If you are currently heroically furthering the species, then you may be feeling fairly fed up at dressing the bump in the heat.
I feel you.
Well… I wouldn’t want to feel you (you’re probably very sweaty and sick of people feeling you at this stage of gestation).
1. Ditch the maternity waistband
When the weather hots up the last thing you want is the thick stretchy maternity waistband binding your bump. Choose trousers and skirts with narrow elasticated waistbands that can be worn under the bump.
2. Layer-up
Open denim or linen shirts over tank tops are a nice look for summer especially if you’re a bit self-conscious about your arms.
3. Ditch the denim
If you’re pregnant than chances are you’re already a few degrees hotter than everyone else, it’s a bit like living in a tropical foetus-induced micro climate. The last thing we need is to be encased in denim as we waddle through the warmer days. Cotton and jersey are definitely better options for the summer mama-to-be.
4. Be breezy
Loose and flowing is a good mantra to adopt when pregnant. A maxi dress is a very comfortable option, this one is flattering as the side slit and skinny straps mean you dodge any moo moo vibes.
5. Max out
Moo moo vibes aren’t all bad, oversized can look cool when pregnant. Personally, I enjoy a bit of colour and attention-grabbing pattern despite what uptight style “rules” might say.
6. To a tee
Long tee-shirts are your best friend when pregnant. Well, OK that’s a lie. Gaviscon is your best friend and lying down is your best friend and other people doing shit for you is your best friend, but a long tee shirt is still very very important. The bump means that your average tee shirt will invariably not be long enough (riding up is the pregnant woman’s worst enemy, along with bending down, and acid reflux) I recommend trying the men’s section for extra long tees if you are having trouble finding tops long enough.
7. Skirt the issue
Stretchy jersey skirts are reasonably flattering to the lumbering pregnant mama, and they’ll continue to fit longer than other garments. I currently have a grey jersey skirt grafted to my body, and it’s a welcome change to the ratty maternity leggings I had to have surgically removed after the birth of my first baby.
8. Embrace the bump at the beach
No need to invest in a maternity one-piece that’ll be saggy and totally useless post bump. Now is the time to wiggle into an incy wincy bikini and parade that belly with pride.
9. Pile on the bling
Nothing like a bit of bling to distract from sausage arms and fat face. Om Diva is the best bet for jewellery that’s cheap and chic.
10. Big foot
Find a pair of Birkenstocks and marry them. Or if Birks aren’t your thing find the most comfy, roomy shoes to gestate in, pregnancy is not the time for uncomfortable footwear especially with the additional sweating and foot swelling that takes place.
Bonus top tip: Lube your chub
Putting on weight is par for the course with pregnancy, avoid uncomfortable chafing (or chub rub as I prefer to call it) with a dab of coconut oil on your inner thighs and inner upper arms.
Coconut oil is nice to rub on any itchy baby bumps as well (itching is also par for the course as the skin stretches during pregnancy, but if you are overly itchy, this could be a sign of something more serious, so please consult your doctor if you feel constantly itchy).
