizes which fit my bump and felt right.
When pregnant you feel bloated all day, so it has been advised that spandex is your preferred clothing material.
Unbuttoning the top button of your pants and when your button-down shirts don’t actually button all the way down, may be a sign that you are ready to purchase maternity clothes.
According to experts, at 20 weeks the uterus is typically at the level of the navel.
ALSO READ: The first few months of pregnancy explained
Reports revealed that many women begin to show at this point, but there is variability depending on the mother’s height, body type, weight gain and number of babies in utero and if it is a first pregnancy. For first pregnancies, the bump typically ‘pops’ a little later than in subsequent pregnancies.
Pregnant women are advised to buy what’s comfortable for their body and keep in mind that not every part of your body is growing at the same rate.
Here are some of the popular maternity clothing essentials:
• Buy a few stretchy maternity T-shirts in white, grey and black.
• You can still wear a pair of jeans by buying comfortable mom-jeans.
• A few pairs of leggings as they are comfortable for your body.
• Invest in your underwear by buying supportive bras.
• Maxi dresses may help to make you feel less frumpy as your body’s silhouette changes.
With that said, remember these basic tips to get the most out of your budget as you shop around for maternity clothing. A few wise purchases can even last you beyond the bump and remember no two bodies experience pregnancy in the same way.
So, when to start wearing maternity clothes,? It totally depends on you. Also, every expecting woman is different just like every person is different. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and beautiful in your skin.
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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations
