Even though the temptation is high to completely overhaul your closet when you find out you are pregnant, resist the urge. I am here to tell you what you do need regarding maternity clothes!

You Absolutely Need:

1. Comfortable Underwear and Bras. This is something I had no idea I would need to purchase when pregnant, but I’m telling you: comfort is the most important facet of your underwear while pregnant. I was gifted underwear that is slightly higher in the back than in the front and it completely changed my life (as dramatic as that sounds). I didn’t realize how uncomfortable my underwear was before. Additionally, buying a bra that is more supportive for your growing “friends” is important. I have one that I wear around the house that is softer and no underwire and I also have one that I wear at work.
2. Maternity Leggings. I have leggings that I wear under tunics for work and out of the house and I also have workout maternity leggings. Both of these are essential! The maternity workout leggings have a full belly band that supports your growing belly in workouts and keeps it from moving around too much. This is great to help take some of the pressure off your lower back. I bought mine from Gap Maternity and usually work out 5 days a week with 3 pairs of maternity leggings. Let’s just say, I do lots of laundry. I feel there is no need to buy a pair of leggings for every day when you can just throw them in the laundry.
3. Maternity Jeans with a Full Panel. I was stubborn about this and thought, “There is no way I will ever want to wear those paneled jeans.” Boy, I was wrong. I tried for a long time to do the under the belly trick with a rubber band around the front button and would have marks on my skin from how tight it was getting. Once I tried on the maternity jeans, I have not looked back. They are so comfortable and the full panel helps support my belly and lift it up a little. I’m honestly worried that I will not want to go back to regular jeans post-baby.
4. Drapey Tops. Thankfully, there are tons of tops, maternity and non-maternity, out there that can cover your bump. I have tunics from before I was pregnant and have been able to fit into those so far but I am sure once I get 8-9 months pregnant I will only be able to fit into my maternity tops because of the size of the bump.
5. Supportive Shoes. Your dogs will definitely start barking the further along you get into your pregnancy. I wore boots with a slight heel in the winter and have been wearing espadrilles with about a ½ inch heel during the spring and summer. A slight heel versus a completely flat shoe is better because it helps distribute the weight across your foot and take the pressure off your lower back.
6. Cute Baby Shower Dresses. Lots of photos will be taken at your baby shower, and you will want to feel a little extra special, so this is a great opportunity to buy a couple of cute dresses to show off your beautiful bump. Try not to spend too much money on these dresses as they are only worn during a short season of life.

One last tip: pay it forward! If you know you are done having kiddos, pass along your maternity clothes to a friend or donate to a local charity. There are tons of moms-to-be that would be grateful for the help!