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For many women, pregnancy brings mixed feelings of delight and anxiety. And although it may not come immediately to mind as a necessity, one of the critical concerns of most moms-to-be is wearing the correct underwear. With the changes in your body and the expansion of your belly, wearing your old undies gets impractical and impossible.
Finding quality maternity lingerie can be tricky because a pregnant woman’s body changes every few weeks. The good news is that some incredibly great undergarments are available that will make you feel fabulous, even sexy at times, regardless of the size or shape of your baby bump. All you must do is find the right ones.
The Importance of Maternity Lingerie
Some pregnant women prefer regular undies or larger versions of their normal underwear, but maternity undergarments can make a difference. Maternity underwear is created explicitly for expectant mothers and is available in various designs and variations, allowing you to discover the right fit for your changing body.
Maternity underwear is made to fit your swelling breasts and tummy, stay in place longer and feel much more comfortable than regular underwear. Furthermore, they aren’t only handy during pregnancy, but are also very useful during the postpartum period. Many maternity bras are designed from pregnancy to nursing with fold-down cups and discreet, quick fastenings.
You can transition into wearing maternity lingerie at any point of your pregnancy, but especially when:
- Wearing your old undies feels uncomfortable
- Your current undergarments fit tightly
- You want to have more coverage, particularly in the belly area
Things to Consider When Shopping for Maternity Lingerie
Pregnancy causes numerous physical changes which require these considerations when shopping for maternity undergarments:
Material
To accommodate your growing figure, look for materials that stretch. Pregnancy can also make your skin more sensitive, and certain materials can irritate your skin. Choose fabrics that are fresh, breathable, and elastic to avoid this discomfort.
Synthetic materials or fabrics with lace may create an environment conducive to yeast growth. The ideal materials for maternity lingerie are cotton and microfiber-based fabrics. Cotton absorbs moisture away and does not retain heat.
The material’s color is also essential. For easier monitoring of any changes in discharge, wear undies with a white or light-colored crotch lining.
Size
While determining the correct lingerie size can be challenging, you can use several calculative principles. Think about how many weeks you have left and how much weight you might gain. Always go for the bigger size for the most comfort. But pay attention to how big the undergarment is. If you buy a maternity bra that is too big, it won’t support your back as well as it should. Not only that, but it won’t look good under your clothes.
Style
One type of pregnancy lingerie won’t go well with every outfit you have. Like regular undies, textured maternity undergarments will show up under lightweight clothes. Even over-the-bump underwear can be see-through if you’re not wearing maternity clothes. Choosing the right style is vital for on-the-go expectant moms or those who still attend meetings, conferences, and important events while pregnant.
Postpartum use
You should also think about how long you can wear pregnancy underwear. Some bras and undies, for example, are designed to be worn postpartum, with slip-down straps that make nursing easier.
Maternity Lingerie Varieties
Like with maternity dresses and pants, there are a few different designs of maternity lingerie you can choose from:
Above-the-bump undies
These are high-waisted undies that cover your protruding belly entirely. They are typically more supportive than low-cut designs. Above-the-bump undies are great because they:
- Offer complete support around the belly and waist areas
- Prevent belly chaffing
- Don’t roll, bunch, or pinch
- Are liberating to use as they don’t restrict movements
- Have an adjustable side button to accommodate your belly size
Below-the-bump undies
These are low-cut underwear that sits just below the belly button. They’re a great option during summer or when over-the-bump designs become too hot. Below-the-bump undies are also a smart option because they:
- Show less visible undies
- Create less friction in the belly area
- Flatter the underbelly curve
In addition to the two standard options, pregnant women can choose mid-bump undies. These underpants hit just in the center of your bump and are a cross between the two designs. If this is your sweet spot, ensure that the waistband is exceptionally elastic and comfortable, as it will go directly down the center of your belly.
Choosing the Best Maternity Bra
One of the first signs of pregnancy is that your breasts get larger and more sensitive. During this period, a maternity bra is essential for delivering maximum support and offering the utmost comfort. And while every pregnant body shape is different, you can gain two band sizes and four cup sizes on average.
When shopping for a maternity bra, make sure that it:
- Has non-rigid cups to allow size changes
- Includes extra hooks and eyes for an extension as your bump grows
- Has a soft lining, smooth seams, and molded cups with a bit of flexibility to prevent nipple rubbing
- Is made of breathable materials to absorb moisture fast
Getting an accurate bra size may be tricky at the best of times, but it becomes considerably harder when searching for an ideal maternity bra. Since both your rib cage and breast will expand during pregnancy, get at least one size bigger than your usual size during the first trimester to allow for pregnancy weight gain. As your size will likely vary during the pregnancy, regular fittings can help ensure you’re wearing the right one.
During your third trimester, your breasts may enlarge another cup size as your body prepares for nursing. If you intend to breastfeed, buy a nursing bra that is one size bigger between the 7th and 8th months. You can also take measurements at the onset of the 9th month and buy a maternity-nursing bra in that actual size.
Avoid purchasing a bra while your breastmilk supply increases since your breasts will be very swollen, and that size rarely lasts a long time. Wait until you’ve begun breastfeeding before purchasing extra nursing bras. And make sure to retake your measurements.
There is enough discomfort during pregnancy without adding your choice of underwear. Maternity lingerie is a must-have. Take your time in finding the best ones for your growing body. By wearing the correct pregnancy underwear, you’ll have a better, richer, and brighter pregnancy journey.
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