How to wear your bump

There is no need to feel frumpy or unfashionable when your belly is growing at a rate of knots!

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or going out for a walk in the park, you can proudly show off your bump in style. There are now seemingly endless different trends and choices of maternity clothes being offered by both high and low-end retailers. Here are gurgle's tips in determining what are the most important elements when purchasing maternity clothes for your special event or daily activity.

Exercise maternity clothing:

An important part of a healthy pregnancy is staying active and an essential aspect of getting out there is feeling comfortable. Breathable fabrics are key in accomplishing this, as your body temperature gage may be a little off right now. For a good stretch and fit fabric, try lycra or lycra/cotton combination products. Meanwhile, clothes with microfibres will help in creating a breathable fabric that allows the air to more easily circulate and keep you comfortable. Specially designed low waisted trousers can be purchased that will avoid constricting your ever-growing belly. Pair those with a tank top, an extra-supportive built-in bra and a tracksuit jacket and you will be ready for the exercise of your choice! Supportive shoes can also make a world of difference. Proper arch support will aid in reducing lower back, foot and leg pains. Read our features on Exercises recommended in pregnancy and Exercises to avoid during pregnancy for information on how to stay fit and safe while you're expecting.

Bringing in the New Year:

The holiday season is approaching fast and there is no reason why you should not look fabulous! With the right dress you can go to all the end of year parties you want to without feeling self-conscious about your changing body. Try wearing a bold new colour with creative details if you want to show off your baby bump. Or if you want an understated look try a solid colour or subdued print. If you have a favourite little black dress that always made you feel amazing pre-pregnancy, you can have the dress altered to fit your growing body, or purchase a similarly styled maternity design. It is important to find dresses that are the right shape for your changing body. There is no harm in experimenting and finding a new style that draws attention to your best bits and makes you feel confident. Dresses with ties in the back can also be helpful. The tie allows for extra fabric to be pulled back or loosened creating the perfect look and feel for your growing bump. Don’t forget to accessorise, as a striking pair of earrings, glamorous scarf or trend-setting purse can give you that extra charm.

Everyday wear:

There are plenty of new styles out there to dress your growing bump in today’s popular trends. Jeans with adjustable waistbands make a good value and durable purchase that have the potential to last through your whole pregnancy. Breathability and versatility are two things you will want to keep in mind when purchasing everyday wear. The stretch properties of the clothes’ fabric is a key element in its ability to return to its original shape after wear and washing. It is also a good idea to look for materials that won’t develop creases easily. Cotton jersey is a very soft and stretchy material that is ideal to wear over your sensitive tummy.

Layering clothing items will also be very helpful. As the weather continues to get chillier there is no better way to easily adjust to your body and nature’s unpredictability than by wearing easily removable layers. Tank-tops and t-shirts can be worn under sweaters and jackets to accommodate to your body’s temperature changing throughout the day.

In the workplace:

In order to save money and continue looking good, it is important to invest in a few durable items that can be mixed and matched into many different looks. Essential items could include a black wrap dress, maternity trousers or skirts; when paired with a variety of different tops and accessories, you are ready to go!

If you want to keep your bump under wraps, you can buy one or two new items at a time and mix them with clothes from your wardrobe that your colleagues are familiar with. This will allow you to slowly integrate a specialised maternity wardrobe, without drawing attention from your co-workers.

Swimming attire:

Swimming is a great form of full body exercise for expecting mums! It helps maintain your pre-pregnancy muscle tone and weight, while giving you a great cardio-vascular workout. Since there are no questions about the benefits of swimming while you're pregnant, that only leaves one thing left to do…buy a swimsuit!

If you are looking to show off your bump, there is the sexy bikini option. A great alternative to this is the one-piece swimsuit, which will give extra support to your bump and is the ideal choice for lap swimming and water aerobics at the pool. An in between option that can be both flirty and offer full coverage is the tankini design. This suit gives the allusion of a one piece with the convenience of a two-piece. It is important to remember that bust and hip sizes may expand during your pregnancy so it may be a good idea to buy a slightly larger size. Bottom bikinis with sides that tie make a great, easily adjustable suit choice for continuous wear throughout your pregnancy. Purchasing two suits may also be practical as one can be used for real swimming and the other for fashion.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Published: November 2008

Last Modified: 12/11/2008

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