by Beckie Knowles

Created on: September 20, 2009

With all the changes that you go through physically and mentally throughout pregnancy, it is essential to make sure you are not uncomfortable from badly fitting clothing. Every woman is different in how she gains pregnancy weight. Most women find it comfortable to stay in their usual clothes for the first trimester. Once you begin to show, anywhere between 12 and 20 weeks, you will want some essential maternity clothes to make the last half of your pregnancy comfortable.

Maternity/Nursing Bra

It's always best to start with the basics. A properly fitted maternity bra will make all the difference in your day to day activity. As your breasts can become tender right from the start of a pregnancy, it is best to get kitted out with comfortable, practical underwear between 8 and 12 weeks. Depending on your personal experience, you may find wearing your normal bras until about 20 weeks is comfortable.

Most department stores and lingerie shops offer a bra fitting service for free. Think in the long term. You will probably need to go up at least one cup and waist size during your pregnancy. You might increase in size quite a lot more than that! Find a bra that fits comfortably on the tightest setting, so that when your ribs expand as the womb pushes upwards, you can simply loosen the bra rather than buying an unnecessary transition bra.

Open Fronted Shirt

The current high street fashion works in favour for a lot of mums-to-be. Empire lines, jersey tops, tunics and vests are all perfect for those of us with a bump. If your regular wardrobe includes tops like this, you can get away with wearing them for a lot longer! However, it is essential to buy a selection of maternity tops to help you stay cool, minimise the tightness across your bump and chest, and help you to feel comfortable. An long, open fronted shirt is multi-functional. Wear it with a waist-cinching belt in early pregnancy, over jeans or with leggings. You can also wear it after you've given birth and it'll look good as well as being practical for breast feeding.

Maternity Jeans

Maternity jeans will often just have an elasticated waistband. These aren't the best kind of maternity jeans, as they don't stay up very well! Try to find a good pair of maternity jeans that fit you properly and have a sewn-in bump band. My favourite pair are from H&M 'Hot Mama' and have fitted me a lot longer than other jeans, as the band stretches comfortably with the growth of my bump.

Bump Band

Designed to help you stay in

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