Maternity Clothes: Options for today's pregnant woman
By Mur Anne Lawson 

“I was disappointed as I strolled through the maternity section at my local department store--few selections, dull colors and whoa, talk about pricey!”

 Maternity clothes are a necessity. Learn about some creative ways to get the comfort you need and the selection you want at prices you can afford.

This weekend, I was shopping for maternity clothes for my sister-in-law, Karen, who is expecting baby number 2 in May 2000. I was disappointed as I strolled through the maternity section at my local department store--few selections, dull colors and whoa, talk about pricey! Well, you DO have other options as you shop for maternity clothing.

 Borrow from a friend or family member. Karen and I have swapped maternity clothes before. Some of my maternity clothes once belonged to friends who were done with having children and more than happy to give them away. My colleagues and I will also swap maternity clothes amongst ourselves.

 Try Plus Size Clothing. A co-worker recommended to me with my first pregancy that I go to Lane Bryant and shop for BIG clothes there. This worked for a while but I then found that they didn't fit as well as clothing made specifically for expectant moms.

 Ask your hubby for help. Is your mate a few sizes larger than you? If so, maybe you could borrow a few of his more comfortable garments.

 Find it on sale. Some of my best maternity clothing finds have been at yard sales and consignment shops. Scan your local newspaper for yard sales offering maternity clothing. Peruse your local outlet store. I hit the stores in March during the winter sales for my December baby and saved a bundle.

 Leasing maternity clothes. You can lease maternity clothes and save money. Some types of clothing for lease include business wear, formal wear, plus sizes, Levi's and Overalls, and bathing suits. Working women are no longer at the mercy of high priced mall shops, now they can lease the business clothes they need. The Maternity Closet leases quality business maternity clothes at affordable prices. They have the largest selection of business maternity fashions in North America to help working women select the maternity wear that meets their needs. Here is how it works: A new wardrobe is leased as necessary to meet the needs of the changing body and changing season. The Maternity Closet takes care of all the cleaning. Expectant mothers can check out details and shop on-line at http://www.maternitycloset.com/home.htm 

 Make your own. I tried making my own maternity clothes during my first pregnancy and it became, well, a disaster! I decided I was not a seamstress. If you are good at sewing or even so-so, you can sew yourself some nifty threads. Check out your local Wal-Mart or sewing store for maternity patterns.

Other Shopping Tips.  As you shop for maternity clothes, keep in mind that you will start the same size you wore before you were pregnant. Generally, as you progress in your pregnancy, you will go up one size or more. Also, be sure to buy things that match what you normally wear. You may be able to wear some of your pre-pregnancy clothing for a while as well as your shoes and accessories.

Maternity Underwear. What about maternity bras and panties? Well, don't expect to find them at Frederick's of Hollywood or Victoria's Secret (I already looked!). With my first pregnancy, I absolutely refused to buy maternity panties because they were so ugly. However, I found that they were also the most comfortable. Lots of moms will also wear cotton bikinis about a size larger than usual and are quite comfortable. As my baby (and tummy) grew, I still had to go back to the comfort of those big maternity panties. No, not pretty to look at but worth their price in comfort.

The importance of a good bra...

As for maternity bras, I found I was happier in these as breast tenderness was the first pregnancy symptom I had with all three babies. If your breasts are very tender in your first trimester, a maternity bra is stretchy and expands with your increasing bustline and keeps you comfortable.

Women today are beginning to more fully understand their bodies. They are learning that their breasts are not simply a cosmetic feature; they have a definite function in a delicate and complex system.

Throughout the breast is a network of lymph glands and milk ducts. Unless these glands and ducts drain properly, discomfort and even infection can occur. When the breast is elevated, circulation improves, the lymphatic system functions properly, and the ducts drain.

Sagging is caused by the pull of gravity over time and is influenced by hereditary factors, breast size, and lack of muscle tone. Breasts, unlike other parts of the body, have no muscles. With very little of their own construction to hold them up, they have to depend on a good bra for support. And contrary to out-dated information, going braless does not prepare the nipples for breastfeeding...it could possibly cause early nipple soreness as well as stretch the breast tissue, promoting sagging.

During pregnancy, when the body begins growing and preparing for the birth of a baby, special attention should be given to a well-fitted bra...one that not only supports the changing breast size but promotes healthy functioning of the lymphatic and milk producing systems in the breast. Just as the tummy is expanding, so are the breasts and the rib cage. While some women change in size drastically and require several different bra sizes throughout their pregnancies, others change very little until the baby arrives and mature milk is produced.

Ideal times for purchasing a maternity/nursing bra are in the fourth and eighth months of pregnancy...or whenever the current bra is no longer comfortable. Bras are generally sized with two measurements...(1) rib cage (stated in numerals, ie. 36) and (2) cup size (stated in letter sizes, ie. C, D, DD or E, etc.). Each measurement is independent of the other.

In the fourth month...the bra should be hooked on the tightest hook in back and fit firmly but comfortably around the rib cage--no riding up in back which usually indicates the bra is too large around and which, in turn, provides insufficient support for the breasts. Fitting the bra on the tightest hook allows for further rib cage growth throughout the pregnancy. The cup should provide enough depth to eliminate as much cleavage as possible. This would be the cup size. A cup that fits too snugly will not allow for growth throughout the pregnancy; however, a cup that fits too loosely does not provide adequate support.

In the eighth month...the bra should be hooked on the loosest hook in back and fit firmly but comfortably around the rib cage--again, no riding up in back. Fitting the bra on the last or loosest hook allows the bra to be taken up as the rib cage shrinks after delivery. The cup should allow some room for milk ducts to expand when the "milk comes in." Most maternity/nursing bras adjust in the cup by ladder hook adjustments above the cups or by lengthening a stretch strap. (Lengthening the strap too much will compromise the support offered by the bra.)

Underwire versus softcup... Properly fitted underwires generally cause no problems during pregnancy and while breastfeeding; however, softcups are usually more comfortable during the last months of pregnancy and during the first weeks of breastfeeding when the breasts are at their fullest. It is ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT that the wire fits well behind the breast tissue under the arm so that the wire puts no pressure on the breast tissue. It is also ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT that the bra, whether softcup or underwire, be put on so that the band or underwire under the breasts lies on the rib cage with no pressure on the breast tissue. Any point of pressure on the breast tissue by an underwire or a seam which fits too tight sometimes leads to a plugged duct often resulting in mastitis or breast infection.

With careful shopping and some creativity, you can find some great looking, comfortable clothes for creating your baby shrine-YOU!

Article courtesy of http://www.maternityandnursing.com 

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