Having a baby is a journey that can be difficult to prepare for, no matter how hard you try! Being pregnant influences almost every part of your daily routine, from diet and exercise to work and travel, and there are many key things to organise when you are welcoming a newborn.
One of the easiest things to plan for is your physical transformation – although even this varies from person to person! However, it can be difficult to know where to begin and to be sure of which garments are an absolute must-have for any mother-to-be. Get ahead of the game for your pregnancy outfits with these essential pieces for a maternity wardrobe.
Maternity denim
Especially in the earlier stages of your pregnancy, you may wish to keep your bump more concealed. Maternity jeans are an excellent way to keep wearing the outfits you love while giving you essential additional flexibility and support in the fit. You could also look into a pair of dungarees which hang away from the stomach and are easy to put on and take off, no matter how far along you are.
A roomy dress
For maximum comfort, look no further than a roomy dress. A loose-fitting option in a light fabric such as a simple floaty linen dress will be your best friend in the hotter summer months. For the transitional seasons, a stylish choice is a knitted jersey dress that can stretch easily over your bump. In the winter, try pairing a thicker denim shirt dress with a blazer or maternity coat for extra warmth.
Special bra
One of the main body parts to go through a transformation during pregnancy is your breasts. Women can see a change of up to two cup sizes by the last trimester, and often have to move to a bigger band size as well. As well as going for regular fittings to make sure you are wearing the correct bra, you may also want to move from standard underwired pieces to a maternity or nursing bras. These non-underwired designs offer more comfortable support and promote a healthy blood flow to the breasts which is particularly important if you are hoping to breastfeed your baby.
Stretchy leggings
The general thing to bear in mind when putting together a cost-effective capsule maternity wardrobe is that comfort is key. This might sound obvious but do your best to remember that substance comes before style on this occasion and invest wisely. A pair of maternity leggings is the perfect piece of loungewear for your last few weeks and when you are at home nursing your newborn. Worn with a button-down cotton shirt or warmer cardigan, your leggings can take you straight from the sofa to the supermarket.
Simple tops
Every maternity wardrobe requires an abundance of simple tops. These essential basics will be useful throughout the pregnancy and will also come in handy once you have had the baby. A crew-neck t-shirt in elasticated cotton works perfectly alongside your maternity denim and underneath skirts. In your third trimester, a maternity t-shirt works well to minimise your bump and keep you comfortable. For a more formal event or office day, switch this with a floaty blouse.
Striped jumper
If you are looking to draw attention away from your pregnancy, invest in a black-and-white striped jumper. Relatively thin lines in an even horizontal pattern, with block colour at the top, is most flattering. The lines work to smooth out the block shape of your bump and keep the eye dancing, while the black helps to subtly slim down the overall image.
Cotton sleepwear
Did you know that around 50% of pregnant women suffer from insomnia? This is due to shifting hormones, physical discomfort, and heightened emotions in response to the prospect of being a mother. Sleep is essential to the health and wellbeing of you and your baby, and it is important to do what you can to ensure decent daily rest. Wearing loose sleepwear made of a breathable fabric such as organic cotton will help to keep you cool and comfortable during the night.
What to wear after the baby arrives
As well as building your maternity wardrobe, you should also consider the clothes you will need once the baby arrives. While you may not need these items during your pregnancy, you will be glad to have them ready to hand after the birth. Collate a uniform of large cotton underwear, warm socks, loose joggers, and a front-zip hoodie to keep warm and cosy as you bounce bag. Nursing tops are also a must-have given the frequency of feeds that are required in the initial weeks and months of raising a baby.
