Maternity Musts

brittanydec2012 · June 2013

Hi everyone, I am early in my first trimester and have been going a little bit of research on maternity clothes and where the best place to shop for them. I am from a small town so when I get the opportunity to head to the city I would like to stock up on some necessities and "maternity musts". Wondering if anyone has some places they like to shop that they care to share or websites. I have been looking at the GAP online and like what I see on their website. Does anyone have any suggestions of other places or items that are a need when pregnant. After reading some other posts I see that maternity tanks, and a belly band are some essentials. Looking for any other possible suggestions. Thank you!

CNYBride05 · June 2013

I wouldn't start shopping until you start showing. Pregnancy doesn't all of a sudden make everything fit, so you'll need to try stuff on as your body changes. As for what's needed.... Um, do you get dressed every day? Yeah, so you'll need clothes that accommodate your growing and changing body.

brittanydec2012 · June 2013

I'm quite aware that I need clothes.. I wasn't asking for a sarcastic response. Some people get away with just purchasing a few basics without buying a whole new wardrobe. That is what I hope to beable to do to cut down expenses.

babymomma623 · June 2013

I liked some layering things. The large maternity cardigans or sweaters look great over a tank or solid shirt. I also loved comfy pants. With both #1 and #2 I had some sweat pants from new york and company that were low rise (not maternity) I lived in them at home! I have tried many brands of maternity clothes because I typically buy 2nd hand. It really depends on the item what fits best. I liked the liz lange from target for solid t's. Gap pants are great because thet run long. Good luck!

gingerbabe · June 2013

You may want to wait and see what you need. I have friends that can wear their normal pants the whole pregnancy, but I couldn't. Belly bands and the rubber band trick did not work for me. So I only wore maternity pants and yoga pants. In regards to tops, I was a medium before pg and was able to wear a medium in maternity tops. However, I gained 50lbs during my first pregnancy, so some shirts even though they fit, I did not like during the end of my pregnancy because they seemed tight in the wrong places.

Go ahead and get a bellaband. It may save you from spending money on maternity pants.

If I were you, bc you don't live close to maternity stores, I would by a couple maternity shirts and pants, but keep the tags on and reciept. That way you have something if one day you wake up unable to wear your normal clothes, but can return them if you decide you don't need them.

Also, buy at least one empire waist dress. Doesn't matter if it's in the maternity section or not as long as long as its loose and flows after the high waistline. These are my go tos when I can't wear yoga pants.

CNYBride05 · June 2013

gingerbabe:
If I were you, bc you don't live close to maternity stores, I would by a couple maternity shirts and pants, but keep the tags on and reciept. That way you have something if one day you wake up unable to wear your normal clothes, but can return them if you decide you don't need them.

Most stores have 30 day return policies, so again, I wouldn't get anything until you actually need it. I bought stuff that my mom had to return when I got admitted to the hospital for likely the duration of my pregnancy. Thankfully, I only bought things as I needed them or I'd have been out a bunch of money.

laurasue0513 · June 2013

I am in my 10th week, and I do not fit in my pants anymore, and just will not even attempt my flat panel skirts

Its all bloat, but its like an extra inch of bloat so its enough to make pants uncomfortable. I have been using the "Belly Belt" (bought on amazon), basically button extenders, which have worked wonderfully for my dress pants and jeans. The belts have a bunch of sizes so this might be helpful for a couple more months. A belly band is also an esential. As a PP said empire waist dresses are perfect for summer and make a baby bump look too cute. I recently went on eBay and bought a couple pairs of designer maternity jeans- for me personally, I want a good fit, but refuse to drop a boatload of $$ on this stuff. Good luck and Congrats!

mamathefox · June 2013

Since maternity clothes are pricey I always tried to get plus sized clothing on sale instead. I did buy maternity pants eventually, but the plus size shirts were great.

jessicat2283 · June 2013

Each person is different Belly Bands never really worked for me I am not sure if it was my style of pants or what. Some of my jeans I could wear until 7-8 months pregnant. I did like maternity pants though I bought a few pairs of jeans. Yoga pants are amazing for while at home. I have a few pair that really stretched with me and I wore them up until the end

wedbliss5 · June 2013

Dresses. I lived in dresses with my first. Plus, I didn't have to deal with the gymnastics of trying to put pants on those last weeks. You can try ebay and such too.

And are you a Friends watcher? Remember when Rachel was pregnant and her tank didn't cover her belly anymore? Yeah, thats like weeks 37 on. Another reason I swore by dresses.

I bought most of my stuff from Motherhood maternity, which I know tends to be on the cheaper (and lower quality ) side, but it worked for me. My target shirts didn't work much past mid-pregnancy since they shrunk. And i could never handle the belly band because any pressure on my belly caused more nausea.

Cewilliams207554 · June 2013

When i was pregnant with my son, i at times hit up the thrift store. They had trendy items. Why pay an arm and a leg when they are not going to be a part of your long term wardrobe? I'm not saying i didn't go other places like Target, motherhood maternity, etc, but don't count the thrift store out!

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