Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Maternity Wear

You know it's coming - maternity wear shopping - you've gotta do it sometime!

Don't get too worried - there are so many maternity clothing choices nowadays you'll find something that'll fit your style perfectly.

Searching for maternity wear can seem daunting but it really comes down to some basic shopping. Even maternity shops have stylish, comfortable clothes now. You can also get away without buying much maternity wear at all - if you know what to look for.

The Most Basic of All -The Maternity Wear Top

The maternity wear top will truly form the backbone of your pregnancy wardrobe. It is essential. A selection of stylish maternity tops will help to look good and feel comfortable. And with a versatile collection of tops you can pick the bottoms that feel good to you.

Go for some good, basic maternity tees. Even if you would never be seen out in such apparel you'll want something comfy for home. By the time you get to the end of pregnancy you may be appreciating those t-shirts a lot more.

Maternity wear designers are focusing on creating cute t-shirts you'll be proud to be seen in. Gone is the cliche "baby on board" t-shirt (though you're still going to find a lot of "baby in there" shirts!)

You'll probably also want a selection of other tops. If you're planning to work through your pregnancy you'll pick tops that look business like and professional. Clean lines and sleek design can still be achieved even with maternity wear.

After you cover t-shirts for cute and comfort and business tops for workdays you're left with a dazzling array of maternity wear tops to fit any occasion! Choose a fun tank top for a day at the beach or something dark and sleek to show off your baby belly at the new restaurant in town. Thanks to a celebrity baby boom fashionable maternity wear and being pregnant and proud are totally in style!

Now for the Bottom...

After you cover your shirt selections you're left with the much harder half of the body - your britches. Early in pregnancy you can get away with your normal pants. And you always have comfy sweatpants and pajama bottoms to rely on at home. But what about when you go out?

There are several styles of "maternity wear pants" you can choose from. First is the traditional maternity pant with the large, soft front panel. These work and if they're comfortable pick up several in your favorite style.

You may find that panel maternity pants are very uncomfortable. They tend to ride very high on the belly. I don't know about you but that drives me crazy! One alternative is the low-cut maternity jean. These have a soft wide panel around the jean, much like a wide built-in belt. These can be worn in mid pregnancy and some women can wear them throughout pregnancy. They ride lower on the belly and you may like them more. The Gap and Old Navy maternity jeans often feature this style.

Another choice is to pick up a Belly Belt - this nifty little invention is an elastic belt you attach to your own pants and jeans. It transforms them instantly into maternity wear! The Belly Belt kit comes with two different sized elastic belts and a little cloth panel that covers the zipper area on your pants. You'll still need a maternity wear top, but this little belt can let you keep your own comfy pants throughout much of your pregnancy.

Flowing skirts are a good option during pregnancy. Hippie, bohemian, gypsy - no matter what you call the style they work for pregnancy. They are almost infinitely adjustable and you can wear them where you want on your belly. This was my favorite maternity wear option. I coupled a long skirt with a cute maternity wear top and took off feeling relaxed, comfy, and stylish.

One last option is to try sarong pants, or "wrap pants." These "pants" are made with the outside of the leg open and generous amounts of leg width. You use ties around the waist to adjust the pants around your body. The effect is a very adjustable, comfy pant. It has a unique and flattering look as well. Watch a video of wrap pants in action!

Bringing Together Your Wardrobe

As you can see you have a wide range of maternity wear options. Build the core of your wardrobe around tops you find stylish and comfortable. Be sure to include basic colors! Then choose the style of bottom you feel most comfortable in. Or have a few for different occasions. You may find as your pregnancy progresses that you like different styles. Be flexible and make sure you are comfortable! How comfortable you are is the most important factor in choosing your maternity wear! Make that your top priority.

Ok! Have you got the basics? Do you need more? Go read Rock Star Momma -an excellent guide to maternity fashion (check out my book review here.) And get clicking over to Ebay - the maternity deals are unbelievable!