Your maternity wardrobe

Thanks to the images of stylish pregnant celebrities, and fashion designers realising that expectant mums still like to look good throughout their pregnancy weeks, there is a world of fashion just waiting to be explored by mums-to-be. There was a time when it was a choice between baggy dungarees or mumsy smocks in a woman’s second and third trimesters of pregnancy, but looking stylish with your bump is easy these days. Where to start? Most bumps start to show in the second trimester of pregnancy, so this is when you’ll probably want to buy some new clothes to suit your expanding waistline. The chances are you’ll have some good fashion basics in your wardrobe that will still be wearable during pregnancy. But you may have to go up a size or two now. You could cheat and adapt some existing items. You can stitch a V-shape of material in the front of your jeans or trousers, or incorporate a piece of elastic in a snipped waistband. These can be put back to normal after the birth, but could see you through all trimesters of pregnancy with a longer top or sweater worn over the top. If you’re happy for your bump to be obvious then vest tops and fitted dresses can be worn in the first few pregnancy weeks. Team them with low-slung jeans or a pair of drawstring trousers and long, loose cardigans or jackets for a casual look. If showing off your bump isn’t for you and you want to spend your pregnancy weeks hidden in a comfy tracksuit, then that’s fine too. Underwear Your breasts are likely to grow up to three cup sizes bigger during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, so a well fitting, comfortable bra is very important to protect the delicate tissues of the breast. You should get properly measured to ensure your breasts have good support and your back is protected from the extra strain. Ordinary fashion bras simply don’t provide the support needed during pregnancy. Good maternity bras support the whole breast, fitting snugly against the rib cage with wider straps that don’t cut into your shoulders, wider sides, an under-bust band and a deep centre at the front. Firm elastic straps eliminate bounce and give you the extra support you need. A minimum of four rows of hooks and eyes will allow your bra to grow with you. Bras that are mainly cotton let your skin breathe. As your breasts get heavier, in the third trimester of pregnancy, you may feel more comfortable keeping your bra on at night too. Cotton, bikini-style pants sit nicely under bumps and this natural fibre allows skin to breathe which will help prevent itching and avoid yeast infections, such as thrush. Maternity tights are good for giving your legs a bit of extra support.