Early Pregnancy to Three Months
Major changes in wardrobe are not necessary in the first trimester. Pants
are usually the first things become tight. Today's maternity pants have
improved upon the traditional panel—often they have elastic band
with multiple button holes that allow pants to expand.
Four Months to Seven Months
The working expectant mother should consider a few basic suiting pieces
or business casual pieces. Basic suiting pieces are available in stretchy
and comfortable fabrics. One or two jackets with mix and match skirt or
pant pieces works well. Virtually any top can be worn under a jacket and
still look good enough for the office. For business casual offices, pants
and skirts can be paired with button-front poplin tops or tailored tops.
Accessories such as necklaces and earrings bring these simple outfits
into the office environment with style.
The second trimester usually brings ever larger and more uncomfortable breasts. To the rescue are several options in maternity bras that can also be worn when nursing. Maternity and nursing bras are available in cotton and nylon fabrics, with or without a supporting underwire.
Maternity workout wear is a welcome addition to the wardrobe. Fitness bras and pants or shorts with support built in for the belly are available.
Casual and easy to wear maternity choices can be found at many different price points for expectant mothers. Summer collections offer tops of many colors, patterns, and fabrics. And the capri pant is truly a must have in prints, solids, and denim. Fall collections offer jeans and full-length pants, sweaters, and basic tees to coordinate with pants.
Eight Months to Delivery
Generally, cotton tops and other items bought throughout the pregnancy
will be useful in the third trimester. Now is also the time to start thinking
about comfortable sleepwear or nursing garments. Mothers will need a gown
or two to wear in the hospital and something casual that is comfortable
and appropriate for visitors after she and baby go home. Lightweight drawstring
pants offer comfort and ease of movement, especially for those who have
had a cesarean section.
Mothers should not be surprised to find that maternity clothes are still necessary for a little while after baby comes home. Pants with custom fit elastic bands that offered comfort in the first trimester will offer that same comfort until mom can get back into her pre-pregnancy wardrobe or purchase new clothing.
While the maternity wardrobe does not have to be large, it does have to do a lot of work. A few extra dollars for quality and style will go a long way if garments are expected to last throughout a pregnancy and beyond. With so many choices today, it is easy to fit a stylish wardrobe into even the most limited budget.