maternity clothes or no?

[jamesmomma201]

I would hate to go without maternity clothes! Especially the shirts. I'm quite tall, so the maternity shirts are long enough to cover the bump. Plus they are more fitted than just going up a size so you can tell it's a baby bump not just getting fatter.

 

[modified]

I got 3 tank tops, a nice pair of denim shorts, maternity leggings and a pair of skinny jeans for £45. Wouldn't be without them.

 

[Elsa50501]

I got a pair of maternity skinny jeans that I'm very happy with. I figured that they are stylish enough that I can wear them in the weeks after birth as well. Remember, your belly takes time to shrink back down to its original form. I got something that would make me feel stylish and still would be comfortable. Other than the one pair of (ridiculously priced) jeans, I've just been getting cute summer dresses that'd I'd wear anyway. My other clothes work for me. Jeans was the only thing that needed an update.

 

[mixedmama]

I have bought maternity jeans and trousers since I can no longer wear my old stuff. I'm still wearing my normal tops and dresses (for now) and won't be buying maternity tops or dresses, I'll just go a size up when shopping. I think it's easier being pregnant in summer because I like the lovely flowy dresses.

I have a few maternity bits left from my last pregnancy such as leggings and vests, and they are comfortable.

 

[Eriamel]

You can't obviously keep on wearing your regular clothes, unless you plan on walking around in sweats and shirts the size an oversized truckdriver could fit in.. that might be some people's style but I'd think when you're pregnant you'd want to feel attractive and look nice in your clothing, so I'd definitely buy some nice clothes, I have bought a few basics and made sure I could combine everything nicely so that I don't look the same all the time, since you'll be wearing these clothes for quite a few months. I've already started wearing maternity clothes by the end of 1st trimester (pants) and now at almost 19 weeks I also have to start wearing shirts otherwise the front side is too short compared to the back side.. But the fact that I am a clothing-stylist by profession probably makes my reply a little biased lol! So I didn't mean to offend anyone, if sweatpants are your style, go for it lol. I am also not rich so I had to look for good deals too, I found some nice affordable stuff (shirts mainly) at H&M's maternity department and also ASOS.

 

[Jett55]

Well I have 2 pairs of shorts atm & I couldn't imagine wearing anything else. With shirts my boobs are becoming more of an issue than my belly. I wore size 5 jeans & small shirts before pregnancy so def can't wear my usual stuff lol. I'm in the us so if anyone knows where good deals can be found let me know

 

[tropicsgirl]

I'd love to buy more maternity clothes but can't really since I'm on a tight budget. I've been buying looser maxi dresses which seem to fit well for me. I've found that my regular shirts are becoming to short and have to keep pulling them down which is annoying! Leggings are good too...though I'm having a hard time finding one's that are big enough right now...

 

[trumpetbeth]

I bought some from eBay and the previous girl lied. I got the pants and they were petite...

 

[AussieGamer]

I have 3 maternity tops, 2 maternity pants and a maxi skirt, and got them all for AU$15 or less each, which is the same price I pay non-maternity. They are much more flattering than regular clothes and I probably wouldnt leave the house at all if I didnt have them

 

[Twinks]

I prefer to buy the next size up or two sizes up in normal clothes. I bought some cargo pants from mothercare for £38 and whilst they are comfy the over the bump bands really annoy me. I've just gone back into skinny jeans that I've just bought from George (Asda) for £10 and they're just as comfortable as my £38 cargo pants. So I guess I kinda buy some maternity and some in the next size up I love the look of the New Look maternity dresses and Asos

 

[prbetsi75]

Maternity cloths are definitely expensive. But I was so uncomfortable in my regular clothes! I took the plunge and bought some and feel much better. I'm just going to try to sell on ebay or something after I don't need them anymore. Or donate them to another mom-to-be if someone I know happens to become pregnant.

I would also suggest WalMart. I was able to find the cheapest maternity clothes there. It may not be the best quality but I figure I only need them for a few months!

 

[Anaconda]

Maternity clothes aren't all expensive. I refuse to pay $70 for a pair of shorts at Tyme maternity, but I found $20 maternity shorts at old navy today! With my first I didn't buy any maternity clothes and I felt miserable. All my shirts didn't cover my belly (at the time I didn't no Old Navy had maternity clothes and Target wasn't here in Canada yet). This time around I am for sure buying a few pieces of maternity clothes. I plan on having more kids in the future so why not

 

[ItsJana]

Maternity clothes aren't all expensive. I refuse to pay $70 for a pair of shorts at Tyme maternity, but I found $20 maternity shorts at old navy today! With my first I didn't buy any maternity clothes and I felt miserable. All my shirts didn't cover my belly (at the time I didn't no Old Navy had maternity clothes and Target wasn't here in Canada yet). This time around I am for sure buying a few pieces of maternity clothes. I plan on having more kids in the future so why not

Thyme used to be the only maternity store in my city (they've since closed) they were such a rip off, I use to buy from the sale section and I learnt the hard way that the quality for the price was terrible. I bought some maternity jeans from old navy and absolutely love them!

 

[victoria1987]

I am quite a frugal woman (it drives my DH crazy!) but I hate the idea of spending 2-3x the price on a shirt simply because it says "maternity" when I can just as easily buy a tank or tee that is longer and able to cover the bump and still look good.

I refuse to buy maternity shirts, pants or dresses, opting instead for comfy long dresses made of accommodating material or shirts that are long enough to fit my bump. As for pants, I did buy some bella bands and have been wearing my regular pants/shorts with the button undone and the band to accommodate. It has been working fine for me so far.

The MUST haves though are some good quality mat/nursing bras which I did splurge on! I purchased a few mat shirts simply because they were no more expensive than the non-mat ones and found that they are no better than a well chosen regular shirt.

I do wear a lot of stretchy/yoga pants around the house and out shopping too but ones that I can wear postnatal.

I suppose that I should mention that I have a pretty tiny bump for my GA and have not gained weight anywhere else so am able to still fit into my pre-preg pants, skirts etc. as long as I wear a bella band.

So very long winded post can be summed up as:
- invest in some good maternity/nursing bras and underpants
- get a bella band to stay in pre-preg pants as long as possible
- don't buy specifically maternity dresses, shirts or pants unless they are at a great price as you can probably find something that will suit at regular retail shops for a fraction of the price.

Hope this helps!

 

[Jinga]

I can't imagine not buying maternity clothes, but I guess personal clothing styles and pregnancy body shapes do vary a lot. My pre-pregnancy clothes didn't fit me at all very early in my last pregnancy. I even had to buy bigger socks! Never needed maternity undies, though. This time, I'm still able to wear most of my regular pants, although my belly is starting to push them down, and most of my shirts have gotten too short to cover my belly (socks, bras and undies still fit). Some things I buy non-maternity if the style works for my growing shape, but since I have to buy bigger clothes anyway, I might as well get what's going to fit the longest. Generally, that means maternity clothes for me. I just stay out of those expensive maternity stores and get a minimal wardrobe. Thankfully, I also saved everything from my first pregnancy and a friend is donating her old stuff to me too. I'll be set!

 

[Buttercup84]

I've got a couple of those bump bands but, honestly, I only wear them with some underbump maternity jeans I have. It'd drive me crazy to wear them with normal pants undone at this stage, I think i'd be pulling them up constantly!

 

[hongkongchick]

honestly i too think it's too expensive to get a whole new wardrobe for those 9 months or less. I did however buy a pair of maternity jeans at Target on clearance for like 12 bucks (but regretted it, it really didn't feel all that comfortable and it didnt fit right).

i bought one more pair of maternity capris. then i just buy yoga pants. and i am just fine wearing yoga pants all the time.

i also bought two pairs of maternity undies, which was a waste again. they cover my whole tummy but i still think they are too tight even though i bought them very large. I now end up wearing my old (when i was larger) victoria secret panties that sit below my tummy which is even more comfortable for me, i just wear them a size larger than usual.

then as far as tops? i bought none of the maternity tops. i had some old tee shirts that were a size larger and i am still rocking them right now. i wear shirts that are stretchy (but i wear only cotton), i also wear tops that are loose fitting. I also have some tee shirt dresses that are loose but are not maternity.

so yes, you can get away with not buying maternity clothes.

the only thing i think one must buy is maternity bras lol