I ordered from H&M’s mama line..omg I’m in love with the skinny jeans i just ordered every color.. I was feeling defeated because I tried a bunch of maternity jeans recommended by friends and they just weren’t fitting right ... these are ahhhmazingly Comfy and fit perfectly. I ordered the same size I would have pre-pregnancy and the way the band sits i definitely have plenty of room to grow! They also have some really cute tops and winter coats
Ugh I think I blocked this phase of the 'bump' from my memory. Getting dressed every morning makes me feel like crying now. My 'bump' is WAY too huge for regular pants and even getting uncomfortable in most of my more structured work skirts / dresses. I hate belly bands too, so that's a no go. But my bump is still distinctly too small to hold up maternity pants. I tried doing browsing for some new maternity pants that might work better for this stage, and I forgot how frustrating it is!!! For one thing, I'm really skinny and kind of tall - it's just how my family is shaped. So I need pants that are a 00, and most maternity pants don't come that small! So from the get-go, it's hard to find pants that are even an option. And it's even harder to find pants that aren't freaking full panel (I live in the south were it's a million degrees all year, hello). I just want to curl up and cry and wear nothing but sweat pants and leggings!
@professormama I tuck the top of the full panel under my bra so it doesn’t sag (as much...but an iPhone makes it fall down). Not so helpful with the heat but maybe?
Old Navy’s side panel work pants are great, but they’re now sold out in all the winter colors I didn’t buy It’s kind of frustrating how a lot of the maternity clothes I see in stores are very casual/lounge/activewear focused, and the workwear ones are out of stock online. Like, hello if I could wear leggings to work my problems would be already solved for the next couple months. I need chinos or dress pants, guys!
Old Navy’s side panel work pants are great, but they’re now sold out in all the winter colors I didn’t buy It’s kind of frustrating how a lot of the maternity clothes I see in stores are very casual/lounge/activewear focused, and the workwear ones are out of stock online. Like, hello if I could wear leggings to work my problems would be already solved for the next couple months. I need chinos or dress pants, guys!
I was just coming on to post that I was disappointed that my local Target maternity section was exclusively casual lounge wear! Dude, where are all the work pants/blouses?! If I could wear yoga pants all day I could stick with my pre-pregnancy stuff! Also I hate ordering maternity clothes online. I really want to try stuff on first, oh well.
I just ordered a Le Tote box. It was absurdly expensive but I figured better than purchasing stuff that will only fit me briefly until my regular maternity clothes work.
So fellow people in cold wet climates; Where are you finding jackets? I did some non fruitful very frustrating googling a few days ago, just puffer jackets, I could barely even find a rain jacket, let alone a warm lined waterproof jacket! I plan to continue walking with my MIL as the weather turns (plus just getting from apartment to car to store is enough to get you really cold and wet here in winter!). I found one that unzips on the sides to expand and just has *mesh* in place on the sides...wtf, I would get so cold with my sides exposed!
@molecularmolly I got an oversized men’s raincoat that served me well (with plenty of space) from Dec to Apr during a warmish (40s/50s) but rainy and windy winter while pregnant with DD. I wore a heavy maternity sweater beneath for warmth as I walked a quarter mile or so from public transit to work (also because my office was cold).
@molecularmolly. I ended up sizing up to 2x (at the time I was in L) in women’s and that was plenty big and warm. This time I think I can use the same jacket because I’ll only be in cold climate in December for a couple weeks and I won’t be 8-9 months like last time. (5m?)
I do love my one maternity zip up sweatshirt. It’s so cozy.
@molecularmolly I have a dress coat I got on clearance and I puffer coat(I actually have to find who has them because they weren’t in my maternity clothes box). Thinking about it I don’t think I’ve ever seen a rain jacket/windbreaker for pregnancy. If I need something else I just wear one of DHs coats
I'm having a hard time justifying buying a maternity coat when I'll never wear it again after this one season, but I live in Salt Lake, so.....I'm not sure if not having a coat that will zip up will be too big of a problem!
@jecrae I just ordered about half of H&Ms maternity collection in multiple sizes, colors, cuts etc. with plans to return whatever doesn't work. Really hoping their stuff works for me!
@jecrae I just ordered about half of H&Ms maternity collection in multiple sizes, colors, cuts etc. with plans to return whatever doesn't work. Really hoping their stuff works for me!
Great idea! I hate trying to guess sizing while shopping online.
Update on the boobs vs maternity wear issue: Target’s Isabel line (maternity) is BETTER at fitting my giant boobs. XXL at least darted only a little high, though any empire seam is definitely too high to go all the way back to my torso. Gapping still happens. Close enough for me to purchase.
I'm having a hard time justifying buying a maternity coat when I'll never wear it again after this one season, but I live in Salt Lake, so.....I'm not sure if not having a coat that will zip up will be too big of a problem!
Those of you who need coats... have you thought about either a cocoon coat or a belted coat? Last time I had a short wool “trench” that belted, and I had no trouble with it fitting over my bump. Also, I still have that coat because I buy new coats never.
Target and Kohl’s have been a bust for me this time. I’ve hit up 2 Motherhood Maternity store and they were alright but, actually went to Macy’s today and they had quite a bit. I’m going to check out Old Navy also.
@kyashley1227 yup, I went up over 2 cup sizes my last pregnancy then another full cupsize while breastfeeding. I remember feeding my newborn and thinking ‘wow a single one of my boobs is WAY larger than my baby’s head!!!’
I second a trench style belted coat. I used my normal wool coat with a belt last time throughout winter, just tying the belt over/above my bump. The coat itself is a tad big on me normally, so it easily accommodated my bump.
Agreed that you should be able to get non-maternity jackets to get you through the pregnancy.
I have a wool belted wrap coat from before I was pregnant that worked perfectly when I was pregnant last winter - it's Tahari brand if anyone is looking. In a pinch I was actually able to squeeze my bump into a standard NorthFace jacket up until almost the end.
For a rain coat, I stupidly just did without last time, but since then I've gotten a Burberry rain jacket in a sort of trapeze silhouette and I think it's going accommodate a bump pretty well - I think mine's been discontinued, but the Bowpark looks really similar.
I was thinking of getting a new maternity coat/jacket since we'll be pregnant the wholeeee winter, but I might just get another wrap coat in a different color or something else I can still wear after. Or I'm also seeing a lot of duster style cardigan jackets lately and if I can find one I like I might get something like that. Really I already have plenty but I get bored of wearing the same coat/jacket every damn day.
@kyashley1227 Sadly, I think most Old Navy stores have moved their maternity section from stores to online only. I noticed a lot of stores in general have done this - which makes 0 sense to me because I feel like you really need to try stuff on to know what you like.
Hmmmm yeah, I think I'll have to try a plus size or men's coat. I like the idea of a wool wrap coat, but I just don't think it would cut it in the PNW wetness (and if I have to put a giant baggy rain coat over it, what's the point). Generally everyone has jackets with high tech rain proof outer shells and insulation here, we laugh at the coats they sell in most department stores because they just wouldn't cut it here.
@gollygeeitsamy thanks for the heads up! I’ve noticed that too! It sucks! I agree, I’m different sizes depending on how things are cut so try everything on even when not pg. ugh!
@kyashley1227 Sadly, I think most Old Navy stores have moved their maternity section from stores to online only. I noticed a lot of stores in general have done this - which makes 0 sense to me because I feel like you really need to try stuff on to know what you like.
PSA: A Pea in the Pod is having a 30% off one item and 40% off clearance sale! I bought a $129 sweater for $35 and AG jeans at 60% off (still a little spendy, but I literally only bought one pair of jeans last time, the same ones, and had zero regrets 'cause everything else I borrowed stretched and sagged so badly.)
Can I ask if you got your pre-pregnancy size? I'm wondering about bump + chest gain combined (although FWIW I'm on the smaller end if the size I usually take.)
I have a really dumb question to ask for those who've previously been pregnant: Did you need to buy larger underwear? I know there's maternity underwear - I have no idea what the difference is with them, but I am noticing my underwear is getting a little snug in the rear-end! Which is very depressing to me, but whatevs.
@rennie1108 I didn’t but I did notice that afterwards sime seemed to have stretched out a bit. I have some that still fit fine and some that are a bit snug. I think it depends on the fabric and cut. Although if you like your underwear buy a pack for especially afterwards that you don’t care about in case you end up ruining a few pairs. I know some people who bled really bad and some who hardly bled at all though. I have no idea how underwear + c-section scar goes though, anybody want to chime in just in case?
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
@thatbaintforbetty I didn’t bleed much (also delivered at 26 weeks for whatever that’s worth...prob something) and totally just used my already shitty period underwear and tossed afterwards. I’m considering purchasing some Thinx anyway for next spring since I need to invest in new undies soon.
I have a really dumb question to ask for those who've previously been pregnant: Did you need to buy larger underwear? I know there's maternity underwear - I have no idea what the difference is with them, but I am noticing my underwear is getting a little snug in the rear-end! Which is very depressing to me, but whatevs.
YES! I never bought maternity underwear but I was definitely more comfortable in lower rise, full coverage (hipster) panties. Don't feel bad about sizing up. A lot is changing and stretching in that area. Same goes with sizing up bra cups AND bands. Your rib cage will expand to make room for LO so don't be surprised if your band changes too.
Also, second buying some sized-up granny panties for afterward. You will practically be wearing a diaper so you need something to hold it in place and they will probably get ruined/stained.
I have a really dumb question to ask for those who've previously been pregnant: Did you need to buy larger underwear? I know there's maternity underwear - I have no idea what the difference is with them, but I am noticing my underwear is getting a little snug in the rear-end! Which is very depressing to me, but whatevs.
I never bought new underwear. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m still wearing the same undies I was wearing 6 years ago. I only own back underwear, except for like 2 pairs of white. During pregnancy they still fit fine. After / during recovery I just shoved a giant maxi pad (or two overlapping) into my underwear and toughed it out. I only remember bleeding maybe 2 or 2.5 weeks, and only a week of really heavy bleeding. So it just wasn’t that big of a deal. I guess some of my black underwear have a few stains but I honestly don’t care. When I’m trying to be sexy I usually wear a hanky panky thong, and those weren’t exactly getting worn post childbirth for awhile.
@lyse01 I bled pretty badly. Which was even worse because I had lost so much during labor. They also put me on a super dose of iron and let me tell you that the first poop fear was super real for me.
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Can I ask if you got your pre-pregnancy size? I'm wondering about bump + chest gain combined (although FWIW I'm on the smaller end if the size I usually take.)
Yes I think that’s the exact one! I got it before I was pregnant and my prepregnancy size fit me fine through the end! ETA: was a size small if that helps!
Re: maternity wardrobe
I tried doing browsing for some new maternity pants that might work better for this stage, and I forgot how frustrating it is!!! For one thing, I'm really skinny and kind of tall - it's just how my family is shaped. So I need pants that are a 00, and most maternity pants don't come that small! So from the get-go, it's hard to find pants that are even an option. And it's even harder to find pants that aren't freaking full panel (I live in the south were it's a million degrees all year, hello).
I just want to curl up and cry and wear nothing but sweat pants and leggings!
Also I cannot find plus size maternity shirts that are work appropriate and not a fortune. It’s all ridiculously expensive plain T-shirt’s.
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
I found one that unzips on the sides to expand and just has *mesh* in place on the sides...wtf, I would get so cold with my sides exposed!
I also really like my LLBean quilted vest over sweaters, because even when it didn’t close, it cut the wind really well and kept my back warm. https://m.llbean.com/llb/shop/88303?pn=pd&skCatId=88303&bc=12-27-610-504729&csp=f
I do love my one maternity zip up sweatshirt. It’s so cozy.
Target’s Isabel line (maternity) is BETTER at fitting my giant boobs. XXL at least darted only a little high, though any empire seam is definitely too high to go all the way back to my torso. Gapping still happens. Close enough for me to purchase.
I have a wool belted wrap coat from before I was pregnant that worked perfectly when I was pregnant last winter - it's Tahari brand if anyone is looking. In a pinch I was actually able to squeeze my bump into a standard NorthFace jacket up until almost the end.
For a rain coat, I stupidly just did without last time, but since then I've gotten a Burberry rain jacket in a sort of trapeze silhouette and I think it's going accommodate a bump pretty well - I think mine's been discontinued, but the Bowpark looks really similar.
I was thinking of getting a new maternity coat/jacket since we'll be pregnant the wholeeee winter, but I might just get another wrap coat in a different color or something else I can still wear after. Or I'm also seeing a lot of duster style cardigan jackets lately and if I can find one I like I might get something like that. Really I already have plenty but I get bored of wearing the same coat/jacket every damn day.
Can I ask if you got your pre-pregnancy size? I'm wondering about bump + chest gain combined (although FWIW I'm on the smaller end if the size I usually take.)
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Also, second buying some sized-up granny panties for afterward. You will practically be wearing a diaper so you need something to hold it in place and they will probably get ruined/stained.
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019