Pregnancy heaven

When Should I Buy Maternity Clothes

 Many women who are experiencing their first pregnancy may not begin to “show” until their 3rd or 4th month. Some may even go as long as the first part of their 5th month!

Other women, many who have experienced pregnancy previously, may begin feeling their clothes start to get tight as early as six weeks or their 2nd month.

On average, you should start to feel your clothes begin to get uncomfortably tight by the end of your third month. Even your clothes that usually are “too big” will begin to feel tight. In addition, even though your clothes may still fit in your legs or hips, the waist will definitely feel snug and possibly your chest area too.

You may consider buying clothes that are a size or two larger. These clothes may be more comfortable, yet they will probably be too big in other areas.

The beauty of maternity clothes is that they are designed to be larger in the areas that count. Usually maternity clothing has elastic waists, expandable waists or drawstring waists. And, maternity tops are larger around the bust and waist areas.

Many women buy their first maternity clothes at the end of their 2nd month or middle of their 3rd month. Their first purchases should be several pairs of slacks with an expandable waist or drawstring waist and cute maternity tops that are inter-changeable with the slacks. They may also consider a maternity jacket or two that will go with the tops and slacks. In addition, consider buying a maternity skirt or two as well.

Some women consider buying two or three (or more) maternity dresses. Maternity dresses are by far the most comfortable if you will be experiencing your “larger size” in the spring and summer months. And, maternity dresses, if purchased in the right size, should be wearable throughout the pregnancy.

You should buy maternity clothing in the size that you were just prior to becoming pregnant. For instance if you were a size medium, then buy medium sized maternity clothing. Look for maternity clothing labeled as going full term. This means the clothing should expand enough to wear into your ninth month.

In general, if this is your first pregnancy, expect on buying maternity clothing at the end of your 2nd month or middle of your third month. If this is not your first pregnancy, you will probably have your old maternity clothing stored away. Pull them out about your 2nd month, and decide which pieces you will wear again. You will probably wish to add some new maternity clothing too.