Shopping for pregnancy clothes can be daunting. Whether you want to highlight your curves, or support your back, you don't want to drain your wallet before your child is born. Although tight clothes will not hurt your baby, they may be uncomfortable as your size increases, notes Dr. Marjorie Greenfield. Fortunately, there are a few clothing choices that can help ensure the most comfortable pregnancy possible.
Soft-Cup Bras
Changes in fluid retention during pregnancy can create a need for a bra in a larger cup size, if not a maternity bra designed for breastfeeding, notes doula Kelly Winder. Underwire bras can put undue pressure on the changing tissue of the breast, which can lead to blocked milk ducts or mastitis, Winder says.
Cotton Underwear
Cotton fabric breathes, reducing the risk of vaginal infection, notes Pampers.com. Keep in mind that your vaginal discharge will increase during pregnancy, and you may need to change underwear more frequently. The style of underwear--thong, boy shorts, french cut--is less important than the size, notes the website. Size up, leaving ample room for your expanding abdomen, and position the underwear beneath your growing belly to prevent discomfort.
Tights and Stockings
Maternity tights and stockings offer slight leg compression, reducing the risk of leg swelling and varicose veins, notes Pampers.com. The slight compression also provides a bit of massage for legs weary from carrying an increased load. If the waistband is uncomfortable, switch to thigh-high stockings, though you may need to experiment with brands to avoid impinging your leg circulation.
Flat-Heeled Shoes
Forgo the heels for flats, suggests BabyCenter.com, because your center of gravity will change once your abdomen expands, presenting the danger of falling forward. Many women also experience a change in foot size during pregnancy, which generally reverses post-birth. Nonetheless, it is possible for a pregnant woman's shoe size to go up a half size or more, notes the website. Because of fluid changes and possible retention, your feet may be temporarily wider, so narrow or tapered shoes may also become uncomfortable.
