What to Wear While Pregnant | Aeroflow Breastpumps

Key Takeaways:

• Most women start wearing maternity clothes between 12 and 16 weeks, though it varies from mom to mom

• You don't need to invest in a new maternity wardrobe. Adding a few versatile pieces can see you through pregnancy and into the postpartum period

• Supportive, well-fitting bras are essential throughout pregnancy as your breasts change

• Adding support garments and compression socks to your wardrobe can make pregnancy more comfortable

As your baby grows and your body changes throughout pregnancy, your wardrobe will evolve too. Whether you're in those early weeks when your favorite jeans feel just a bit snug, or you're further along and ready to show off your beautiful bump, dressing during pregnancy can be fun and comfortable!

The best part? You don't need to spend a fortune or buy a completely new wardrobe! By selecting a few smart pieces and adding in some creative styling, you can feel confident and comfortable throughout your entire pregnancy. This guide will help you understand when to start shopping for maternity clothes and what styles work best at each stage of your pregnancy.

Many expecting moms wonder when they should start wearing maternity clothes, and the answer is, it depends! Most women start wearing maternity clothes somewhere between 12 and 16 weeks (the beginning of the second trimester), but this timeline varies based on your body type, whether this is your first pregnancy or a subsequent one, and how quickly you're showing.

Some women can continue wearing their pre-pregnancy clothes well into their second trimester with just a few adjustments, while others feel more comfortable switching to maternity wear earlier. 

General rule of thumb: Start shopping for maternity clothes when your regular pants won't button comfortably anymore. But there's no need to rush into buying an entire maternity wardrobe right away. Start with a few pieces and build from there as your pregnancy progresses.

What Should You Not Wear in Early Pregnancy?

During the first trimester and early second trimester, your body is going through significant changes, even if they're not always visible. Here's what to avoid:

Tight waistbands and restrictive clothing: Anything that digs into your waist can be uncomfortable, restrict circulation, or contribute to nausea. Skip rigid waistbands on jeans or pants, even if they technically still fit.

Non-breathable fabrics: Synthetic fabrics that don't breathe can make you feel overheated and uncomfortable. Stick with soft fabrics like cotton or linen for better air circulation.

Underwire bras that don't fit properly: Your breasts are changing quickly in early pregnancy. An underwire bra that's too tight can be painful. If underwires bother you, switch to wireless bras or nursing bras early.

What you CAN wear: Many of your existing non-maternity pieces work beautifully in early pregnancy! Search your closet for flowy tops, stretchy dresses, and anything with an empire waist.

Knowing what to expect as your body changes from one month to another can help you build the perfect pregnancy wardrobe.

First Trimester: Working with What You Have

In those early months, you might not need dedicated maternity clothing just yet. Empire waist tops and dresses become your go-to, cinching just below the bust and giving your growing belly plenty of room. Flowy tunics paired with maternity leggings or stretchy pants create comfortable pregnancy outfits without obviously being labeled as "maternity wear."

Second Trimester: Embracing Your Baby Bump

Your beautiful bump becomes more noticeable during this stage! This is when investing in some maternity clothes makes sense. Maternity jeans or pants with a stretchy belly panel keep you comfortable while still looking put-together. Pair them with fitted tops that show off your bump, or go for loose, flowy options.

Versatile dresses like wrap styles or maxi dresses work beautifully throughout the second trimester and beyond. They adjust to your changing shape and can be dressed up for special events or kept casual for everyday wear.

Third Trimester: Prioritizing Comfort

As you enter the home stretch, comfort becomes non-negotiable. Maternity leggings paired with long, oversized tops or soft sweaters may become your new uniform. You can also look for tops with ruching on the sides. This design grows with your bump and often works postpartum too. As for shoes, slip-on options like loafers or supportive flats are lifesavers when you can't see your feet to tie laces.

Creating a functional maternity wardrobe doesn't mean spending a fortune. Most women only wear maternity clothes for a few months, so being strategic about what you buy (and borrow!) makes financial sense. 

Borrow from friends: Before you spend any money, ask friends or family members who have been pregnant if they have maternity clothes you can borrow. Many moms are thrilled to pass along gently used maternity wear. This saves you money and gives you a chance to figure out what styles you actually like before investing. Plus, it reduces waste!

Shop Resale Stores: Many women donate their maternity fashion after just a few months of wear. Check resale shops, consignment stores, and online platforms for high-quality, barely worn items at a fraction of the original price.

Start with the essentials: You don't need a new wardrobe. Most women can get by with just a few key maternity pieces mixed with non-maternity items they already own:

• At least one pair of maternity jeans or pants with a belly panel

• Maternity leggings are an easy piece to style

• Several maternity tank tops or basic tees that can be layered

• One or two maternity dresses that can be dressed up or down

Add to your baby registry: You can absolutely add maternity clothes to your baby registry! Focus on versatile key pieces that work for several occasions.

Invest in dual-purpose pieces: Look for maternity clothing that transitions to postpartum, like nursing tanks and dresses with easy feeding access, or maternity leggings that will fit postpartum as your body recovers.

From casual outfits to business meetings and special events, consider these tips to help you fill out your pregnancy wardrobe:

Everyday Wear 

Maternity leggings paired with a loose-fitting t-shirt, button-down, or sweater create an effortless look for errands and appointments. Add an oversized blazer, jacket, or cardigan to feel more put together. This is also an area where you can play with color, cuts, and patterns to add your personal flair!

Work and Professional Settings

Try these staples to feel chic and maintain a professional look while pregnant:

• A well-fitted maternity blazer

• Maternity pants in neutral colors paired with flowy blouses

• Shirt dresses or wrap dresses in solid colors

Mom tip: When buying maternity clothes, many brands follow standard sizing. Start building your wardrobe by trying clothes in your usual pre-pregnancy size and adjusting as necessary. 

Special Events

Embracing your bump can be a fun way to dress up for baby showers, weddings, or celebrations! Fitted maxi dresses can be dressed up or down, while empire waist gowns add an elegant, flattering shape to your look. 

Weather Considerations

Summer: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics. Loose, flowy pieces and maternity swimsuits for pool days can help keep you cool.

Winter: Layering is essential for colder months since your body temperature fluctuates. Instead of buying an expensive maternity coat, layer in big, warm scarves or cardigans, use coat extenders, or borrow a larger coat from someone.

Yes, your breasts can grow significantly during pregnancy (some women go up multiple cup sizes), and proper support helps prevent discomfort. Here's what to look for when shopping for bras while pregnant:

First trimester

As your breasts become tender and start growing, get fitted for new bras. Soft, wire-free bras or comfortable bralettes can provide support without putting pressure on sensitive breast tissue.

Second and third trimesters

Continue reassessing your bra size as your breasts change. Many women find that investing in nursing bras during the third trimester makes sense because they'll work during late pregnancy and throughout your breastfeeding journey. Look for bras with adjustable straps and multiple hook settings to accommodate changes.

At night: Many pregnant women choose to sleep in a soft, supportive sleep bra or nursing bra because it’s more comfortable than going without. This is especially true in the third trimester when breasts are at their fullest.

Adding Compression and Support Garments to Your Wardrobe

Alleviate pregnancy-related pressure with compression and support garments.

Lumbar support garments: Can help relieve back pain and increase stability as your growing belly shifts your center of gravity. The gentle compression supports your muscles and spine during daily activities.

Compression socks: Support cardiovascular health by wearing compression socks, which promote circulation and reduce swelling. 

Whether pregnant or postpartum, your healthcare provider can share more information about which compression and support garments are right for you.

Dressing while pregnant is all about feeling comfortable and confident. Pregnancy fashion has come a long way, and you don't have to sacrifice your personal style just because you're expecting. Whether you feel most like yourself in athleisure, prefer a more polished look, or love the freedom of a maxi dress, there are maternity options that fit your vibe. This is a special time in your life, and your clothes should help you feel good!

At Aeroflow Breastpumps, we understand that pregnancy involves countless changes and decisions, from choosing what to wear to preparing for your baby's arrival. We can make this journey easier for you by helping you get breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies, and compression socks or support garments through insurance! Start by filling out our Qualify Through Insurance form to check your eligibility. 

Here's to feeling more confident, beautiful, and stylish while pregnant!