Changes in body shape are often experienced by every pregnant woman with increasing gestational age. The clothes that are usually used are increasingly narrow and make pregnant women uncomfortable. In order to stay comfortable during pregnancy, pregnant women need to know the right type of maternity clothes for everyday use.
Every pregnant woman experiences different body shape changes. There are those whose stomachs look bloated, even though they have just entered the second trimester of pregnancy. However, there are also those whose pregnancies are only seen during the third trimester.
Changes in body shape often make pregnant women feel uncomfortable in dressing using clothes that are usually worn. Therefore, not a few pregnant women who finally choose to use maternity clothes.
When Should Pregnant Women Wear Maternity Clothes?
Pregnant women are advised to postpone the desire to buy maternity clothes during the first trimester or the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the body of pregnant women is still adjusting to the growth of the fetus, so that the abdomen of pregnant women does not look enlarged.
After entering the age of 20 weeks of pregnancy, the belly of pregnant women may have started to enlarge. However, in the first pregnancy, the enlargement of the stomach size will usually occur a little later than in subsequent pregnancies.
In addition to the growing size of the stomach, there are several other conditions that are a sign that pregnant women should start buying maternity clothes. These signs include:
- Pants are getting narrow or uncomfortable to wear, for example when pregnant women can't fasten the buttons of the pants
- Clothes that are usually used everyday are starting to feel cramped
- Pregnant women feel more comfortable wearing loose shirts
If the signs above are visible, it means it's time for pregnant women to buy maternity clothes. Besides being uncomfortable to wear, clothes that are too tight and feel cramped can also block blood circulation and trigger the growth of fungus on the skin.
Some Tips Choosing Maternity Clothes
Before buying maternity clothes, pregnant women should pay attention to the following important things:
1. Don't be too hasty when buying maternity clothes
Before deciding to buy maternity clothes, pregnant women can first check the wardrobe. There may be a shirt or t-shirt and pants that are still sufficient and comfortable to wear in the first trimester of pregnancy, because the stomach is not yet too big. This can also be done to save costs.
2. Choose maternity clothes that are also breastfeeding clothes
Choose maternity clothes that can also be used for breastfeeding later. Types of nursing clothes are generally loose and have a button or zipper model on the front of the clothes, so they are more practical when they are going to be worn. Thus, pregnant women do not need to buy clothes again for the breastfeeding period.
3. Choose a neutral or dark color
Buy maternity clothes in neutral colors to make them easier to match with pants or skirts. However, if you want to wear it until breastfeeding, consider choosing a dark color for your top because dark colors can disguise the seepage of breast milk.
If you don't like dark colors, pregnant women can choose light colored clothes and wear breast pad so that the seepage of breast milk is not visible.
4. Choose maternity pants that have elastic at the waist
Choose a skirt or special pants for pregnant women that are equipped with rubber at the waist rather than those using buttons.
This model of pants has a size that can be adjusted to the size of the stomach, so pregnant women are more flexible when wearing them. Not only that, pregnant women can also save on expenses because they don't need to buy pants too often.
5. Avoid buying bigger clothes
Pregnant women should not buy maternity clothes that are larger than their body size for the reason that they cover their growing belly. This will actually make pregnant women look bigger.
As an alternative, pregnant women can look for clothes in stores that sell special clothes in large sizes, but not in maternity clothing stores. The shop generally sells oversized clothes that don't look like maternity clothes.
6. Borrow maternity clothes from friends or family
If pregnant women are confused about choosing or having difficulty buying maternity clothes, don't hesitate to accept or borrow maternity clothes from friends or family. Sometimes, they offer maternity clothes only because they are used for a short time, so they are still in good condition.
When choosing maternity clothes, pregnant women should still pay attention to personal style and taste, both in terms of design, materials, and colors, so as to make pregnant women more comfortable and confident in undergoing pregnancy. However, still adjust to the budget and needs, yes.
Preparing for needs during pregnancy can be an interesting activity for pregnant women. However, do not forget to always check the condition of pregnancy to the obstetrician regularly, so that the health condition of pregnant women and fetuses is maintained.
