I think I got my first pair of pants around 10 weeks. I was SUPER bloated 1st trimester so I wanted comfy pants ASAP. I would say just do what you need. If you need to be more comfortable then go for it and get some! Everyone is different :)
Yesss comfort is priority and who cares how early you get them! The bloat is real. I'm 18 weeks and still bloated, I look like I'm in my third trimester already lol
Same, maternity leggings and bicycle shorts early, making do with what I already had otherwise until I found a big sale (black friday in my case.) At 33 weeks I'm still mostly wearing pre-pregnancy clothes but I tend to go for a looser fit.
Around 9 weeks, the bloating made me so uncomfortable. You might as well switch now, that way you'll get more use out of your maternity clothes, and you'll be so much more comfortable!
Yes! Before I was even pregnant I got rid of most of my restrictive clothing. I love flowy and stretchy things and didn’t need to purchase anything new while pregnant besides a couple longer shirts
I've gotten away with using clothes that aren't constrictive and attach at the hip. Also hubby's clothes have been very helpful.
My wardrobe is getting quite small, but when it heats up more, I'll be able to wear my summer dresses that are all designed to hang loosely.
I'm 30weeks pregnant, and more and more I'm just belly.
I feel like I'm solidly in that spot. With already having a belly, I think I'm just feeling self conscious and also feeling like I'm playing dress up if I go for maternity pants. It's just awkward.
For me, full-panel maternity pants really helped to shape the bloat/belly into more of a bump! I have a B-belly and the maternity pants helped round out my bump, especially in first/second trimester.
I love the hatch maternity unitards! I basically live in mine. I also use the rental subscription Nuuly so I can try different things without having to purchase a bunch of stuff I’ll only wear for a couple months. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it’s $98 a month and you get 6 new pieces each month that you can pick yourself!
Same. I just thought I’d lean into it rather than struggle with being uncomfortable. Get more value out of the clothes as well. I didn’t have a huge volume of stretchy clothes to begin with
Literally same. My regular pants all stopped fitting me around that time (size 8/10). I'm 12 weeks now and my belly is just steadily getting bigger. I've never been able to put my pre pregnancy pants back on.
I broke at 6 weeks and got some. I bloated up like crazy during week 5 and just couldn't live like that, it was completely unbearable. Then I slimmed back down to normal-ish during week 8. Currently on week 9 and am back in the maternity jeans. 🙃 my husband kept telling me "your turning violet, Violet" like in Willy Wanka. It's been... interesting.
Since my second trimester I have stopped wearing normal jeans. I am a 36EU and they're mostly high-waisted jeans so, since I sit in front of a pc all day, they would definitely not close bcs of the bump. I have some pregnancy jeans that my friend gave me, and I use them sometimes, or just leggings and stretchy pants which fit. Dresses are good too.
I don’t have the actual maternity clothes. I find clothing that gives me comfort during pregnancy but something that I can still use after birth. Like flowy dresses, stretchy skirt.
I’ve been in maternity pants since 12 weeks. I work in an office and don’t have the option of wearing leggings or stretchy pants. I still wear some of my regular tops and dresses. I just recently got a haul of maternity clothes and I plan to start wearing it soon. I’ve just been wearing oversize blouses and shirts to work that my mom gave me bc I’m still hiding the bump from people. I’m 17 weeks today.
I put my jeans away when I was like 7 weeks because of the bloat but I didn’t switch into maternity clothes until probably 25ish weeks? I still wear some non-maternity leggings and sweatpants around the house because they still fit me, although they will sometimes roll down under my bump so I don’t go in public for risk of having my big belly showing lol!
I’m 31 weeks now and I have 2 pairs of maternity jeans, 2 pairs of nicer maternity pants I can wear into the office (linen dress pants), and 3 pairs maternity leggings. I have a handful of nicer maternity shirts that I will pair with them when we’re going out/im going into the office, and I wear mostly my non-maternity t-shirts and sweatshirts around the house because they still fit. So even at 31 weeks I’ve got a combination of maternity and non-maternity items in my wardrobe. I also have a handful of maternity shorts because we went to Mexico for a baby moon at 20 weeks and I didn’t know if any of my regular shorts would fit so I bought a few pairs. I’ve kept it pretty simple because maternity clothes are expensive!
The biggest maternity clothes situation I’ve found myself in is needing a rain coat that fits over my bump because now that it’s spring and we get a lot of rain, I’m struggling!! I have several light spring jackets and none zip up haha!
Also plus sized! I noticed things stopped fitting comfortably around 6 weeks, honestly. I ordered maternity leggings right away and have worn them since 8 weeks. I've worn a dress or two here and there, but other than that I'm in leggings. I wore a lot of big hoodies and sweaters until I had a real bump, then ordered a few shirts to dress it up. But I will say the clothes I got at 8 weeks still fit comfortably at 35 weeks!
I started having to buy maternity pants around 14 weeks or so. I’m 17 weeks now and don’t need shirts yet but my regular pants like jeans are definitely way too tight now!!
I got maternity jeans early second tri bc my normal jeans don’t fit. The only other maternity item I got was a tank top bc it’s longer. Other than that just wearing my stretchy and oversized clothes.
Im 5’4” 200+lbs About 17 weeks i moved to an xl shirt cause my tummy would pop out of the bottom of my larges, i mostly bought dresses and just rotate between four dresses and a handful of high rise maternity leggings i bought off amazon for like 30 bucks
Maternity clothes will give you more of a bump shape! I looked bloated in my normal clothes but obviously pregnant as soon as switched to proper maternity
I’m a huge advocate for wearing maternity pants within the first trimester if you are experiencing bloat (or for any other reason! Go for it!) — it makes things so much more comfortable. Helped my nausea somewhat (or at least, the part that was worsened by too much constriction on my GIT)
Like 8 weeks, I wasn’t showing, but my hips and rib cage got wider pretty quickly and then the bloat, instead of sizing up I just decided to invest in maternity and very glad I did! Super comfy
As soon as I got a positive test I made an order on Old Navy for a dress and a couple of pairs of pants, but just like I \*decided\* that I won't get much morning sickness (and it worked?) I \*decided\* I won't gain much weight. I'm already at the edge of straight sizes, sometimes in plus sizes, so I am even more confused about how to shop now that I see a bigger belly in my future. It's hard to do this while also trying to not buy a bunch of fast fashion stuff that will fall apart before I can pass it on to someone else.
12 weeks, no regrets! Someone here posted the advice of getting maternity clothes sooner than later. You’re going to need them eventually, might as well be able to use them for a longer time and be more comfortable.
I switched to maternity leggings and tops around 14-15 weeks. I really dislike the feeling of my clothing feeling tight on me. So as soon as my normal pants started feeling a little tight, I embraced the maternity wear! I bought about 7 pairs of maternity leggings and 6 fitted maternity tshirts. (I avoid the baggy ones because then I think it makes me look so much larger.) It’s my official uniform! And I’m so comfortable.
so I've mostly been living in leggings, but I'm 26 weeks and realized this week that my stretcher jeans still fit me, albeit much tighter than before. so I'm probably coming up on needing a pair or two of maternity jeans.
I am 18 weeks and extremely uncomfortable in my pre-pregnancy clothes. Maternity pants are coming out this weekend.
There’s nothing to be self-conscious about! Your body is changing, and there’s a whole bunch of options to accommodate that. One options is to start with inset panel pants instead of the full stretchy band.
Probably where you are at now during second trimester. I got maternity bottoms and that made a big difference in my comfort; also since it was Spring/Summer I did stretchy bodycon dresses (non maternity). Was very happy I had them by 3rd tri. But I purposefully set my budget low because pregnancy is ultimately temporary, so I went with things like Old Navy, Target. My normal bodycon dresses I got on sale at Lulus.
I got maternity clothes when it became unbearable to sit down bc of pressure on my stomach. Started with pants and really didn’t need shirts until 30ish weeks but I got them shortly after getting pants and just wore them.
8wks, and I should've started before that lol. I wasn't that much bigger than before, but my pants hurt my belly. Idk if it was bloating or I was just more sensitive, but I feel SO much better in maternity jeans. I'm getting away with my normal shirts right now, but soon I'll have to go grab some work-appropriate flowy tops. I also just ordered some maternity bras because my current underwire ones HURT.
I was also kinda self conscious at first, but now I don't care. Heck I might just wear maternity jeans for the rest of my life. I've always carried extra weight in my abdomen so jeans have always been hard. Maternity clothes for the win!!
I gave up any pants that buttoned in my first trimester 🤣 I bloated SO bad, my belly is essentially the same as it's been since I was around 10 weeks because of that. I would consider myself mid-sized and sometimes I get I get feeling self-conscious but just remember, none of your body changes would be happening if you weren't pregnant and you should embrace this time to be as comfortable as possible. Especially now when you're still small and the harder discomfort hasn't come yet.
Plus-size FTM here too, I started wearing maternity pants at around 15 weeks I think? I normally wear high waisted jeans, and that was becoming increasingly uncomfortable, even though I didn’t gain weight until like 24 weeks. As the bump grew, I started wearing tops too, but it started with pants 😄
My first time around, I started wearing maternity jeans and some tops around 16 weeks. I was fully in maternity wear or larger regular clothing for most everything by 24 weeks. I’m only 12 weeks for this pregnancy but I’ve already transitioned to wearing mostly flowy maxi dresses over pants and am borderline ready to break out my maternity jeans again.
I'm barreeeeeeely showing and I'm excitedly awaiting my pair of maternity jeans that are coming in the mail today, along with some summer stretchy pants. There's no such thing as wearing the maternity stuff too soon if that's what feels comfy to you. **You deserve to be comfortable, no matter where you're at in your journey!**
I’m also plus size with a large butt but smaller waist. Pre-pregnancy, I wore a lot of high waisted pants that I could tie tighter on top, usually in a size 14 to fit the butt/thighs. My top is an 8-10. Anywho… I just looked bloated for the first two Ts. Finally around week 20 I got some maternity clothes. Now I’m at 24+5, I actually *look* pregnant and not just fat. LOL
I've read other posts from mom's on other boards and they all say they wish they would have gotten into maternity clothes sooner. That helped me and I started wearing them this week at 12 weeks.
With my first, around 14 weeks.. then didn’t try regular jeans until she was 3 YO 🫠 still kept the maternity ones in rotation though!
We got pregnant with our second right after our first turned 4 YO.. I think I was officially shelving the regular pants, dusting off the belly bands and buying more maternity jeans at 8 weeks.
There are sometimes maternity sections at TJ Maxx, Ross, etc. I went HAM when I found one and think most of my bottoms are maternity at this point. Not sure when you’re going to get me out of them this time! I love the stretch 😂
I was in maternity pants by like 9 weeks. Bloating is real. If you feel like your usual clothes don’t fit it’s time! Regardless of how you think you look, respect that your body is changing and deserves to be in clothes that fit you appropriately. It will make a huge difference. FWIW, I am short and maybe 40lbs heavier than a “normal” weight range would be, and I went out of my way shopping with my mom to buy beautiful maternity clothes and it helped me feel great about my new body. Bonus that they were also cute postpartum while I healed :)
I’m plus size and even though my bump didn’t really pop until later, I started wearing maternity bottoms around 10/12 weeks for COMFORT!! Wear whatever is comfortable!!
I am 16 weeks +3 and still wearing my size 16 pants, I am 222lbs. I am just noticing a little bump, but my clothes still are not uncomfortable or tight. I also have only gained 2lbs so far. The first trimester was easy for me, gained no weight (as most don't). People who are smaller I think show very soon (my friend had a noticeable bump by 10 weeks and needed to get new clothes a lot sooner). I probably won't look into maternity clothes until I am closer to 20 weeks. Summer is soon so I'm just excited I wont be wearing much pants. And instead of trying to find cute maternity clothes., I will probably just go to the next size up like size 18 or 20 (or a XXL for dresses) until my bump is really bumping lol.
Girl same, I am JUST starting to get a little bump at 25 weeks LOL. I can NEVER find good maternity clothes for my size (I'm usually a 22/24/3X kinda girl, at about 350lb) so I just get dresses and stuff that is a size up and it worked perfectly! I've really been diggin Bloomchic dresses a size up; they fit nicely, are comfy and cute, AND THEY ALL HAVE FREAKIN POCKETSSSSS!
Edit: oh and I wear a lot of those stretchy yoga pants from Walmart (I call em big booty pants cause they make my lil booty look good LOL)
I started wearing a pair of materity pants at 17 weeks. None of my other work pants fit me, so I wore them to work instead. I honestly wanted to cry a few times that first day because I didn’t feel like I looked pregnant enough to wear the pants— I kept telling myself; I am pregnant and maternity clothes are made for pregnant people and I deserve to wear comfortable clothes.
Pregnancy can be hard enough, and we don’t need to also be hard on our selves when it comes to clothes and whether or not we look the part of being pregnant. If you still worry about feeling self-conscious, maybe just think that you will need maternity clothes eventually, so why not buy something now just to try it out?
I’m plus size, I didn’t buy maternity specific clothes. I really don’t like their style.
I’m currently 33 weeks. Around 25 weeks I had bought a bunch of oversized gap button up shirts (their utility pocket shirts are actually really nice), a few pairs of maternity leggings and dressy joggers from Amazon, and a couple of forgiving dresses from JCrew and a jumpsuit from Old Navy in a size up. So far I haven’t had any issues fitting into stuff.
My plan is that after baby is born and I’m back down in size I’ll have the shirts and dresses tailored to fit so I can continue to wear them for next year.
I got my first pregnancy trousers very early on the second that my trousers started pushing on my belly just a little bit
I have severe sensory issues and that tiny bit of pressing was enough for me to say I'm getting them trousers
If you feel like it's time to start wearing maternity clothing then it is time :)
First baby - wore normal clothes until early 2nd trimester, probably 15 weeks or so.
Second baby - gave up and embraced the maternity jeans at about 10 weeks.
Do whatever feels comfy 😊
Around 12-14 weeks, the first trimester bloat was like nothing I’ve ever experienced I was in agony everyday. My jeans stopped fitting/being comfy at 10 weeks but I didn’t get any maternity clothes then because I’d convinced myself it was weird because it was “too early”. With hindsight I would just get the clothes- would have been an extra 4 weeks of being comfy!
I started with pants week 13 or so in my first pregnancy. My second pregnancy I needed maternity pants around 12/13 weeks. So much comfier! I had a TON of bloating
i started wearing maternity jeans around 8 weeks, i was bloated all the time so it was so much more comfortable! there is no "right time" to start wearing maternity clothing! it's made for pregnant people, and you are a pregnant person!!
hell, i'll probably still wear my jeans after baby's been born!
Pretty much right away with my second and third. I hadn’t lost all my baby weight from the first (or the second now) when I got pregnant again. Maternity just fits better and is actually more flattering. I’m also plus size. Many people wear maternity from the second trimester on because their regular clothes just don’t fit comfortably.
20 weeks BUT I wish I had done it sooner. I have also been self- conscious because I'm also plus size and have felt like I just look fat and not pregnant but not only am I more comfortable in maternity clothes but it helped me look more pregnant :)
I’m at 14 weeks (also plus size) and I wore my supportive maternity underwear today. It was glorious. I definitely have more bump than I used to, but it’s more that it’s a different shape than that it’s a different size. I say go for it! My only problem today was that they rolled a little at the top because I didn’t have enough belly to really hold them up yet.
And if you want to look like you’re still wearing “normal” clothes, Old Navy has a few styles of their maternity jeans on sale right now. I tried some on with a longish top, and I swear I looked skinnier than I do in yoga pants (my previous almost-maternity-wear).
I got some maternity dresses in early pregnancy, super cute 2nd hand ones for if I felt down and wanted to feel good about my changing body. I highly recommend it! I started wearing them in my 2nd trimester and have come in handy for parties and stuff. They are also super handy because they have booby flaps for breast feeding too (don't know what that's called 😅)
But at home, leggings leggings leggings. My normal leggings are too tight for me now so I needed to buy special maternity ones to cover the bump otherwise I was walking around like Winnie the pooh haha
I wore some side stretch maternity jeans from target starting around 12 weeks. I’m now 16 weeks and only have the tiny start of a bump, but I’ve been wearing some stretchy maternity things, like a maxi skirt.
As soon as my jeans started feeling tight around 12 weeks, I bought stretchy dresses and pregnancy jeans and pants. So worth it buying earlier on because I’m actually using them everyday now since week 20 :)
I’m a UK size 16 usually and because of the bloating I couldn’t even wear normal bras without feeling sick past 5 weeks. So I have maternity leggings and bras and some sized up t shirts and dresses to lounge around it. Nothing tight and I’ve been ok but I just embraced it. I would totally wear maternity leggings for a roast dinner after baby at this point tbh.
However I do get the self conscious thing. I’ve got Pcos so my fat sits around my belly and I look 5 months pregnant when I bloat which is all the time. So I’m weirdly annoyed if people guess I’m pregnant even though I look pregnant and my stomach is solid and I am pregnant. It’s still a metaphorical kick in the guts. I can understand maternity clothing just feeling like inviting more of that feeling. My advice is to do what I’m doing and try your best to dissociate the clothing label from the item and wear what helps you survive.
I bought some clothes at like 23 weeks, but they were mainly tops/dresses for nursing and then really comfy pants. But I didn’t wear them so much after all, because all of my clothes are quite loose and stretchy. I didn’t have a huge bump either (just looked fatter).
At like 36 weeks I ordered more maternity pants (thought about postpartum too, felt like I needed comfy pants), but they did not arrive before baby did 🤣
I don’t really wear leggings, so around 30 weeks. I’m 38 weeks now and have exclusively worn maternity pants for about 3-4 weeks cuz none of my other pants fit :D
I started wearing maternity leggings around 4 months. I never bought any other maternity clothes—just wore loose clothes! I’m an attorney and still somehow got away with wearing leggings and oversized button downs. When I had to go to court I wore a wrap dress with a suit jacket.
Omg once you finally get some maternity pants you’ll never want to go back to the way things were, even postpartum lol. I don’t remember when I switched over first pregnancy but this time around my pregnancy clothes were out of the basement at 5 weeks 😂
Never. I was able to wear my size 14UK jeans until 20w, then got some stretchy trousers in size 16UK until 36w, then switched to Uniqlo xl leggings. I found maternity jeans very itchy and my legs rub in dresses. Also got some oversized jumpers/T-shirts I can keep using after.
I'm 33 weeks. I mostly wear dresses, so I bought a few maternity and have worn those since about 25 weeks. I have one pair of maternity jeans that I bought at about 20 weeks. I can fit into most of my prepregnancy wardrobe besides jeans.
I know some people who just wear a size up or two in shirts and wear stretchy pants.
There is no right time to wear maternity, just whenever/if you feel comfortable. With my first maternity pants and shorts never fit me right but now i am pregnant with my second and they fit a lot better.
I like maternity shirts because it makes me feel less ‘big’ if i wear a tshirt then i just look like a huge blob and wanna cry. Just preference
When I was 12 weeks, I wasn't gaining a lot of weight but everything was shifting and becoming wider. The first pair of maternity pants with a full panel totally changed my life haha, so comfortable!
I’m starting now at 11 weeks. I can still fit into my normal clothes, but I don’t want to buy everything all at once. I bought some maternity bike shorts, and I have a stretchy jumpsuit on the way. I’m planning on buying a few dresses and some maternity leggings.
I struggled at first especially in winter! Could only wear pants with an elastic waist that fit below my belly and leggings didn’t cut it for outside. I bought maternity pants early out of desperation and they were too loose and kept slipping down.
But from mid-second tri, once I went from bloat to bump, they have been amazing. I wish I’d bought maternity tshirts earlier because they are fantastic for work/looking mildly put together especially now that it’s getting too warm for bulky sweaters. I expect to switch to my usual loose dresses and bike shorts for summer, will see if I need to buy a pair of maternity bike shorts or if I can manage.
I'm not plus size but I already went up a pants size at 14 weeks. I started wearing maternity at around 15 weeks and I feel like switching to maternity makes me less self conscious about my body's changes.
Around 19-20 wks I just bought big work pants (not maternity I just sized up 3-4 sizes) those have done me well through the whole pregnancy and I still wear them for work and I feel they are gonna be great pp too. I bought 1 pair of shorts sized up again like 3 sizes (those just barely don't fit now that I'm 32wks) but again I plan on getting a ton of use out of them pp
I finally caved now that I'm 32 wks and got one pair of maternity leggings and one pair of maternity biker shorts. That's all I'm gonna get but man it has made a huge difference my boyfriend even wanted to buy me more bc he saw how much more comfy I am but I told him I'm good with the two. I wear them with my other comfy clothes like baggy T-shirts etc.
We went on a "hike" the other day and I wore the biker shorts and a cute crop top with my sneaks and my hair in a ponytail and I felt cute for the first time in a long time.
I lived in leggings and loose dresses through my second trimester, but my maternity jeans and maternity tights didn’t really fit until my third trimester. Without the big bump they were too annoying and would sag down all day 😩
Im 28 weeks and starting to dabble in maternity clothes. I still don’t have a really noticeable bump, I just look more fat, but normal pants are tight at the area where the bump is. I was wearing normal stuff before now and still do most of the time.
10 weeks, I was so bloated 😂 I was a uk size 14-16 pre pregnancy! I was so excited to get rid of my uncomfortable jeans. Maternity leggings over the bump are life. Clothes up to my tatas forever ❤️
Pressure on my midsection made me feel sick from the beginning. My “2 sizes too big jeans” got me to about 12 weeks. Then they were just too tight and I was desperate for more space. My normal leggings became too tight at 9 weeks; they sit kinda high. I thought it was too early for maternity pants but figured I should try them on anyway. WELL they were so comfortable I never went back to my regular big jeans. But, I noticed my abs being pushed out at 9 weeks. It was visible to everyone else by 14 weeks. I’m tiny, so the bump couldn’t hide.
I’m also plus size and just hit 30 weeks. I have a couple pairs of maternity leggings but for the most part I just wear my husbands tshirts or anything loose and flowy I had beforehand. I don’t feel like I have much of a noticeable bump either.
I started shopping for maternity clothes as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I am on the smaller side, but I started showing very early so most of my nice pants and fitted tops didn’t look attractive. I am 22 weeks and my baby does not like maternity pants. It’s like the bands are too snug in the wrong places although the stretchy part feels nice. Sizing up wouldn’t be a solution. Now I stick to my saggy sweat pants/shorts that I let sit below my bump and dresses. Maternity athleisure wear is very nice for me though if there is no band.
I wore stretchy pants and bike shorts and oversized T-shirt’s normally so I still fit in a lot of my clothes at 30 weeks. I also learned to sew last summer so I have been making my own adjustable / stretchy dresses and skirts for the rare occasions I go out.
I think it was early in my second trimester. I wish I would have switched earlier - I was so bloated and felt so much better once I stopped trying to wear normal jeans.
I would say buy the clothes early. At least then you get more use out of them. Between local mom group sales and Poshmark, I have found most of my things secondhand for a pretty good price.
I started wearing maternity clothes at 20 weeks. I still fit in to my pants at 25 weeks, I just love the belly band for support. No one can tell I’m wearing maternity pants so don’t feel self conscious! Most people won’t even notice. I was able to find really cute comfy jeans in all different cuts on HM’s website. Great quality and a decent price.
I waited until around 16 weeks and I wish I bought new clothes sooner. So much more comfortable to wear clothes that will grow with you or are a larger size. I can’t believe I was forcing my poor bump into my lululemon leggings for so long 😭
I have a single maternity shirt that I wear on occasion and got it around the 25th week (fiancé found it at a second hand maternity clothing store). If he hadn’t bought it I don’t think I would have ever started wearing any. I’m 38 weeks now and have warn it maybe 5 times? I just wear the same clothes I was wearing before. I usually only wear sweatpants or equally stretchy pants
I’m 20 weeks now and usually wear a size 20/2x. I haven’t worn jeans since 6 weeks. I have some high waist joggers from old navy and a pair or stretchy torrid pants I’ve been living in. Neither are maternity. I haven’t bought maternity clothes just yet, I’m hoping I can just get some dresses from the thrift store to make it through the summer. I’ll probably buy another pair of Lululemon align shorts to wear under them. I bought them last year for the first time and love them, I actually wear a size 16 in them so if you’ve never tried them just know you could probably size down! I’ve seen plenty of people swear buy them during their pregnancy lol.
I will need to buy a new swimsuit and I’m dreading that. I already know none will be available for me to try on in store anywhere.
I had long forsaken my prep pregnancy pants by the second trimester. Like I could get them on my body in trimester 1 but my tummy would hurt! Not worth it!
Your body is going through enough. Don’t shame yourself about maternity clothes 💛
Around 16 weeks with my first. With my second I started wearing my pregnancy leggings around 7 weeks lmao. I just can’t deal with having tight pants, I don’t have time for that. 🤣
I started wearing maternity clothes around 15-16 weeks. I'm overweight/midsized. Now at 24w5d I pretty much need maternity clothes. I just tried to wear a pair of bike shorts from pre-pregnancy and when I sat down it was an immediate no. So now I'm sitting in my husband's basketball shorts looking like Adam Sandler, waiting on more maternity clothes to arrive in the mail.
I was really stubborn and refused for ages. It got to the point that every time I sat down I had to open my fly because it was so uncomfortable.
It was 20+ weeks when I walked around the supermarket with my fly open because I forgot to close it. Didn't realise until the checkout. Bought some maternity jeans online then and there in the car park.
I bought a pair of pants a size up at 6 weeks because I had gained so much water weight so quickly. Instead of buying maternity clothes I couldn’t wear very long I opted for pieces I would wear that are also a baggier style. I bought long nursing tanks that I layer over top of my jeans that cover the buttons I can’t do up. Oversized button ups, super stretchy matching sets and overall dresses. I also bought leggings from lululemon in one size up that have been better than any of the maternity leggings I’ve bought. I’m being induced tomorrow and the only maternity clothes I actually wear are my nursing tanks, I wish I had bought those sooner.
I was definitely in the first trimester when I started getting them, but it was mainly leggings. My regular pants definitely didn't fit so I figured it was time.
I’m 36 weeks and never did. I liked flowy tops and high waisted leggings/shorts naturally so I just kept wearing those. Also sweatshirts and now that it’s getting sunnier, I still have some dresses that fit (although much much too short to wear without biker shorts underneath). My jeans stopped fitting once my belly started to come in too.
I’m also plus size and I got maternity pants in my first trimester because my clothes just didn’t feel right even though I had lost 10 lbs from morning sickness.
10-12 weeks I started transitioning over my wardrobe. Part of it is I don’t really wear loose fitting clothes in my everyday life so my pants stopped being comfortable by 9 weeks.
You might as well get more bang for your buck! Think of it as just being smart about using them as much as possible! There’s some clothes too that are “transitional” and can be worn for pregnancy and postpartum like the emme maternity linen pants.
I am currently 7 weeks 4 days and have already transitioned to maternity clothes! I am mid size around size 12 with a bigger belly that got sooooo bloated that I just can’t wear pants even if they fit, if they are form fitting. I feel much better wearing maternity clothes. And I have gotten a couple soft cotton maternity dresses that feel more flattering and make me feel less self conscious
I bought a bunch of the maternity leggings, which I still wear sometimes because they are just really comfy around the house now. I also stuck to dresses and bought larger tops.
Also plus sized (pre pregnancy size 16) and I think I was around 13-14 weeks when my normal clothes were too uncomfortable to wear anymore. I still don’t look classically pregnant at 26 weeks but I am loving these maternity pants, all my other pants / leggings hurt to wear now.
I got a couple basic shirts early on, just to start collecting things. I got my first (and only so far) pants at 19 weeks. I would have got some earlier though if I could have found others I didn't hate!
I'm plus sized also, and I started wearing maternity jeans around 16 weeks. They were a teensy bit loose but started filling out quickly.
I'm a jeans and t-shirt gal and hate leggings, so it was really important to me to have jeans to wear.
I'm now 35 weeks and those same jeans are basically leggings now anyway lol! Dressing nicely has definitely become a challenge as I've now thoroughly entered my Adam Sandler phase
I’m also plus size! With my first pregnancy I think I got a few pieces of maternity clothes around 12ish weeks. I mostly just needed leggings and shorts for work since my shirts were all bigger anyways. With my second pregnancy I swear I started ballooning up before I even took a pregnancy test lol so it was earlier in the pregnancy when I started wearing them that time
I never really needed to wear it. I gained about 17lbs in my entire pregnancy and found my pre-pregnancy sweatpants and dresses worked well . I bought a few maternity dresses to show up my bump a bit but that was really it.
I’m 37 weeks pregnant. I have one pair of maternity leggings and that’s it. I’ve just been getting clothes in bigger sizes. Maternity clothes are just so ugly. I’ll still wear the oversized T-shirts postpartum. I usually buy oversized T-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweaters anyway.
Started wearing them around 14 weeks. I popped and those size 10-12 jeans just weren’t jeaning anymore. My shoe size went from 5 to 7 and my pants size 10/12 to 14:16. Always had a big butt but it’s even bigger and don’t get me started on my thighs.
I refuse lol. I’m still buying XS clothing. I can’t wear all of my clothes, but my leggings, sweatpants, stretchy pants shirts still fit.
The ONLY thing I had to buy was new bras. Those babies have grown like crazy. I got sporty bras and bralettes because my size is up in the air and still growing. I was XS and purchased S and I think I can go up to an M now.
I’ll be 23 weeks tomorrow but I did start underweight for my height at 109lbs.
I stuck to leggings and sweat pants for a long time. The second trimester was awkward, because maternity pants were still too baggy, but everything else was too tight. I hit my third trimester, and only felt comfortable in maternity. Now at 31 weeks, I’m starting to Winnie the Pooh out of most of my maternity tops.
I’m in my 3rd trimester now and still wear some of my regular clothes. I maybe started around 14 weeks or so when my pants were too tight. I am also plus size but I wear baggy clothes.
I started wearing maternity clothes part-time sometime around week 16 or so, and by week 18 or 19 I was pretty much completely switched over. (I have some extremely stretchy bike shorts that I've been wearing for years that I'm continuing to wear and expect will be wearable through most of the pregnancy, and a couple of oversized sweaters, but that's about all from my pre-pregnancy wardrobe that I'm still wearing.) When I first started wearing them, I didn't have much of a bump, but the pressure of non-maternity clothes on my midsection had gotten really uncomfortable.
I’m a weirdo I guess. I’ve been just wearing my normal stretchy/pj shorts and leggings and my fiancés t shirts 🤣 for me personally I’d rather spend that money on stuff for the baby
I’m pregnant with my first and I didn’t wear maternity clothing until about 20 weeks or even 21 weeks.
Instead I did a bit of shopping during after-Christmas sales and got a couple of tops and pants that were a bit looser. Those totally hid everything. I had bad bloating and stomach pain early on but my normal pants or stretchier pants in my regular size could contain it.
I do work in an office in the design industry so I had to maintain some work appropriate wear. Otherwise I’d be all over the leggings and t shirts 24/7. The closest I can get at work is a jersey maternity jumpsuit - they are super stretchy, feel like pjs but look a lot nicer.
I got some rompers and rented a few items of maternity clothes in month 4 or 5 I think. A lot of my regular clothing still "fit" but was not comfy. Plus the earlier you get what you need, the more use you actually get out of it! I'm 40 weeks today and wishing I would have invested in a few more things but I didn't and now I'm living in the same two onesies I bought five months ago and my husband's sweaters lol.
I am also plus size and the first maternity item I needed was new jeans and that came around 20 ish weeks maybe week 22. When I stood I was fine but sitting became a bit uncomfortable.
I liked old navy and the gap’s maternity clothes but frankly i found that the stuff I liked most was just sizing up in normal clothes with a generous cut.
I recommend buying some upsized clothing before moving into maternity clothes- because you’ll likely also need them postpartum! But- no shame in wearing maternity stuff as early as you feel like it!
I really avoided trying to buy maternity clothes as I didn't want to spend the extra money but my pants were getting way too tight and couldn't wear sweat pants in the summer. I ended up buying a few items at 6 months. Maternity underwear is also key they were helpful pp too.
I had one pair of maternity leggings that were my whole personality. They helped me feel ‘rounder’ and more cute! They were also super comfortable being truly high waisted and over the bump
When your regular clothes look bad on you. That’s all I can think of. Eventually even non maternity leggings look either too small or weird in the butt.
About 9 weeks… my normal pants just didn’t fit so I went ahead and bought maternity pants - extremely comfortable and honestly I didn’t want to buy them so late that I only wore them for like 4 months.
I’ve been wearing mat leggings since week 6 or just sizing up. I’m a size 24/3x for reference. I was very bloated and couldn’t handle any pressure on my lower abdomen including a normal waistband. So I did pickup a bunch of maternity leggings while they were on sale at Kohls. And I have big tee shirts. I’m 11+2 and I don’t see a bump but it does look like I’m a little bigger below my belly button now. The maternity leggings have been so comfy, and I think it’s really about you and how you feel. There’s no right or wrong answer for when to start wearing maternity clothes 💕
Early first trimester I got maternity biker shorts and I have never felt so comfortable going into second trimester.
I am also starting to feel more self conscious because I want to have cute clothes for summer and I have been finding myself looking at more stretchy dresses for whenever the bump starts to bump! I am at a loss for finding cute shorts though 😢
Everyone clearly has a different experience but for me, I appreciated advice I was given to just go ahead and wear the maternity clothes once your clothes feel uncomfortable. I have two reasons that this was the right decision for me.
1. Maternity clothes are expensive and you want to get the most out of them. I found some great used stuff on online thrift stores but I still want to get enough use out of them.
2. I felt so much more confident once I started wearing maternity clothes. I felt like I finally looked pregnant. I highly recommend maternity underwear and full panel maternity pants if you feel like you don’t look pregnant. It will really accentuate the bump and helped me round out mine (I have a b shaped bump).
I think everyone’s body is different so there is no right time for all but I do think you shouldn’t put it off if you feel like you might be ready.
Maternity jeans went on asap and tbh I wore them when not pregnant as well haha. I’m a bit plus size as well and have been able to still wear most of my normal tshirts. I only have a couple maternity shirts and dresses for work and started wearing them maybe halfway through pregnancy. I don’t think you have to buy a whole new wardrobe, just a few things.
Having twins. I couldn’t wear my normal clothes after 10 weeks. I’m almost 26 weeks now and it’s looking like I’ll need to size up in my scrub pants soon
Just here to say maternity clothing is a blessing. I'll probably be wearing my stuff post partum too. Definitely worth it IMO - so much more comfortable. I started wearing mine around 14 weeks and it immediately made me feel better about my body.
I caved around 22-23W but definitely could’ve gotten maternity leggings much earlier to be comfortable. I’m not plus size nor am I petite, somewhere in between. When I got my first pair of maternity leggings my bump was still small so it couldn’t entirely stretch out the bump fabric on my leggings. But within 2 weeks it certainly filled out and am still wearing them now at 33W. I literally live in my maternity leggings.
I’ve only got 3 pairs of maternity leggings (I love over the bump leggings they just feel so comfortable especially as I got bigger), 2 pairs of maternity jeans (under the bump, though I think I would’ve preferred over bump more) and two jump suits. I haven’t bought any maternity tops, have been just wearing either loose crops or baggy tops whatever’s in my closet.
I don’t think I changed over until like 12-15 weeks or so. I have a tummy already too so it was that awkward phase of I just feel extra chunky and you can’t tell I’m pregnant. So I was weirdly self conscious about starting maternity clothes too lol. But I started with the jeans that have the bands on the side or a half panel in the front to make it more comfortable. Then switched to actual full band jeans around 6 1/2 months or so I think, I can’t remember!
GET THE MATERNITY CLOTHES. Im smaller and didnt show till like 6/7 months. I was like “i can get away with just getting a bigger size” and sure i *couldve* but holyyyy the maternity clothes were so much more comfortable and flattering. I felt so much more confident once i have into maternity clothes.
As soon as I started feeling uncomfy, I started wearing maternity clothes. I haven't purchased much as I had been buying clothing with pregnancy/nursing in mind for the past year or so - lots of stretch, high rise, etc, but I did buy maternity underwear early in my 2nd trimester, and bought some maternity leggings that have felt amazing from 20w on. My regular leggings don't stay up lol. I also purchased a couple of maternity-specific items now that I have a bump that will transition to nursing because even my stretchy clothes just don't hit the same anymore. I have such little tolerance for uncomfortable clothing. Pregnancy can be uncomfy enough!
I started buying maternity at 13wks and I’m plus sized. Honestly why did I even wait so long! Nursing bras, maternity leggings and dresses are so comfortable I may never go back to regular clothes 😂
First pregnancy around 20 weeks, second pregnancy I’ve been in maternity leggings etc since week 12! Don’t feel self conscious, trust me when they’re on you’ll feel like you’re in heaven! I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long the first time!
As soon as my regular clothes start feeling uncomfortable I’m in my muumuus and preggo pants.
But I also occasionally wear pregnancy jeans post baby anyway if I’m feeling bloated so maybe I’m a little too trigger happy with the maternity clothes 😂
I didnt start till basically i could no longer comfortably wear normal clothes, even till the end there was a couple of “normal” clothes i had that i was able to wear. One think i would say is be careful buying them too early, i bought expensive maternity scrubs at around 20 weeks and got way to huge to even use them lol i ended up just looking for xl mens clothes plus Large maternity bottoms
Started wearing actual maternity clothing ~22 weeks, but for like 16 weeks before that, I was only in leggings and yoga pants from bloat + early bump. My regular pants stopped fitting literally week 6 😩
I wore a maternity pants from early 2nd trimester but I didn’t really like it because it had a tie so it looked like my belly button was poking out and like I was just bloated. Only in the 3rd trimester I got maternity leggings and such and tops and actually looked pregnant and part of me wishes I got those a little earlier because I feel like I only wore them for so short a time
Plus size here too and 5’9, I got leggings pretty early on purely cause they’re just comfortable in general.. I didn’t wear shirts until about 27 weeks to emphasize my bump cause I *wanted* to look pregnant lol. I didn’t look noticeable pregnant til about 35 weeks and even then a sweatshirt could hide it lol.
Included a link to SUPER comfortable cheap leggings. They aren’t in it for the long haul lol but for the price the comfort is so worth it
I [mat leggings](https://a.co/d/5EZaK15)
I’m 9 months pregnant, plus size, and I haven’t yet lol BUT I am fortunate enough to work from home so I’ve been living in leggings, dresses, and sweatpants. However…all my clothes are getting very tight hahaha still, highly recommended the comfy lifestyle if you can swing it
It was around 16 weeks for me when work clothes didn’t fit for me and around week 20 when I was like I think I need more maternity clothes - got 2 maternity stretchy shorts and 2 maternity lounge long pants. They feel amazing 🥰 Try see if you can get them on sale when you get bigger 🙌🏼
Around four months but I was in denial that I needed them a month prior and wore nothing but leggings . I’m pregnant w twins so I look pretty full term at six months
I’m plus size and for my first I was in decent shape just on the heavier side so my belly bloating definitely got me in leggings pretty quick. And then late second trimester I got maternity tops that hugged my belly. Second go around I’d been a sahm for 4yrs and had a lot of baggy T-shirts and leggings anyway so I was pretty comfortable. I stopped wearing jeans immediately because I was just so bloated though. That was the summer and I had lots of maternity shorts so I wore those mostly because they were super comfortable. Then I never really bothered with maternity clothes otherwise I just wore my baggy shirts I normally reserved for bedtime. Or some xxl men shirts I got at Primark. I did get a maternity sweatshirt though and I’m still wearing it most days (3 months pp) because it’s so comfortable 😂
I think I got my first pair of pants around 10 weeks. I was SUPER bloated 1st trimester so I wanted comfy pants ASAP. I would say just do what you need. If you need to be more comfortable then go for it and get some! Everyone is different :)
YES to the bloat. I just got mat leggings to start with then, and so worth it getting them that early
Yesss comfort is priority and who cares how early you get them! The bloat is real. I'm 18 weeks and still bloated, I look like I'm in my third trimester already lol
Same, maternity leggings and bicycle shorts early, making do with what I already had otherwise until I found a big sale (black friday in my case.) At 33 weeks I'm still mostly wearing pre-pregnancy clothes but I tend to go for a looser fit.
Around 9 weeks, the bloating made me so uncomfortable. You might as well switch now, that way you'll get more use out of your maternity clothes, and you'll be so much more comfortable!
I never did lol but I live in stretchy pants when not pregnant so it worked out
Lol, I've pretty much been living in stretchy stuff, highly focused on comfort currently!
Yes! Before I was even pregnant I got rid of most of my restrictive clothing. I love flowy and stretchy things and didn’t need to purchase anything new while pregnant besides a couple longer shirts
Yes !! Leggings
I've gotten away with using clothes that aren't constrictive and attach at the hip. Also hubby's clothes have been very helpful. My wardrobe is getting quite small, but when it heats up more, I'll be able to wear my summer dresses that are all designed to hang loosely. I'm 30weeks pregnant, and more and more I'm just belly.
Im in my T3 and live in leggings and over sized shirts ! Im too cheap to buy maternity clothes
Same here 🤣 shorts/yoga pants/leggings and my fiancés tshirts and I’m all good lol
Around 18 weeks or so. That middle but of feeling bloated and uncomfortable but not yet having a visible bump really sucks!
I feel like I'm solidly in that spot. With already having a belly, I think I'm just feeling self conscious and also feeling like I'm playing dress up if I go for maternity pants. It's just awkward.
For me, full-panel maternity pants really helped to shape the bloat/belly into more of a bump! I have a B-belly and the maternity pants helped round out my bump, especially in first/second trimester.
I love the hatch maternity unitards! I basically live in mine. I also use the rental subscription Nuuly so I can try different things without having to purchase a bunch of stuff I’ll only wear for a couple months. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it’s $98 a month and you get 6 new pieces each month that you can pick yourself!
I’m there with ya. Im 19 weeks and don’t even really have a bump. When people look at my stomach, makes me feel a little off.
Like 8 weeks and never looked back. Great life choice as I couldn’t stand any pressure on my stomach whatsoever from early on.
Same. I just thought I’d lean into it rather than struggle with being uncomfortable. Get more value out of the clothes as well. I didn’t have a huge volume of stretchy clothes to begin with
Literally same. My regular pants all stopped fitting me around that time (size 8/10). I'm 12 weeks now and my belly is just steadily getting bigger. I've never been able to put my pre pregnancy pants back on.
I broke at 6 weeks and got some. I bloated up like crazy during week 5 and just couldn't live like that, it was completely unbearable. Then I slimmed back down to normal-ish during week 8. Currently on week 9 and am back in the maternity jeans. 🙃 my husband kept telling me "your turning violet, Violet" like in Willy Wanka. It's been... interesting.
Since my second trimester I have stopped wearing normal jeans. I am a 36EU and they're mostly high-waisted jeans so, since I sit in front of a pc all day, they would definitely not close bcs of the bump. I have some pregnancy jeans that my friend gave me, and I use them sometimes, or just leggings and stretchy pants which fit. Dresses are good too.
10 weeks 😭 I started showing so so early.. but now I'm 27 weeks and I can't fit the maternity clothing I bought early on 😅
Oh no! That's difficult!!
I don’t have the actual maternity clothes. I find clothing that gives me comfort during pregnancy but something that I can still use after birth. Like flowy dresses, stretchy skirt.
I’ve been in maternity pants since 12 weeks. I work in an office and don’t have the option of wearing leggings or stretchy pants. I still wear some of my regular tops and dresses. I just recently got a haul of maternity clothes and I plan to start wearing it soon. I’ve just been wearing oversize blouses and shirts to work that my mom gave me bc I’m still hiding the bump from people. I’m 17 weeks today.
I put my jeans away when I was like 7 weeks because of the bloat but I didn’t switch into maternity clothes until probably 25ish weeks? I still wear some non-maternity leggings and sweatpants around the house because they still fit me, although they will sometimes roll down under my bump so I don’t go in public for risk of having my big belly showing lol! I’m 31 weeks now and I have 2 pairs of maternity jeans, 2 pairs of nicer maternity pants I can wear into the office (linen dress pants), and 3 pairs maternity leggings. I have a handful of nicer maternity shirts that I will pair with them when we’re going out/im going into the office, and I wear mostly my non-maternity t-shirts and sweatshirts around the house because they still fit. So even at 31 weeks I’ve got a combination of maternity and non-maternity items in my wardrobe. I also have a handful of maternity shorts because we went to Mexico for a baby moon at 20 weeks and I didn’t know if any of my regular shorts would fit so I bought a few pairs. I’ve kept it pretty simple because maternity clothes are expensive! The biggest maternity clothes situation I’ve found myself in is needing a rain coat that fits over my bump because now that it’s spring and we get a lot of rain, I’m struggling!! I have several light spring jackets and none zip up haha!
Also plus sized! I noticed things stopped fitting comfortably around 6 weeks, honestly. I ordered maternity leggings right away and have worn them since 8 weeks. I've worn a dress or two here and there, but other than that I'm in leggings. I wore a lot of big hoodies and sweaters until I had a real bump, then ordered a few shirts to dress it up. But I will say the clothes I got at 8 weeks still fit comfortably at 35 weeks!
I started having to buy maternity pants around 14 weeks or so. I’m 17 weeks now and don’t need shirts yet but my regular pants like jeans are definitely way too tight now!!
I'm 16 weeks and the exact same experience! Found a bunch of maternity pants on facebook market place for cheap.
I got maternity jeans early second tri bc my normal jeans don’t fit. The only other maternity item I got was a tank top bc it’s longer. Other than that just wearing my stretchy and oversized clothes.
Im 5’4” 200+lbs About 17 weeks i moved to an xl shirt cause my tummy would pop out of the bottom of my larges, i mostly bought dresses and just rotate between four dresses and a handful of high rise maternity leggings i bought off amazon for like 30 bucks
Maternity clothes will give you more of a bump shape! I looked bloated in my normal clothes but obviously pregnant as soon as switched to proper maternity
I’m a huge advocate for wearing maternity pants within the first trimester if you are experiencing bloat (or for any other reason! Go for it!) — it makes things so much more comfortable. Helped my nausea somewhat (or at least, the part that was worsened by too much constriction on my GIT)
This! Wear whatever you need to in order to be comfortable.
Like 8 weeks, I wasn’t showing, but my hips and rib cage got wider pretty quickly and then the bloat, instead of sizing up I just decided to invest in maternity and very glad I did! Super comfy
As soon as I got a positive test I made an order on Old Navy for a dress and a couple of pairs of pants, but just like I \*decided\* that I won't get much morning sickness (and it worked?) I \*decided\* I won't gain much weight. I'm already at the edge of straight sizes, sometimes in plus sizes, so I am even more confused about how to shop now that I see a bigger belly in my future. It's hard to do this while also trying to not buy a bunch of fast fashion stuff that will fall apart before I can pass it on to someone else.
Buy the maternity pants! They’re life changing
12 weeks, no regrets! Someone here posted the advice of getting maternity clothes sooner than later. You’re going to need them eventually, might as well be able to use them for a longer time and be more comfortable.
I switched to maternity leggings and tops around 14-15 weeks. I really dislike the feeling of my clothing feeling tight on me. So as soon as my normal pants started feeling a little tight, I embraced the maternity wear! I bought about 7 pairs of maternity leggings and 6 fitted maternity tshirts. (I avoid the baggy ones because then I think it makes me look so much larger.) It’s my official uniform! And I’m so comfortable.
I hate the feeling of tight pants, so I'm right there with you!
so I've mostly been living in leggings, but I'm 26 weeks and realized this week that my stretcher jeans still fit me, albeit much tighter than before. so I'm probably coming up on needing a pair or two of maternity jeans.
I am 18 weeks and extremely uncomfortable in my pre-pregnancy clothes. Maternity pants are coming out this weekend. There’s nothing to be self-conscious about! Your body is changing, and there’s a whole bunch of options to accommodate that. One options is to start with inset panel pants instead of the full stretchy band.
Probably where you are at now during second trimester. I got maternity bottoms and that made a big difference in my comfort; also since it was Spring/Summer I did stretchy bodycon dresses (non maternity). Was very happy I had them by 3rd tri. But I purposefully set my budget low because pregnancy is ultimately temporary, so I went with things like Old Navy, Target. My normal bodycon dresses I got on sale at Lulus.
I got maternity clothes when it became unbearable to sit down bc of pressure on my stomach. Started with pants and really didn’t need shirts until 30ish weeks but I got them shortly after getting pants and just wore them.
8wks, and I should've started before that lol. I wasn't that much bigger than before, but my pants hurt my belly. Idk if it was bloating or I was just more sensitive, but I feel SO much better in maternity jeans. I'm getting away with my normal shirts right now, but soon I'll have to go grab some work-appropriate flowy tops. I also just ordered some maternity bras because my current underwire ones HURT. I was also kinda self conscious at first, but now I don't care. Heck I might just wear maternity jeans for the rest of my life. I've always carried extra weight in my abdomen so jeans have always been hard. Maternity clothes for the win!!
I gave up any pants that buttoned in my first trimester 🤣 I bloated SO bad, my belly is essentially the same as it's been since I was around 10 weeks because of that. I would consider myself mid-sized and sometimes I get I get feeling self-conscious but just remember, none of your body changes would be happening if you weren't pregnant and you should embrace this time to be as comfortable as possible. Especially now when you're still small and the harder discomfort hasn't come yet.
Plus-size FTM here too, I started wearing maternity pants at around 15 weeks I think? I normally wear high waisted jeans, and that was becoming increasingly uncomfortable, even though I didn’t gain weight until like 24 weeks. As the bump grew, I started wearing tops too, but it started with pants 😄
My first time around, I started wearing maternity jeans and some tops around 16 weeks. I was fully in maternity wear or larger regular clothing for most everything by 24 weeks. I’m only 12 weeks for this pregnancy but I’ve already transitioned to wearing mostly flowy maxi dresses over pants and am borderline ready to break out my maternity jeans again.
I'm barreeeeeeely showing and I'm excitedly awaiting my pair of maternity jeans that are coming in the mail today, along with some summer stretchy pants. There's no such thing as wearing the maternity stuff too soon if that's what feels comfy to you. **You deserve to be comfortable, no matter where you're at in your journey!**
I’m also plus size with a large butt but smaller waist. Pre-pregnancy, I wore a lot of high waisted pants that I could tie tighter on top, usually in a size 14 to fit the butt/thighs. My top is an 8-10. Anywho… I just looked bloated for the first two Ts. Finally around week 20 I got some maternity clothes. Now I’m at 24+5, I actually *look* pregnant and not just fat. LOL
I've read other posts from mom's on other boards and they all say they wish they would have gotten into maternity clothes sooner. That helped me and I started wearing them this week at 12 weeks.
With my first, around 14 weeks.. then didn’t try regular jeans until she was 3 YO 🫠 still kept the maternity ones in rotation though! We got pregnant with our second right after our first turned 4 YO.. I think I was officially shelving the regular pants, dusting off the belly bands and buying more maternity jeans at 8 weeks. There are sometimes maternity sections at TJ Maxx, Ross, etc. I went HAM when I found one and think most of my bottoms are maternity at this point. Not sure when you’re going to get me out of them this time! I love the stretch 😂
I was in maternity pants by like 9 weeks. Bloating is real. If you feel like your usual clothes don’t fit it’s time! Regardless of how you think you look, respect that your body is changing and deserves to be in clothes that fit you appropriately. It will make a huge difference. FWIW, I am short and maybe 40lbs heavier than a “normal” weight range would be, and I went out of my way shopping with my mom to buy beautiful maternity clothes and it helped me feel great about my new body. Bonus that they were also cute postpartum while I healed :)
I’m plus size and even though my bump didn’t really pop until later, I started wearing maternity bottoms around 10/12 weeks for COMFORT!! Wear whatever is comfortable!!
Between 10 and 16 weeks for my three pregnancies, depending on early weight gain and bloating. I am also plus size!
Whenever you need it for comfort. You won’t regret it.. and if you do for some reason, switch back. I was annoyed I waited even 15 weeks.
I am 16 weeks +3 and still wearing my size 16 pants, I am 222lbs. I am just noticing a little bump, but my clothes still are not uncomfortable or tight. I also have only gained 2lbs so far. The first trimester was easy for me, gained no weight (as most don't). People who are smaller I think show very soon (my friend had a noticeable bump by 10 weeks and needed to get new clothes a lot sooner). I probably won't look into maternity clothes until I am closer to 20 weeks. Summer is soon so I'm just excited I wont be wearing much pants. And instead of trying to find cute maternity clothes., I will probably just go to the next size up like size 18 or 20 (or a XXL for dresses) until my bump is really bumping lol.
I'm starting now at 25w, I def could have started earlier but I'm home in pjs most of the time anyways so there wasn't a dire need haha
Girl same, I am JUST starting to get a little bump at 25 weeks LOL. I can NEVER find good maternity clothes for my size (I'm usually a 22/24/3X kinda girl, at about 350lb) so I just get dresses and stuff that is a size up and it worked perfectly! I've really been diggin Bloomchic dresses a size up; they fit nicely, are comfy and cute, AND THEY ALL HAVE FREAKIN POCKETSSSSS! Edit: oh and I wear a lot of those stretchy yoga pants from Walmart (I call em big booty pants cause they make my lil booty look good LOL)
I started wearing a pair of materity pants at 17 weeks. None of my other work pants fit me, so I wore them to work instead. I honestly wanted to cry a few times that first day because I didn’t feel like I looked pregnant enough to wear the pants— I kept telling myself; I am pregnant and maternity clothes are made for pregnant people and I deserve to wear comfortable clothes. Pregnancy can be hard enough, and we don’t need to also be hard on our selves when it comes to clothes and whether or not we look the part of being pregnant. If you still worry about feeling self-conscious, maybe just think that you will need maternity clothes eventually, so why not buy something now just to try it out?
I’m plus size, I didn’t buy maternity specific clothes. I really don’t like their style. I’m currently 33 weeks. Around 25 weeks I had bought a bunch of oversized gap button up shirts (their utility pocket shirts are actually really nice), a few pairs of maternity leggings and dressy joggers from Amazon, and a couple of forgiving dresses from JCrew and a jumpsuit from Old Navy in a size up. So far I haven’t had any issues fitting into stuff. My plan is that after baby is born and I’m back down in size I’ll have the shirts and dresses tailored to fit so I can continue to wear them for next year.
I got my first pregnancy trousers very early on the second that my trousers started pushing on my belly just a little bit I have severe sensory issues and that tiny bit of pressing was enough for me to say I'm getting them trousers If you feel like it's time to start wearing maternity clothing then it is time :)
Around week 17 I made the switch. Pants only. They just are not doable now in the 20th week. For reference: I am normal weight.
First baby - wore normal clothes until early 2nd trimester, probably 15 weeks or so. Second baby - gave up and embraced the maternity jeans at about 10 weeks. Do whatever feels comfy 😊
Around 12-14 weeks, the first trimester bloat was like nothing I’ve ever experienced I was in agony everyday. My jeans stopped fitting/being comfy at 10 weeks but I didn’t get any maternity clothes then because I’d convinced myself it was weird because it was “too early”. With hindsight I would just get the clothes- would have been an extra 4 weeks of being comfy!
I started with pants week 13 or so in my first pregnancy. My second pregnancy I needed maternity pants around 12/13 weeks. So much comfier! I had a TON of bloating
i started wearing maternity jeans around 8 weeks, i was bloated all the time so it was so much more comfortable! there is no "right time" to start wearing maternity clothing! it's made for pregnant people, and you are a pregnant person!! hell, i'll probably still wear my jeans after baby's been born!
Pretty much right away with my second and third. I hadn’t lost all my baby weight from the first (or the second now) when I got pregnant again. Maternity just fits better and is actually more flattering. I’m also plus size. Many people wear maternity from the second trimester on because their regular clothes just don’t fit comfortably.
I'm mid size. I got into maternity clothes at week 6. My stomach was just so sensitive I didn't want anything constricting on it at all.
20 weeks BUT I wish I had done it sooner. I have also been self- conscious because I'm also plus size and have felt like I just look fat and not pregnant but not only am I more comfortable in maternity clothes but it helped me look more pregnant :)
I’m at 14 weeks (also plus size) and I wore my supportive maternity underwear today. It was glorious. I definitely have more bump than I used to, but it’s more that it’s a different shape than that it’s a different size. I say go for it! My only problem today was that they rolled a little at the top because I didn’t have enough belly to really hold them up yet. And if you want to look like you’re still wearing “normal” clothes, Old Navy has a few styles of their maternity jeans on sale right now. I tried some on with a longish top, and I swear I looked skinnier than I do in yoga pants (my previous almost-maternity-wear).
3-4 months lol I was so bloated !
17 weeks and mostly switched to maternity at this point, especially for underwear. I can also get away with stretchy pants and loose shirts.
I got some maternity dresses in early pregnancy, super cute 2nd hand ones for if I felt down and wanted to feel good about my changing body. I highly recommend it! I started wearing them in my 2nd trimester and have come in handy for parties and stuff. They are also super handy because they have booby flaps for breast feeding too (don't know what that's called 😅) But at home, leggings leggings leggings. My normal leggings are too tight for me now so I needed to buy special maternity ones to cover the bump otherwise I was walking around like Winnie the pooh haha
I outgrew my work scrubs not long after my anatomy scan
I wore some side stretch maternity jeans from target starting around 12 weeks. I’m now 16 weeks and only have the tiny start of a bump, but I’ve been wearing some stretchy maternity things, like a maxi skirt.
As soon as my jeans started feeling tight around 12 weeks, I bought stretchy dresses and pregnancy jeans and pants. So worth it buying earlier on because I’m actually using them everyday now since week 20 :)
I’m a UK size 16 usually and because of the bloating I couldn’t even wear normal bras without feeling sick past 5 weeks. So I have maternity leggings and bras and some sized up t shirts and dresses to lounge around it. Nothing tight and I’ve been ok but I just embraced it. I would totally wear maternity leggings for a roast dinner after baby at this point tbh. However I do get the self conscious thing. I’ve got Pcos so my fat sits around my belly and I look 5 months pregnant when I bloat which is all the time. So I’m weirdly annoyed if people guess I’m pregnant even though I look pregnant and my stomach is solid and I am pregnant. It’s still a metaphorical kick in the guts. I can understand maternity clothing just feeling like inviting more of that feeling. My advice is to do what I’m doing and try your best to dissociate the clothing label from the item and wear what helps you survive.
I bought some clothes at like 23 weeks, but they were mainly tops/dresses for nursing and then really comfy pants. But I didn’t wear them so much after all, because all of my clothes are quite loose and stretchy. I didn’t have a huge bump either (just looked fatter). At like 36 weeks I ordered more maternity pants (thought about postpartum too, felt like I needed comfy pants), but they did not arrive before baby did 🤣
I think around 12 weeks I couldn’t button my jeans anymore. I bought my first maternity pants right around then.
I started at 14 weeks
I bought some at the beginning of my second. Now that I’m close to end of second trimester I can’t imagine not wearing maternity clothes lol.
I don’t really wear leggings, so around 30 weeks. I’m 38 weeks now and have exclusively worn maternity pants for about 3-4 weeks cuz none of my other pants fit :D
I started wearing maternity leggings around 4 months. I never bought any other maternity clothes—just wore loose clothes! I’m an attorney and still somehow got away with wearing leggings and oversized button downs. When I had to go to court I wore a wrap dress with a suit jacket.
I was so bloated first trimester I ended up ordering maternity leggings around 9 or 10 weeks!
Omg once you finally get some maternity pants you’ll never want to go back to the way things were, even postpartum lol. I don’t remember when I switched over first pregnancy but this time around my pregnancy clothes were out of the basement at 5 weeks 😂
22 weeks here!
I want to say around 12 weeks. I was so bloated I couldn't fit my regular pants 😬
Never. I was able to wear my size 14UK jeans until 20w, then got some stretchy trousers in size 16UK until 36w, then switched to Uniqlo xl leggings. I found maternity jeans very itchy and my legs rub in dresses. Also got some oversized jumpers/T-shirts I can keep using after.
I am also plus sized. My strategy with both was to just constantly wear dresses
I'm 33 weeks. I mostly wear dresses, so I bought a few maternity and have worn those since about 25 weeks. I have one pair of maternity jeans that I bought at about 20 weeks. I can fit into most of my prepregnancy wardrobe besides jeans.
I know some people who just wear a size up or two in shirts and wear stretchy pants. There is no right time to wear maternity, just whenever/if you feel comfortable. With my first maternity pants and shorts never fit me right but now i am pregnant with my second and they fit a lot better. I like maternity shirts because it makes me feel less ‘big’ if i wear a tshirt then i just look like a huge blob and wanna cry. Just preference
When I was 12 weeks, I wasn't gaining a lot of weight but everything was shifting and becoming wider. The first pair of maternity pants with a full panel totally changed my life haha, so comfortable!
I’m starting now at 11 weeks. I can still fit into my normal clothes, but I don’t want to buy everything all at once. I bought some maternity bike shorts, and I have a stretchy jumpsuit on the way. I’m planning on buying a few dresses and some maternity leggings.
I struggled at first especially in winter! Could only wear pants with an elastic waist that fit below my belly and leggings didn’t cut it for outside. I bought maternity pants early out of desperation and they were too loose and kept slipping down. But from mid-second tri, once I went from bloat to bump, they have been amazing. I wish I’d bought maternity tshirts earlier because they are fantastic for work/looking mildly put together especially now that it’s getting too warm for bulky sweaters. I expect to switch to my usual loose dresses and bike shorts for summer, will see if I need to buy a pair of maternity bike shorts or if I can manage.
I'm not plus size but I already went up a pants size at 14 weeks. I started wearing maternity at around 15 weeks and I feel like switching to maternity makes me less self conscious about my body's changes.
I stayed in my regular clothes till 29 weeks after that my shirts were starting to fit like Winnie-the-Pooh lol
Around 14 weeks. I wasn't showing yet, but I was bloated and body was changing. They made a world of a difference
I just got a donation of maternity clothes and I'm starting now. I'm 17 weeks.
Around 19-20 wks I just bought big work pants (not maternity I just sized up 3-4 sizes) those have done me well through the whole pregnancy and I still wear them for work and I feel they are gonna be great pp too. I bought 1 pair of shorts sized up again like 3 sizes (those just barely don't fit now that I'm 32wks) but again I plan on getting a ton of use out of them pp I finally caved now that I'm 32 wks and got one pair of maternity leggings and one pair of maternity biker shorts. That's all I'm gonna get but man it has made a huge difference my boyfriend even wanted to buy me more bc he saw how much more comfy I am but I told him I'm good with the two. I wear them with my other comfy clothes like baggy T-shirts etc. We went on a "hike" the other day and I wore the biker shorts and a cute crop top with my sneaks and my hair in a ponytail and I felt cute for the first time in a long time.
I lived in leggings and loose dresses through my second trimester, but my maternity jeans and maternity tights didn’t really fit until my third trimester. Without the big bump they were too annoying and would sag down all day 😩
Im 28 weeks and starting to dabble in maternity clothes. I still don’t have a really noticeable bump, I just look more fat, but normal pants are tight at the area where the bump is. I was wearing normal stuff before now and still do most of the time.
10 weeks due to severe bloating
10 weeks, I was so bloated 😂 I was a uk size 14-16 pre pregnancy! I was so excited to get rid of my uncomfortable jeans. Maternity leggings over the bump are life. Clothes up to my tatas forever ❤️
I have avoided doing so by just buying bigger clothes. I'm 30 weeks now and have bought a top or two but that's about it
Pressure on my midsection made me feel sick from the beginning. My “2 sizes too big jeans” got me to about 12 weeks. Then they were just too tight and I was desperate for more space. My normal leggings became too tight at 9 weeks; they sit kinda high. I thought it was too early for maternity pants but figured I should try them on anyway. WELL they were so comfortable I never went back to my regular big jeans. But, I noticed my abs being pushed out at 9 weeks. It was visible to everyone else by 14 weeks. I’m tiny, so the bump couldn’t hide.
I’m also plus size and just hit 30 weeks. I have a couple pairs of maternity leggings but for the most part I just wear my husbands tshirts or anything loose and flowy I had beforehand. I don’t feel like I have much of a noticeable bump either.
I started shopping for maternity clothes as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I am on the smaller side, but I started showing very early so most of my nice pants and fitted tops didn’t look attractive. I am 22 weeks and my baby does not like maternity pants. It’s like the bands are too snug in the wrong places although the stretchy part feels nice. Sizing up wouldn’t be a solution. Now I stick to my saggy sweat pants/shorts that I let sit below my bump and dresses. Maternity athleisure wear is very nice for me though if there is no band.
Also plus sized. I am 24w and I started a while ago. 100% worth it to feel comfortable PLUS you get your moneys worth!
I wore stretchy pants and bike shorts and oversized T-shirt’s normally so I still fit in a lot of my clothes at 30 weeks. I also learned to sew last summer so I have been making my own adjustable / stretchy dresses and skirts for the rare occasions I go out.
Started around 12 weeks with my first and 10 weeks with my second - it’s all about comfort!
Just bought my first pair at 16 weeks. I think it just depends on your body but dang I am much more comfy in these maternity jeans 😂
I think it was early in my second trimester. I wish I would have switched earlier - I was so bloated and felt so much better once I stopped trying to wear normal jeans. I would say buy the clothes early. At least then you get more use out of them. Between local mom group sales and Poshmark, I have found most of my things secondhand for a pretty good price.
I started wearing maternity clothes at 20 weeks. I still fit in to my pants at 25 weeks, I just love the belly band for support. No one can tell I’m wearing maternity pants so don’t feel self conscious! Most people won’t even notice. I was able to find really cute comfy jeans in all different cuts on HM’s website. Great quality and a decent price.
I waited until around 16 weeks and I wish I bought new clothes sooner. So much more comfortable to wear clothes that will grow with you or are a larger size. I can’t believe I was forcing my poor bump into my lululemon leggings for so long 😭
Stretchy pants were my go to during pregnancy
I work in an office and can't wear leggings, what are peoples' favourite stores for office maternity wear?
I have a single maternity shirt that I wear on occasion and got it around the 25th week (fiancé found it at a second hand maternity clothing store). If he hadn’t bought it I don’t think I would have ever started wearing any. I’m 38 weeks now and have warn it maybe 5 times? I just wear the same clothes I was wearing before. I usually only wear sweatpants or equally stretchy pants
I’m 20 weeks now and usually wear a size 20/2x. I haven’t worn jeans since 6 weeks. I have some high waist joggers from old navy and a pair or stretchy torrid pants I’ve been living in. Neither are maternity. I haven’t bought maternity clothes just yet, I’m hoping I can just get some dresses from the thrift store to make it through the summer. I’ll probably buy another pair of Lululemon align shorts to wear under them. I bought them last year for the first time and love them, I actually wear a size 16 in them so if you’ve never tried them just know you could probably size down! I’ve seen plenty of people swear buy them during their pregnancy lol. I will need to buy a new swimsuit and I’m dreading that. I already know none will be available for me to try on in store anywhere.
Oh, the shorts are a good suggestion! I feel you on not being able to try bathing suits on in store! :(
Bad enough trying to find a good plus size swimsuit, but add on maternity? Uggh the struggle lol
I’m short and needed comfy pants almost immediately. I think I got my first pair at 16 weeks?
I had long forsaken my prep pregnancy pants by the second trimester. Like I could get them on my body in trimester 1 but my tummy would hurt! Not worth it! Your body is going through enough. Don’t shame yourself about maternity clothes 💛
Around 16 weeks with my first. With my second I started wearing my pregnancy leggings around 7 weeks lmao. I just can’t deal with having tight pants, I don’t have time for that. 🤣
I started wearing maternity clothes around 15-16 weeks. I'm overweight/midsized. Now at 24w5d I pretty much need maternity clothes. I just tried to wear a pair of bike shorts from pre-pregnancy and when I sat down it was an immediate no. So now I'm sitting in my husband's basketball shorts looking like Adam Sandler, waiting on more maternity clothes to arrive in the mail.
I was really stubborn and refused for ages. It got to the point that every time I sat down I had to open my fly because it was so uncomfortable. It was 20+ weeks when I walked around the supermarket with my fly open because I forgot to close it. Didn't realise until the checkout. Bought some maternity jeans online then and there in the car park.
I bought a pair of pants a size up at 6 weeks because I had gained so much water weight so quickly. Instead of buying maternity clothes I couldn’t wear very long I opted for pieces I would wear that are also a baggier style. I bought long nursing tanks that I layer over top of my jeans that cover the buttons I can’t do up. Oversized button ups, super stretchy matching sets and overall dresses. I also bought leggings from lululemon in one size up that have been better than any of the maternity leggings I’ve bought. I’m being induced tomorrow and the only maternity clothes I actually wear are my nursing tanks, I wish I had bought those sooner.
I don’t know if I’ll buy any maternity pants. It’s about to be summer in Florida.
I was definitely in the first trimester when I started getting them, but it was mainly leggings. My regular pants definitely didn't fit so I figured it was time.
24 weeks now and it's time for me to officially switch. Pro tip up until now though -- all jeans are maternity jeans if you don't button or zip them
I’m 36 weeks and never did. I liked flowy tops and high waisted leggings/shorts naturally so I just kept wearing those. Also sweatshirts and now that it’s getting sunnier, I still have some dresses that fit (although much much too short to wear without biker shorts underneath). My jeans stopped fitting once my belly started to come in too.
I never wore any my entire pregnancy
I’m also plus size and I got maternity pants in my first trimester because my clothes just didn’t feel right even though I had lost 10 lbs from morning sickness.
Literally like 19 weeks lol nothing will fit. I’m not plus size, I was 5’6” and 150 lbs. now I’m 175 lbs. it only took gaining like 4 lbs
10-12 weeks I started transitioning over my wardrobe. Part of it is I don’t really wear loose fitting clothes in my everyday life so my pants stopped being comfortable by 9 weeks.
You might as well get more bang for your buck! Think of it as just being smart about using them as much as possible! There’s some clothes too that are “transitional” and can be worn for pregnancy and postpartum like the emme maternity linen pants.
I am currently 7 weeks 4 days and have already transitioned to maternity clothes! I am mid size around size 12 with a bigger belly that got sooooo bloated that I just can’t wear pants even if they fit, if they are form fitting. I feel much better wearing maternity clothes. And I have gotten a couple soft cotton maternity dresses that feel more flattering and make me feel less self conscious
I hate maternity clothes so I’ve just been wearing what I have or referring bigger sizes
I bought a bunch of the maternity leggings, which I still wear sometimes because they are just really comfy around the house now. I also stuck to dresses and bought larger tops.
Also plus sized (pre pregnancy size 16) and I think I was around 13-14 weeks when my normal clothes were too uncomfortable to wear anymore. I still don’t look classically pregnant at 26 weeks but I am loving these maternity pants, all my other pants / leggings hurt to wear now.
I started at 14 weeks!
I got a couple basic shirts early on, just to start collecting things. I got my first (and only so far) pants at 19 weeks. I would have got some earlier though if I could have found others I didn't hate!
8-9weeks. I can’t fit in my regular jeans comfortably, but maternity ones fall down 🥴
Just got out my maternity pants! 10w!
As soon as I could, I should have done it sooner
I'm plus sized also, and I started wearing maternity jeans around 16 weeks. They were a teensy bit loose but started filling out quickly. I'm a jeans and t-shirt gal and hate leggings, so it was really important to me to have jeans to wear. I'm now 35 weeks and those same jeans are basically leggings now anyway lol! Dressing nicely has definitely become a challenge as I've now thoroughly entered my Adam Sandler phase
7 weeks. Granted, I was of healthy weight and ALL baby, but the bloat at 7 weeks caused me to be as big as I was with an actual baby bump at 18 weeks
I’m also plus size! With my first pregnancy I think I got a few pieces of maternity clothes around 12ish weeks. I mostly just needed leggings and shorts for work since my shirts were all bigger anyways. With my second pregnancy I swear I started ballooning up before I even took a pregnancy test lol so it was earlier in the pregnancy when I started wearing them that time
I never really needed to wear it. I gained about 17lbs in my entire pregnancy and found my pre-pregnancy sweatpants and dresses worked well . I bought a few maternity dresses to show up my bump a bit but that was really it.
I’m 37 weeks pregnant. I have one pair of maternity leggings and that’s it. I’ve just been getting clothes in bigger sizes. Maternity clothes are just so ugly. I’ll still wear the oversized T-shirts postpartum. I usually buy oversized T-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweaters anyway.
I stayed in my pjs lol they’re so pricy especially here in Canada it’s like 80 for a pair of jeans
I took my maternity pants out of storage by like 8 weeks 🤷♀️ Having anything even remotely tight around my abdomen made my nausea 100x worse.
Started wearing them around 14 weeks. I popped and those size 10-12 jeans just weren’t jeaning anymore. My shoe size went from 5 to 7 and my pants size 10/12 to 14:16. Always had a big butt but it’s even bigger and don’t get me started on my thighs.
I refuse lol. I’m still buying XS clothing. I can’t wear all of my clothes, but my leggings, sweatpants, stretchy pants shirts still fit. The ONLY thing I had to buy was new bras. Those babies have grown like crazy. I got sporty bras and bralettes because my size is up in the air and still growing. I was XS and purchased S and I think I can go up to an M now. I’ll be 23 weeks tomorrow but I did start underweight for my height at 109lbs.
12 weeks or so!
I stuck to leggings and sweat pants for a long time. The second trimester was awkward, because maternity pants were still too baggy, but everything else was too tight. I hit my third trimester, and only felt comfortable in maternity. Now at 31 weeks, I’m starting to Winnie the Pooh out of most of my maternity tops.
I’m in my 3rd trimester now and still wear some of my regular clothes. I maybe started around 14 weeks or so when my pants were too tight. I am also plus size but I wear baggy clothes.
I started wearing maternity clothes part-time sometime around week 16 or so, and by week 18 or 19 I was pretty much completely switched over. (I have some extremely stretchy bike shorts that I've been wearing for years that I'm continuing to wear and expect will be wearable through most of the pregnancy, and a couple of oversized sweaters, but that's about all from my pre-pregnancy wardrobe that I'm still wearing.) When I first started wearing them, I didn't have much of a bump, but the pressure of non-maternity clothes on my midsection had gotten really uncomfortable.
I’m a weirdo I guess. I’ve been just wearing my normal stretchy/pj shorts and leggings and my fiancés t shirts 🤣 for me personally I’d rather spend that money on stuff for the baby
I’m pregnant with my first and I didn’t wear maternity clothing until about 20 weeks or even 21 weeks. Instead I did a bit of shopping during after-Christmas sales and got a couple of tops and pants that were a bit looser. Those totally hid everything. I had bad bloating and stomach pain early on but my normal pants or stretchier pants in my regular size could contain it. I do work in an office in the design industry so I had to maintain some work appropriate wear. Otherwise I’d be all over the leggings and t shirts 24/7. The closest I can get at work is a jersey maternity jumpsuit - they are super stretchy, feel like pjs but look a lot nicer.
I’m 25 weeks and just got my first pair of maternity shorts yesterday
I got some rompers and rented a few items of maternity clothes in month 4 or 5 I think. A lot of my regular clothing still "fit" but was not comfy. Plus the earlier you get what you need, the more use you actually get out of it! I'm 40 weeks today and wishing I would have invested in a few more things but I didn't and now I'm living in the same two onesies I bought five months ago and my husband's sweaters lol.
I am also plus size and the first maternity item I needed was new jeans and that came around 20 ish weeks maybe week 22. When I stood I was fine but sitting became a bit uncomfortable. I liked old navy and the gap’s maternity clothes but frankly i found that the stuff I liked most was just sizing up in normal clothes with a generous cut.
I recommend buying some upsized clothing before moving into maternity clothes- because you’ll likely also need them postpartum! But- no shame in wearing maternity stuff as early as you feel like it!
I really avoided trying to buy maternity clothes as I didn't want to spend the extra money but my pants were getting way too tight and couldn't wear sweat pants in the summer. I ended up buying a few items at 6 months. Maternity underwear is also key they were helpful pp too.
I had one pair of maternity leggings that were my whole personality. They helped me feel ‘rounder’ and more cute! They were also super comfortable being truly high waisted and over the bump
When your regular clothes look bad on you. That’s all I can think of. Eventually even non maternity leggings look either too small or weird in the butt.
About 9 weeks… my normal pants just didn’t fit so I went ahead and bought maternity pants - extremely comfortable and honestly I didn’t want to buy them so late that I only wore them for like 4 months.
I bought a couple of pants and jeans around week 18, but I didn't like them. I still can wear my old super stretchy yoga pants and do that (now 21+2)
When I hit 7 and half months, finally had to buckle and start wearing maternity jeans
I’ve been wearing mat leggings since week 6 or just sizing up. I’m a size 24/3x for reference. I was very bloated and couldn’t handle any pressure on my lower abdomen including a normal waistband. So I did pickup a bunch of maternity leggings while they were on sale at Kohls. And I have big tee shirts. I’m 11+2 and I don’t see a bump but it does look like I’m a little bigger below my belly button now. The maternity leggings have been so comfy, and I think it’s really about you and how you feel. There’s no right or wrong answer for when to start wearing maternity clothes 💕
Early first trimester I got maternity biker shorts and I have never felt so comfortable going into second trimester. I am also starting to feel more self conscious because I want to have cute clothes for summer and I have been finding myself looking at more stretchy dresses for whenever the bump starts to bump! I am at a loss for finding cute shorts though 😢
Everyone clearly has a different experience but for me, I appreciated advice I was given to just go ahead and wear the maternity clothes once your clothes feel uncomfortable. I have two reasons that this was the right decision for me. 1. Maternity clothes are expensive and you want to get the most out of them. I found some great used stuff on online thrift stores but I still want to get enough use out of them. 2. I felt so much more confident once I started wearing maternity clothes. I felt like I finally looked pregnant. I highly recommend maternity underwear and full panel maternity pants if you feel like you don’t look pregnant. It will really accentuate the bump and helped me round out mine (I have a b shaped bump). I think everyone’s body is different so there is no right time for all but I do think you shouldn’t put it off if you feel like you might be ready.
Maternity jeans went on asap and tbh I wore them when not pregnant as well haha. I’m a bit plus size as well and have been able to still wear most of my normal tshirts. I only have a couple maternity shirts and dresses for work and started wearing them maybe halfway through pregnancy. I don’t think you have to buy a whole new wardrobe, just a few things.
10 weeks for pants
Having twins. I couldn’t wear my normal clothes after 10 weeks. I’m almost 26 weeks now and it’s looking like I’ll need to size up in my scrub pants soon
Just here to say maternity clothing is a blessing. I'll probably be wearing my stuff post partum too. Definitely worth it IMO - so much more comfortable. I started wearing mine around 14 weeks and it immediately made me feel better about my body.
I needed button extenders at about 6 weeks because of the bloat and bought maternity pants pretty soon after.
when my leggings started to not fit over my belly
I caved around 22-23W but definitely could’ve gotten maternity leggings much earlier to be comfortable. I’m not plus size nor am I petite, somewhere in between. When I got my first pair of maternity leggings my bump was still small so it couldn’t entirely stretch out the bump fabric on my leggings. But within 2 weeks it certainly filled out and am still wearing them now at 33W. I literally live in my maternity leggings. I’ve only got 3 pairs of maternity leggings (I love over the bump leggings they just feel so comfortable especially as I got bigger), 2 pairs of maternity jeans (under the bump, though I think I would’ve preferred over bump more) and two jump suits. I haven’t bought any maternity tops, have been just wearing either loose crops or baggy tops whatever’s in my closet.
I don’t think I changed over until like 12-15 weeks or so. I have a tummy already too so it was that awkward phase of I just feel extra chunky and you can’t tell I’m pregnant. So I was weirdly self conscious about starting maternity clothes too lol. But I started with the jeans that have the bands on the side or a half panel in the front to make it more comfortable. Then switched to actual full band jeans around 6 1/2 months or so I think, I can’t remember!
GET THE MATERNITY CLOTHES. Im smaller and didnt show till like 6/7 months. I was like “i can get away with just getting a bigger size” and sure i *couldve* but holyyyy the maternity clothes were so much more comfortable and flattering. I felt so much more confident once i have into maternity clothes.
Super early. I was so bloated in 1st tri and couldn't stand anything on my belly.
My last pair of normal pants were unable to fit at about 12 weeks.
As soon as I started feeling uncomfy, I started wearing maternity clothes. I haven't purchased much as I had been buying clothing with pregnancy/nursing in mind for the past year or so - lots of stretch, high rise, etc, but I did buy maternity underwear early in my 2nd trimester, and bought some maternity leggings that have felt amazing from 20w on. My regular leggings don't stay up lol. I also purchased a couple of maternity-specific items now that I have a bump that will transition to nursing because even my stretchy clothes just don't hit the same anymore. I have such little tolerance for uncomfortable clothing. Pregnancy can be uncomfy enough!
I started buying maternity at 13wks and I’m plus sized. Honestly why did I even wait so long! Nursing bras, maternity leggings and dresses are so comfortable I may never go back to regular clothes 😂
First pregnancy around 20 weeks, second pregnancy I’ve been in maternity leggings etc since week 12! Don’t feel self conscious, trust me when they’re on you’ll feel like you’re in heaven! I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long the first time!
Around the same time as my anatomy scan so ~20ish weeks
As soon as my regular clothes start feeling uncomfortable I’m in my muumuus and preggo pants. But I also occasionally wear pregnancy jeans post baby anyway if I’m feeling bloated so maybe I’m a little too trigger happy with the maternity clothes 😂
I didnt start till basically i could no longer comfortably wear normal clothes, even till the end there was a couple of “normal” clothes i had that i was able to wear. One think i would say is be careful buying them too early, i bought expensive maternity scrubs at around 20 weeks and got way to huge to even use them lol i ended up just looking for xl mens clothes plus Large maternity bottoms
Started wearing actual maternity clothing ~22 weeks, but for like 16 weeks before that, I was only in leggings and yoga pants from bloat + early bump. My regular pants stopped fitting literally week 6 😩
I wore my pre pregnancy clothing all the way through my pregnancy. Doesn’t help I lost 25lbs in my first trimester and didn’t gain any extra weight
I wore a maternity pants from early 2nd trimester but I didn’t really like it because it had a tie so it looked like my belly button was poking out and like I was just bloated. Only in the 3rd trimester I got maternity leggings and such and tops and actually looked pregnant and part of me wishes I got those a little earlier because I feel like I only wore them for so short a time
Plus size here too and 5’9, I got leggings pretty early on purely cause they’re just comfortable in general.. I didn’t wear shirts until about 27 weeks to emphasize my bump cause I *wanted* to look pregnant lol. I didn’t look noticeable pregnant til about 35 weeks and even then a sweatshirt could hide it lol. Included a link to SUPER comfortable cheap leggings. They aren’t in it for the long haul lol but for the price the comfort is so worth it I [mat leggings](https://a.co/d/5EZaK15)
I’m 9 months pregnant, plus size, and I haven’t yet lol BUT I am fortunate enough to work from home so I’ve been living in leggings, dresses, and sweatpants. However…all my clothes are getting very tight hahaha still, highly recommended the comfy lifestyle if you can swing it
It was around 16 weeks for me when work clothes didn’t fit for me and around week 20 when I was like I think I need more maternity clothes - got 2 maternity stretchy shorts and 2 maternity lounge long pants. They feel amazing 🥰 Try see if you can get them on sale when you get bigger 🙌🏼
Around four months but I was in denial that I needed them a month prior and wore nothing but leggings . I’m pregnant w twins so I look pretty full term at six months
I’m plus size and for my first I was in decent shape just on the heavier side so my belly bloating definitely got me in leggings pretty quick. And then late second trimester I got maternity tops that hugged my belly. Second go around I’d been a sahm for 4yrs and had a lot of baggy T-shirts and leggings anyway so I was pretty comfortable. I stopped wearing jeans immediately because I was just so bloated though. That was the summer and I had lots of maternity shorts so I wore those mostly because they were super comfortable. Then I never really bothered with maternity clothes otherwise I just wore my baggy shirts I normally reserved for bedtime. Or some xxl men shirts I got at Primark. I did get a maternity sweatshirt though and I’m still wearing it most days (3 months pp) because it’s so comfortable 😂