So now that I’m DEFINITELY in the third trimester, I’ve worn a lot of clothes these past 8 months.
I didn’t go the traditional route of buying a ton of maternity-specific clothes or changing my style/wardrobe. Instead I wore a lot of what I had, just modified slightly to work throughout the months. Think maternity jeans plus a maternity tank and oversized sweater or cardigan.
But I did have to buy a few maternity pieces to make this plan “work”, so today I wanted to share those maternity essentials with you! I also wanted to share a few other non-clothing items that are truly needed throughout pregnancy.
A Great Pair of Jeans
I wrote a whole post about finding maternity jeans – and it was quite the hunt! But I found a pair I love I have worn them all the time. We’re talking 3 or 4 days a week at this point between work and the weekends. So you should definitely find a pair that work for you, and don’t hesitate to buy something pricey if it’s the one that fits the best! I was willing to pay over $100 but the cheapest ones fit the best (which never happens…..).
Lululemon Leggings
The Align leggings are a MUST. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 – go buy these NOW. They feel like butter, stay up without needing to be pulled up, and don’t constrict at all. I got my normal size at Lululemon and they have fit like a dream my entire pregnancy. My only regret is not buying them sooner and wasting my time trying cheaper maternity leggings!
I’m sure if I was at the end of my pregnancy in the summer I might not wear them as much, but I’ve been wearing them all the time when I’m not at work. Plus I know they will work after as well! If they work when I’m 8 months pregnant, they should work while I still look/feel pregnant afterwards 🙂 I’m actually wearing them as I write this post – and in the photo above – I wear them SO SO much.
Long Tanks
I have worn these Ingrid and Isabel tanks SO much over my entire pregnancy. I got them in black and grey and they are worn multiple days a week at this point. They’re long but don’t have ruching – key for me! I’m not a fan of ruched sides so I’ve avoided pieces like that.
Plus I’m pretty warm all the time now, and I’m happy I don’t have a ton of long sleeve shirts as my only maternity option. Tank top + cardigan + jeans = my basic maternity outfit.
Yetis/Water!
Staying hydrated is so important when you’re pregnant, so I always have a Yeti with me. I’ve got this size for the car or when I’m out and about, and this size for at home. I’ve always been a person to love being hydrated – and I can tell when I’m not – and it’s been even harder to stay hydrated when I’ve been pregnant. Plus staying hydrated has even more medical benefits when you’re pregnant – it can help you avoid preterm labor and excessive swelling.
Comfy Sleepwear
I’m buying more pairs of my favorite Target PJs right now because I love them so much. I get super hot at night (thanks hormones) so I don’t want to wear pants or anything flannel. They get super soft over time and are so easy to wear. I also wear them around the house on lazy weekends (complete with my favorite bathrobe!) and I’m planning to bring a pair to the hospital as well. I’ve also been wearing nursing bras at night for comfort towards the end of my pregnancy, and snagging more of those too!
I haven’t bought a lot of clothes recently because I’m getting to the point where all I want is comfort. And I don’t really want to buy anything more “maternity” (real or fake) because I’m towards the end of my pregnancy. Plus I’m starting to think about fun spring clothes so I don’t want to buy any more winter things 🙂
I put everything I mentioned above into the carousel below – happy shopping!
