Would you be thinking of buying regular clothes instead of maternity clothes? There are a lot of reasons why you should get the latter instead of the former. Maternity clothes differ from regular clothes in a lot of ways. Compared to regular clothes, maternity clothes’ designs are actually made for your comfort. They are more breathable and allow you, the mom, to be more flexible in your movements. And most important of all, it is also easier when you are breastfeeding later on.
Some may not realize it, but during pregnancy, maternity clothes are important. This is especially after the first trimester of your pregnancy.
There is a horde of maternity clothes in the market.
But some women are still trying to consider getting non-maternity clothes 2 to 3 sizes larger.
This should not be the case.
Here are the reasons why.
Comfort
Without a doubt, this is one of the most important reasons why one should go for maternity clothes.
Non-maternity clothes come in designs for women who are not pregnant. As such, this may be uncomfortable, especially when the bump starts to show.
Aside from comfort, maternity clothes can help you, and the baby prevents complications. This should ensure you and the baby are safe.
Space
After the first three months of pregnancy, the baby would eventually need space.
At the same time, the baby bump also needs that space.
Maternity clothes have that specific design that regular clothes don’t.
The design is such a way that would allow the baby inside you to relax inside your womb. Also, it should give you, the mom, the support that you need during this stage.
Flex
During your pregnancy, it is essential to encourage body movements. This should ensure that your body remains active.
Maternity clothes have fabric that allows movements without making it hard for you. You can be flexible.
When wearing regular clothes, you are not assured of flexibility.
Breathable
Your goal is always to make sure the baby remains relaxed inside the womb.
Maternity clothes are made of fabric that is breathable enough. This should keep you and the baby relaxed throughout.
Breastfeeding Benefits
Maternity clothes serve their purposes even after you give birth.
Maternity clothes have enough space. You have enough actually to make it comfortable for you when breastfeeding. You can breastfeed the baby and remain comfortable as well.
Regular clothes do not have this benefit.
Yes, you can breastfeed with larger-sized regular clothes. But the ease will never be there.
Infections
Unknown to most women, yeast infection is actually common during pregnancy.
When you wear regular clothes, they may not be as breathable as maternity clothes. When it is not that breathable, the fabric allows yeast to overproduce. This is especially true in sensitive parts of your body.
This, in turn, will cause infections.
For your safety, it is advisable to wear maternity clothes instead of regular clothes.
What types of maternity clothes do I need?
During pregnancy, you have a horde of maternity garments to choose from. From belly bands to a giant sack dress, there are a lot to choose from. There are also maternity jeans and maternity tees. There are maternity coats and even a maternity swimsuit to choose from.
We know how overwhelming it can be to choose from a lot of maternity garments in the market. There are giant body pillows and other expensive maternity clothes.
If you just let yourself go and buy everything you want, you will be left with nothing in your bank.
Here, we talk about the garments you should prioritize.
Belly Bands
The purpose of belly bands is to make sure to keep your pants up. Belly bands should be helpful, especially during the early stages of your pregnancy.
Sack Dresses
This garment is something you can wear solo.
Or you can wear this with tights. In fact, you can even wear this with a jacket.
If there is one thing we are sure about, it is this. The giant sack dress will be adorable. This should be comfortable to wear throughout the nine months you are carrying your baby.
Maternity Tee/Maternity Tank
This is something you can buy in bulk. You can buy four or even five of these, and it will be fine.
You can choose one gray, one black or any other color available.
What you can do is to make sure you provide a base layer for your belly. Then pair it with a non-maternity piece of clothing like a blazer opened up, for example.
Maternity Jeans
This should be something one has to invest in.
Yes, we know the whole pregnancy lasts for only nine months. But this should be a great investment.
Choose a pair of denim. You may want to opt for something that comes with a thick stretchiness.
Pair that with an oversized blouse or any of the tee we mentioned earlier.
Maternity jeans may be a bit expensive. But then again, you can get a pair from secondhand apps online. This should cut your costs by a handful.
Maternity Bra
Let’s admit it.
When you get pregnant, your chest should be growing larger than they normally are.
You can’t expect to wear the same bra that you had pre-pregnancy.
When looking for a maternity bra, go with underwire-free maternity bras. This should be able to support your growing chest during your pregnancy.
Larger Shoes
During your pregnancy period, your feet will begin to swell.
And this is no joke.
Within this nine-month timeframe, you will witness your feet go one size bigger.
As such, you would need a pair of shoes that are bigger than you normally wear. And make sure they’re cute.
Maternity Coat/Maternity Swimsuit
This should depend on a lot of things.
If you are pregnant during winter or if you are pregnant during summer, you may consider this.
Coats should be able to zip past the thigh part. Having a maternity coat is important. This is especially if you are pregnant way into the winter season.
But if you are in the tropics during your pregnancy, buy a maternity swimsuit?
Yes, there are maternity swimsuits in the market.
And you will look great in them, we’re sure.
Which type of maternity dress is the most comfortable?
When it comes to comfort, maxi dresses and loose shirts are at the top. Wraparound dresses should also be one of the most comfortable maternity garments around.
Pregnancy is a great stage of your life.
And as a future mother rearing your baby inside you, you need not be uncomfortable for the next nine months.
You have to remember that after you have your baby, you will have a lot of responsibilities. You will have sleepless nights and endless worries.
It is just natural that while you are pregnant, you should be at your most comfortable.
Now, which dresses are the most comfortable?
Maxi dresses, gowns, and loose shirts are actually at the top when it comes to comfort. Aside from these, you can also go with wraparound dresses. These are comfortable and so easy to wear.
Aside from that, washing wraparound maternity dresses is also easier than other garments.
The Reasons for your Comfort
Your clothes can affect your pregnancy as well as your health.
This is why you need maternity clothes that provide the best comfort there is.
One of the reasons is because, during pregnancy, your body changes a lot. This is why you have to wear maternity clothes. They will be comfortable and should also adjust to your growing belly.
You will also have a lot of hormonal changes during this stage. Such changes can result in very sensitive skin. This makes your skin vulnerable to skin allergies as well as rashes.
Maternity clothes have the right fabric. They should be breathable and will provide you with comfort. Aside from that, these dresses will keep the rashes away.
The first three months of your pregnancy will be when the discomfort happens. Some women vomit, and some would spend most days nauseous. This is when you need the greatest comfort, especially with your clothes.
Now that you are aware of the need for comfort, here are a few more tips on which types of dresses you choose.
The Types of Clothes to Wear
When you are into fashion, you may think being pregnant will change a lot of things. This should sink in when you can no longer fit in your favorite pair of jeans.
However, there is always hope.
You can still look fab and remain comfortable all throughout your pregnancy.
Here are the things you need to know.
First off, choose cotton.
This is because cotton is breathable. This fabric can absorb sweat. It also keeps you cool.
And finally, cotton has a nice relationship with your skin. They rarely cause rashes.
Second, choose pants with a drawstring. Well, skirts with drawstrings are also great options.
This is something you have to choose instead of those with buttons or zippers.
The reason for this is because of your comfort. You can easily adjust the clothing around your waist. And this should be comfortable for you, especially as you start to show your bump.
And speaking of your bump, always consider the dress that will support your belly.
There are a lot of maternity tops and bottoms that can give you this.
Wraparounds are great blessings from up there.
They are trendy, and they are classy too.
And most of all, wraparounds are also super comfortable. Buy a few of them and pair them with tank tops. You’ll look great.
During your pregnancy, you will also have frequent visits to the toilet. Make your life easier. Go buy some skirts or dresses, making it easier for you every time you visit the toilet.
Steer clear of unnatural fabrics. Examples of these are synthetic fabrics like chiffon and georgette. Elastin is also something you should avoid.
The reason for this is because of your hormones.
They will not be performing like when you were not pregnant. As a result, you will sweat more. And when you wear synthetic fabrics, this will be cause discomfort.
Remember also to wear clean clothes. Dirty clothes will cause infections.
As mentioned earlier, go with maxi dresses as well. There are also loose shirts and gowns that you can go for. These dresses should be easy to wear. Plus, they are uber comfortable as well.
A Few More Things to Remember
Aside from those we mentioned above, there are a few more things you need to take note of.
Here they are.
Before buying your maternity clothes, remember that you will grow a lot.
During the whole duration of your pregnancy, your waistline will become bigger. With that said, never buy maternity clothes that fit just right. If you think you are a bit smaller now, think again.
You will grow in a matter of months.
Buy maternity clothes with this consideration. Loose clothing is a great option.
Second, know what you should wear in summer.
This season can be hot. And aside from the weather, there is your pack of hormones to think about.
They will be on overdrive and will cause you to sweat a lot.
As such, you have to choose garments that are light and breathable. Go with cotton.
Summer is too hot for synthetic fabrics. This should cause you to sweat some more.
Third, consider if you are pregnant during winter.
Choose wool or other garments that should keep you warm.
When you are pregnant, your body becomes sensitive. And think about this. You will not be taking care of yourself alone. There is a baby to think of.
The huge drop in temperatures can lead you to catch flu or colds while pregnant. And this is something we would like to avoid.
Keep yourself warm.
If you are pregnant during winter, buy clothes of wool. Invest in socks and gloves as well.
Fourth, check your budget.
Maternity clothes can be expensive.
Well, there are thrift shops around. You can visit them.
But make sure that you are comfortable in these clothes. Also, make sure the clothes you are getting are of high quality.
Fifth, look for clothes that you can easily wash.
Think of morning sickness. Think of excessive sweating.
Your maternity clothes will easily get dirty. In no time at all, you will be left with no maternity clothes in the closet. Buy those that you can easily wash.
As you can see, when you are pregnant, you are not just taking care of your baby. You are also taking care of yourself.
And this should always be the first step – to take care of yourself.
When you wear the right maternity clothing, you will remain comfortable. This should relax you and make you calm. Not only that, but this should also make you a happy mommy.
And you know how it is.
A happy mommy will have a happy baby.