I am newly pregnant. When is it likely that I'm going to have to buy maternity clothes?

Question

I am not really into buying a lot of clothes because I think it is already hard to find the "perfect fit"... I am really dreading having to seek out new pants and shirts. I'm around 8 weeks pregnant now, and so far so good. Can still fit into the pants. But when should I expect to have to actually go out and buy new things - and how often?? I have no idea, this is my first pregnancy and no one else in my family or friends has had a baby yet (and yes, we're all almost 30!).

Answer 1

Well, I am 18 weeks pregnant and can still fit into most of my pants, particularly the low-waisted ones.

For casual clothing, most of my jeans and drawstring pants are still very comfortable. (I wear a size 4) Dress clothes are a bit more complicated as the waists tend to be higher, so you may want to invest in a few maternity dress pants/skirts if you work in a more formal environment.

As well, it's useful to buy a few tops that are longer to cover that stretchy waistband. Many things are empire-waited or baggy these days, so I haven't invested in maternity tops yet as I'd prefer to spend my money on things that will be wearable after baby is born as well.

So my advice is that the first things you will want to buy are probably pants or skirts. The Bella band, mentioned by someone else, can also help you get more wear out of your non-maternity pants - most maternity stores carry the Bella Band or some similar product. You won't need to buy tops until you are well into your second trimester.

However, the truth is that every person is different. Some people show a lot earlier than others. Also keep in mind that a lot of the belly in the first trimester is bloating, so it may actually go back down later.

Good luck - have a happy and healthy pregnancy!

Answer 2

When you have to buy clothes depends a lot on you, everyone is very different in how and when they start showing. I was around a size 2 before i got pregnant most of my clothes fit through the first trimester (mostly because i wasn't adding body fat, due to bad morning sickness). I was nearly 5 months pregnant and could still wear most of my clothes. Some women need new clothes a lot sooner. Low cut pants and long cut shirts will fit longer then most of your other clothes. I'm at six and a half months now and just at the point where nothing fits (well almost nothing). A trick i learned to keep you in your favorite pants a little longer is to stick an elastic hair tie through the button hole of your pants and then loop the ends over the button. It definitely makes your pants more comfortable and keeps you from having to spend a lot of money right at the get go. Wear it with a long shirt and no one will even know. Bottom line everyone is different just add new pieces gradually but save your money for the last trimester when you will really need it.

Answer 3

At 4 weeks pregnant I was 5'10" and a size 8. Pretty average build I think. It wasn't until 12 weeks that I needed some maternity clothes.

You could hold off on buying them for a while if you rubberband the button on your pants to it's hole so you have more room. That held me off with some pants until 20 weeks or so.

Then again I have also had friends that never had to buy maternity clothes. Just a box of rubberbands and a few shirts with more stretch.

Honestly I was more comfortable in maternity clothes than I ever have been in any other clothes. The uncomfortable part was the pregnancy itself.

Congrats and Good luck!

Answer 4

I think I started wearing them about 3 1/2 months last time. I am 8 weeks also, and my pants still fit but are getting uncomfortable. I have a tilted uterus that points toward the front though, so I probably outgrow my pants before others do. Generally about 7 months I start outgrowing the shirts. I waited until I was 29 to have my first baby, so we are all in the same boat!

Answer 5

First of all CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
Second of all, it really all depends on your normal clothing size. If you have not reached the 'plus size' peak yet, I'd bet you don't even have a change in the size you normally wear. But if you are a plus size, like myself, you'll probably be able to purchase maternity pants in your normal size because the waist DOES stretch, and that's the only place you need the extra room. Your maternity blouses will come into play at about 5 or 6 months along. No one can really tell because everyone's body change differently when they get pregnant.

Answer 6

well, you will start to "show" around 4 months, but its never too early to buy the comfortable clothes! when my pants started to feel a little snug, thats when i went ahead and started buying the maternity clothes.when you first start shopping, dont waste your money on buying clothes that fit perfectly, because you will eventually grow into them! always buy at LEAST one size bigger. and maternity shirts are a must when you get bigger, because regular shirts dont always fit right, and arent long enough to cover your belly. i have the same problem with buying clothes with the right fit, but maternity clothes are different, and i never had a problem finding the right fit. congrats by the way! and good luck!

Answer 7

i develop into fortunate, i did no longer ought to purchase any maternity clothing until eventually i develop into approximately 7 months alongside. you could purely "up-length" your clothing for see you later yet submit to in suggestions that as quickly as that abdomen gets around, those bigger clothing are not going to greater healthful right by fact they gained't stretch the way you physique desires them to. don't be afflicted. a superb form of the maternity clothing obtainable are way lovable now and mucho mushy. once you're fortunate, you will even locate some that dont' look like their for pregnant women human beings and nonetheless get your funds's truly worth once you have that toddler!!

Answer 8

I would start off with baggy sweatpants. Since this is your first you may be able to get away with reg clothes until your 5th month. I'm 3 months now with my 2nd and I've already had to buy some maternity pants.

Answer 9

I am 7 weeks pregnant, and my clothes are a little tight.I bought a couple pairs of maternity pants because they were much more comfortable.Most people however, don't purchase maternity clothes until there second trimester.

Answer 10

At 12-16 weeks you should notice a difference. I've never had a baby (even though I am almost 30) but I've seen/learned enough to know that you will keep your pre-baby figure until early in the 2nd trimester.