Maternity Wear
Maternity Wear
Comfort is everything when you are deciding what to wear
during your pregnancy, but just because you are pregnant it doesn't
mean you have to wear a tent!
At around 14-25 weeks (depending on your size and shape) you will
find a lot of your clothes won't fit you around your middle and the
last thing you want to do is buy clothes that are too
constricting.
Clothing
A few carefully chosen basics should suffice. For example a pair
of maternity jeans with an expandable front panel, one or two
maternity dresses for special occasions, and some properly fitted
maternity bras, can be mixed in with some drawstring pants, even
your partners t-shirts and jumpers. There is also a new
product out called the Belly Belt which allows you to use your
own jeans and pants that you would normally wear - during pregnancy
by providing that extra belt area to expand your pants where they
need them - so you don't have to buy new pants!
Also the Belly Bra is a new innovation that is designed to give
you extra support as your tummy starts getting heavier. It
helps to correct posture and provide back support!
There are a wide variety of specialist outlets you can go to
(which may provide more of a range for work clothes), but
department stores tend to be cheaper. Make sure you check the
quality of the garments you are buying. It pays to check things
like whether drawstrings are long enough, and that the stitching is
good quality and strong.
Underwear
Good old natural cotton is often the best way to go. It is more
comfortable than synthetic and is better for you if you have a
problem with thrush.
Of course you have two choices - either briefs or waistline pants.
A pregnancy bra and underpants are considered to be invaluable for
your figure after the pregnancy as they help to prevent
sagging.
A bra should be properly fitted and should give you good support
with a wide band underneath the cups and wide shoulder straps that
don't cut into your skin.
Hosiery
Hosiery gives a lot of support to sore and swollen legs. Special
support stockings can be bought to minimize swelling and help with
your circulation, but even sheer pantyhose offer a lot of
support.
With socks you should aim to buy cotton ones, as they will allow
your skin to breathe and will stretch more easily. Also avoid
knee-high socks because they may restrict around your upper calf
and promote varicose veins.
Where to shop
There are some beautiful boutiques stocking maternity wear (like
Kid Republic in Auckland and Wellington and EGG Maternity
throughout New Zealand and Australia), and even chainstores are now
providing options for pregnancy. The Warehouse and Kmart, for
example, do a maternity range which is good for basics and
Jeanswest stock great maternity jeans. Pumpkin Patch does maternity
wear alongside their children's clothing.
Most maternity specialists do a lot of business online, which is
quite convenient as you can put your tired feet up and shop from
the couch! Check out:
www.eggmaternity.com
www.mama2b.co.nz
www.bellybeyond.co.nz
www.kidrepublic.co.nz
www.pregoli.co.nz
www.breastmates.co.nz
www.asos.com - direct from the UK, and free
shipping worldwide.