When to start wearing maternity clothes is a question that many pregnant women ask themselves. The answer, of course, depends on each individual woman and her pregnancy. However, there are some general tips and tricks that can help you figure out when it’s time to make the switch to maternity clothes.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best time to shop for maternity clothes and how to find comfortable maternity clothing on a budget. I’ve even included a free download to help you build your Maternity Capsule Wardrobe. I hope that this information helps you feel confident about what to wear during your pregnancy!
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When To Start Wearing Maternity Clothes: First Pregnancy
If you are pregnant for the first time, generally most women begin wearing maternity clothing in your 3rd or 4th month of pregnancy. Of course, this really depends on each woman’s body and pregnancy. Some choose to start wearing maternity clothes sooner for additional comfort, and other wait until their pant buttons pop off to make the switch.
The key is to listen to your body and wear what makes you feel most comfortable. For most women, that means wearing maternity clothing all throughout their pregnancy. Other women may only need to wear them for the last few months.
When To Start Wearing Maternity Clothes: Second Pregnancy & Beyond
But what about if you are pregnant with your second or third child?
For most women who are pregnant with their second or third child, they may need maternity clothes sooner in their pregnancy as their bodies change and grow a bit faster that second or third time around.
So, don’t be shocked if you need to pull out those maternity leggings a little bit sooner this time around. That’s just a good sign that your body knows what to do and that your baby is growing.
When To Start Wearing Maternity Clothing With Multiples (Twins, Triplets, & More)
For pregnant women who are expecting multiples (twins, triplets, etc.), you may need maternity clothes quite a bit sooner as your body grows rapidly to accommodate those sweet babies of yours. Because the belly grows at a much faster rate with multiple babies, you will likely need to switch to maternity clothes sooner than women who are only pregnant with one child.
It’s completely up to you, based on your weight gain, body shape, and comfort level when you decide to start wearing maternity clothes. There’s no right or wrong answer.
When Should You Start Buying Maternity Clothes?
The best time to start buying maternity clothes is right away! Especially if you see items you really like and happen to be on sale. It’s never too early to stock up on some staples even if you won’t be wearing them right away.
If you plan to shop a bit early, be mindful of the seasons in which you will be wearing most of your maternity clothing. Will you need a winter jacket or lined leggings, for instance, if you’re going to be preggo during the wintertime? Or should you plan to invest in some comfortable maxi dresses and tees for a summer pregnancy?
Wondering what pieces to look for? Keep scrolling, I’ve got you covered…
Maternity Capsule Wardrobe: The Staples You’ll Need
While you don’t need to go out and buy a whole new maternity wardrobe to show off your baby bump, there are some key staples that you will likely need as your pregnancy progresses. Here are a few pieces to keep in mind when you go to buy maternity clothes.
Here Are The Basics That Every Pregnant Woman Should Have In Her Closet:
-A few pairs of comfortable pants or leggings. Maternity jeans can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to invest in a few comfortable pairs of pants or leggings that you can wear throughout your pregnancy and maybe one pair of jeans that you absolutely love.
-A couple of tank tops or camisoles. These are great for layering and will come in handy as your belly grows larger.
-At least one long-sleeved shirt. You might want this when it starts getting cold outside so that you can stay warm without having to wear a jacket overtop of your shirt!
-A pair of comfortable shoes. You will likely need some supportive footwear since pregnant women are more prone to falling down due to their changing center of gravity as well as other factors such as fatigue from carrying around the extra weight. Plus, another fun fact, some pregnancy women’s feet change size, so you may need to size up in your shoes to accommodate extra swelling.
-A few dresses or skirts. These will be extra necessary is you’re going to be pregnancy during the summer months as they’ll keep you nice and cool. Plus, you may want to invest in a really nice dress to wear to your baby shower or other events during your pregnancy
-Some comfortable PJs. Pregnancy can be exhausting so it’s a good idea to have some comfortable PJs to relax in at the end of the day.
-A few maternity bras and a nursing tank set. This will come in handy once your baby is born and you start breastfeeding. Plus a supportive bra is a must as your breasts also go through quite the transformation during pregnancy.
Some Tips for Buying Maternity Clothes On A Budget
-When buying maternity clothes, it’s important to remember that you will likely only need them for a few months. This means that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on items that you will only wear for a short time.
-Look for sales and deals when shopping for maternity clothes. There are always sales going on at different stores and online retailers.
-If you are worried about finding the right size, try shopping in person so that you can see how each item fits before buying it!
-Consider buying a few key staples and then mixing and matching them with other pieces that you already own. This will help you to save money while still having some new items in your wardrobe.
-Remember, maternity clothes are not just for pregnant women! Many women choose to continue wearing their maternity clothes long after they’ve given birth as they are comfortable and still fit well. So investing in a few pieces may be more worth it especially if you plan to continue wearing these clothes as you recover and heal postpartum.
Best Places to Buy Maternity Clothes
There are a number of places where you can buy maternity clothes, both online and in person. If you are looking for fashionable maternity clothes then you’re in luck! Here are some of the best places to shop for maternity clothes:
- Old Navy
- Motherhood Maternity
- Kindred Bravely
- Pink Blush Maternity
- Seraphine Maternity
- Stitch Fix Maternity
- Pea In The Pod
More FAQ’s About Maternity Clothes
When should I start wearing maternity clothes?
It’s a good idea to wait until your second trimester before buying any new items unless you happen to find some great sales. This will give you enough time to adjust and see how much weight you gain during pregnancy, which can be helpful when it comes time for shopping! When choosing what type of clothing is best suited for you, consider what activities will be happening during each trimester (i.e., working out vs going out on the town) so that you’ll be prepared with an outfit no matter where life takes you!
How do I know when my clothes won’t fit anymore?
You may notice a change in your clothing size as early as the first trimester. However, it’s typically towards the end of your pregnancy when clothes start to feel really tight and uncomfortable. If you’re not sure whether an item will fit, try putting it on over your belly to get a better sense of how it will look and feel later in your pregnancy.
What kind of clothes should I avoid during pregnancy?
You may not want to wear anything too tight or constricting because it can make you feel uncomfortable and cause nausea (i.e., belts with buckles, tight jeans). Also, be sure that the clothing has room for your growing belly by avoiding items like skinny leg pants which tend to hug your curves.
Can I wear my regular clothes during the early stages of pregnancy?
Some women choose to continue wearing their regular clothes during the early stages of pregnancy, while others find it more comfortable to start wearing maternity clothes right away. It’s really a personal preference and you can switch back and forth as you please! Just make sure that whatever you choose to wear is comfortable and fits well.
What are some good tips for dressing my growing belly?
-Wear clothes that fit your current size, even if they’re a bit baggy. This will help you to avoid having to buy too many new items as your pregnancy progresses.
-Try wearing tops with empire waists or stretchy fabrics like jersey knit so that they can accommodate your growing belly without looking too tight around the middle section of your body. You may also want to invest in some cute dresses with an empire waistline (like a maxi dress) which are both practical and fashionable!
When should I stop wearing maternity clothes?
Many women choose to stop wearing maternity clothes during the last few weeks of their pregnancy, especially if they’re not planning on having a baby shower. However, it’s really up to you and what makes you feel most comfortable! You may also want to keep a few key pieces in your wardrobe for those days when you just don’t feel like dressing up.
Is it too early to wear maternity clothes?
Not necessarily! Some women feel more comfortable wearing maternity clothes right away, while others prefer not to wear them until later in their pregnancy when it becomes necessary. It all depends on how you’re feeling physically and emotionally at any given time – so don’t be afraid to follow your instincts!
How many sizes do you go up during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can cause your body to go up a few sizes, but it really varies from woman to woman. It’s important not to get discouraged if you don’t end up fitting into all of your pre-pregnancy clothes by the time your baby is born – just enjoy the process and know that you will eventually lose the weight!
When to start wearing maternity clothes with twins?
If you’re pregnant with twins, you may find that your belly grows at a faster rate and that you need to start wearing maternity clothes sooner than women who are expecting only one baby. It really depends on each individual woman’s body, so just listen to your own intuition and go from there! You can always purchase some key pieces that will last you throughout your entire pregnancy.
Where can I buy plus-sized maternity clothes?
There are a number of places where you can buy plus-sized maternity clothes, including department stores, online retailers, and even specialty stores. However, it’s important to note that not all maternity clothes are created equal – some will be more comfortable and flattering than others. So, if you have the time, it may be worth trying on a few different items before settling on a purchase.
The Bottom Line: When To Buy Maternity Clothes
When it comes down to it, there’s no right or wrong answer on when you should start shopping for maternity clothes. It really depends on each individual woman and her pregnancy! So if this applies then there’s no need to rush out and buy a bunch of new maternity clothes – you can likely get by with the clothing that you have up until this point. But if not then it might be time for some shopping!
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