Maternity Clothes Basics

Women typically purchase shirts, pants, skirts, underwear, bras and even outerwear based upon their current size and their "fit" preferences. In most cases, standard clothing will not be able to be worn throughout the duration of a pregnancy, simply because the mother-to-be's expanding belly goes beyond what the shirts and pants were built to handle! As a woman's pregnancy progresses, the need for maternity clothing will definitely become apparent.

However, you should not rush out to purchase maternity clothing as soon as your pregnancy test throws up the positive sign. Chances are, you won't start to show or feel anything beyond a bit of tightness in your pants until the second trimester. During the first three months of your pregnancy, all but already tight fitting clothing should be able to accommodate your changing body just fine.

When the second trimester does roll around, however, you'll want to begin shopping for maternity clothes. You should purchase a few things for the current season, but be sure to look ahead to the season of the year you'll be in during the third trimester of your pregnancy, as this is when you'll need maternity clothes more than ever. One good purchase is that of the belly band. This thin but incredibly supportive band eliminates the need for bulky and sometimes unflattering jeans, because the band goes over the zipper and button closure of your normal jeans. If you can't button or zip your normal jeans, no problem -- the belly band has got you covered!

Of course, you'll want to get a few basic articles of clothing that should be in any pregnant woman's maternity clothes wardrobe. These essentials include pants, jeans, skirts and shirts. For colder seasons, you'll want to pick up a jacket, a wrap, sweater or even a coat. If you're going to be in your second or third trimester during the summer, don't forget to check out the great range of maternity swimsuits, cover ups and wraps.

Today's line of maternity clothes is nothing like the shirts and pants you might imagine from decades past. These days, you can find stylish cuts, fits, materials and colors to fit any body type or size, and to meet the tastes and preferences of just about any woman. And most importantly, you'll be able to find maternity clothes that fit your budget, too!