Pregnancy clothes

What to wear during your pregnancy.

Buying a new wardrobe is every woman's dream, but finding the right balance of comfort and chic when watching your waist and breasts expand during pregnancy can be tricky. This article also appears on www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/having_a_baby

I can't go out in this...

Even before you get a proper 'bump' you may find your waist thickens a bit from the first couple of months of pregnancy, meaning you might find it hard to fit into your closest-fitting clothes.

For a while you can probably adapt a lot of your clothes " leaving the top button undone on trousers might be enough, and you can hide the gap with a longer top. Or show the off the gap, with trousers worn under your bump if you're feeling brave.

Lots of today's 'maternity' clothes can be worn after pregnancy, and some styles of normal clothes can be fine during pregnancy, too. You could borrow some bigger size items from family or friends for your own temporary use.

You won't know for certain what size you will be " previous pregnancies (if you have had them) may only be a rough guide, and some women get a lot bigger in just the last month or so. This makes it hard to buy in advance of actual need " even so, you will almost certainly start needing something more roomy from about six months. Remember the clothes with the most 'space' in them will give you the most wear.

What to wear...

• Baggy tunic tops, sweaters and man-size t-shirts are practical right the way to the end of your pregnancy if you get them large enough
• Track suit bottoms are useful " if the style is suitable, you can replace the elastic waist with drawstring to make the most of the width
• Comfy leggings and cycle pants " though they won't stretch to infinity, and you may need to buy maternity versions if you get very large
• Underwear needs to be comfortable and stretchy " bring out the huge granny pants, or else wear smaller pants underneath your bump. Thongs may not be comfortable although maternity styles are available!
• Get measured for a maternity bra at about seven months
• Wear trousers fastened under your bump in the later months
• In the summer, try floaty dresses which flare out from the bustline " make sure they're long, or you will find your bump raises the front hemline higher than the back
• Shoes should allow for some minor swelling due to fluid retention in the later months " wear laced shoes and trainers that bit looser when you need to
• Dresses which open at the front are best for breastfeeding afterwards.

"I wore a t-shirt and bikini bottoms when I went swimming in the last few weeks " my swimming costume wouldn't stretch any more, and I didn't really want to shell out for a special maternity one."

Help! I need something special...

Hiring a designer maternity outfit can be the answer to one-off needs to wear something smart or glamorous. Look in the small ads at the back of pregnancy magazines for agencies, search the web or check your local telephone directory. Expect to pay about 30 to 50 " maybe more for something really special.

What to wear to work?

High Street maternity sections have a widening range of maternity wear that is more 'business-like' as well as practical. You could also try specialist upmarket shops which sell formal business wear in maternity sizes.

A good style for work can be a long jersey tunic over a matching long skirt " easy to wear, not too restrictive, and fine in informal and formal offices.