Second Trimester Style Tips
Once you get to the second trimester, you'll start expanding and now is the time to invest in some maternity wear. If you shop carefully, it will not break the bank and you'll find these few essential items can last the whole pregnancy and afterwards.
One of the easiest solutions is to buy a 4-piece kit that has the basic maternity essentials so you can mix and match.
Essential maternity items:
- Stretch pants - they will accommodate your growing belly (get in black or khaki so they will match everything)
- Slim Fit Skirt - with belly panel
- A Dress - especially a black dress - slimming and will match everything)
- 3/4 Sleeve Top
- One or two Maternity T-Shirts - You can wear them by themselves or they are great for layering under pre-pregnancy button up shirts or cardigans/jackets (worn undone)
- A Tunic Length Sweater - for colder weather
- A Button down Shirt - great for work or more formal occasions
- Maternity Jeans - invest in a pair of jeans that fit well. You don't have to settle for a pair of ugly, baggy jeans just because you're pregnant. A style that sits on the hips is great for early pregnancy, while those with flattering panels or full stretch capability is essential for later on. Stick to jeans made in a stretch fabric for maximum comfort.
ACCESSORIZE!
The secret to extending your maternity wardrobe is accessories, lots of accessories! You only need a basic wardrobe with these essential items - stick to black, white, grey items of clothing - but you can spice up your outfits with plenty of colorful accessories and jewelry!
This will keep you looking and feeling fresh, so even if you are wearing your slim fit pregnancy skirt for the fifth time this week, you don't feel unfashionable and frumpy. Bright colored scarves, chunky jewelry, hats, brooch are all great items to brighten up your outfit.
SWOLLEN FEET?
It is an odd fact of pregnancy that your foot size can increase. This might be because of weight gain, or water retention, but by your second trimester its time to ditch the 4 inch, pointy toed high heels and stick to lower heels, flats and wider shoes. Stick to slip on shoes or sandals because you won't want to be fiddling with straps and buckles by your third trimester when your belly is so big you can%u2019t even reach your feet anymore!
As much as you might love your heels, as your body expands, be aware that your center of gravity will change too. And that will affect your balance too. You don't want to risk falling off your shoes!
UNDERWEAR
If you already wear hipster bikini style underwear, you can probably continue wearing these into your second trimester as they fit below your stomach. Most women will expand at least one or two inches around the hips, so you may have to invest in some underwear one size bigger than you normally wear.
If you wear briefs you will need new underwear sooner than if you wear bikinis, because your growing belly will soon make your current pair too snug.
Maternity underwear billows out and covers your entire abdomen. Not always the most flattering look, but by the end of your second trimester, you'll find comfort more important that looks.
By the second trimester you can start to think about maternity bras, which have several rows of hooks (at least 5 or 6) to accommodate the changes in your rib cage. They also have adjustable cups, so you don't need to buy a new bra every time you go up another cup size. Many maternity bras are designed to be used as nursing bras as well.
Some women experience breast sensitivity due to hormonal changes and rapid growth. To ensure comfort is to wear a bra all the time, even while sleeping. Nursing mothers often wear a bra 24 hours a day too because the support is essential. Invest in a couple of softcup, wireless "sleeping" bras. Do not sleep in an underwire bra!