SingaporeMotherhood | Pregnancy
August 2013
8 Handy Wardrobe Essentials for New Mums-To-Be
For obvious reasons, pregnancy is a time when most ladies will revamp their wardrobe. As you replace your normal clothes with maternity wear, do consider getting some of the following items as they could help to meet your body’s changing needs.
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Bra Extender
Why get it
From the first trimester, your breasts will start to increase in size in preparation for breast feeding. Bras may start to feel tight. However, it is costly to purchase new bras every few months. You can put off buying new bras for awhile by using bra extenders. These are strips of elastic with hooks on one end and eyelets on the other end. When attached to the bra hook, they can add an additional inch or two to the length of the bra.
Where to buy
Bra extenders are available at the lingerie section of departmental stores. You may also find cheaper versions at neighbourhood shops like ValuDollar or Pretty International.
Nursing Bras
Why get them
Towards the end of your pregnancy, your breasts may have gained as much as 1 kg in weight, and increased by a cup size. Bra extenders will no longer suffice. If you intend to breast feed, you can consider buying and wearing nursing bras during your third trimester. When choosing the bra size, bear in mind that your breasts may swell when they are engorged. A good gauge is to get a size which is comfortable when you fasten the bra using the middle eyelet. This way, you can use the outermost eyelet when you are engorged, and the innermost eyelet after your milk flow has adjusted to your baby’s needs and your breasts reduce in size.
Where to buy
Shops specialising in maternity wear will carry a variety of bras which offer good support. For the budget conscious, Pretty International and some CK Departmental stores offer a range at a fraction of the price.
Maternity Flexi-Belt
Why get it
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, pants and skirts begin to get tighter as your waistline increases. But at this stage, maternity bottoms may still be too loose for you. The maternity belt can help to extend the waistline of normal pants and skirts by a few inches and give you room to grow comfortably. The belt can be fastened to the waistline of pants and the pants can be left unzipped or partially zipped. A piece of cloth which hangs from the belt can then be used to cover the opening. This belt will also allow you to fit into your normal clothes after delivery as it will take a bit of time before you regain your pre-pregnancy waistline.
Where to buy
The maternity belt is available online from Carriwell.
Electromagnetic Wave Repellent Clothes
Why buy them
Given the increase in mobile phone and laptop usage, some expectant mothers may be concerned about the effects of electromagnetic radiation on their growing babies. In order to reduce the baby’s exposure to radiation from these devices, expectant mothers can wear aprons or blouses which are made from special protective materials which are supposedly able to repel electromagnetic waves.
Where to buy
Mummy Toobie carries a range of Electromagnetic Wave Repellent Wear. More information is available at their website.
Tummy Support Girdle
Why buy it
As you approach your third trimester and Baby gets heavier, you may experience backaches from carrying the extra weight. A support girdle wraps under your belly and around you. It transfers the load to your spine and helps to reduce the strain on your muscles. It may also help you to maintain a good posture.
Where to buy
Various girdle designs are available at Mummy Toobie and Mothercare stores.
Maternity Briefs
Why buy them
Beyond the first trimester, normal briefs will be too tight for comfort. There are two general styles of maternity briefs — the hipster cut and the type which offers tummy support. The hipster cut is worn at the hips, below the tummy. This may be a more comfortable option for women who do not want the elastic waistband to cut into a growing belly. Another style of maternity briefs covers the tummy partially or completely. Such briefs may be made of special elastic material to provide extra support for your tummy.
Where to buy
Both styles of briefs are available at Mummy Toobie, Mothercare and some Kiddy Palace stores.
Shoes with good arch support
Why buy them
Most women would have gained an average of 10 kg by the end of the pregnancy. This extra weight will put a strain on your feet, especially if you walk or stand for long periods of time. In order to reduce the strain on the arches of your feet, look for shoes which provide good arch support. While such shoes may be more costly, they are a good investment as your feet will continue to support the extra load when you carry your baby after you deliver.
Where to buy
Happy Walker can custom make shoes and insoles which help to alleviate foot problems such as pronation, fallen arches and heel pain. Alternatively, you can make custom-fitted insoles at Solemate Orthotics.
Compression Stockings
Why buy them
During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases and the hormone progesterone causes your blood vessels to relax. As your weight increases, the veins in your legs are subjected to greater pressure. All these factors make it difficult for the blood in your leg veins to flow properly back to the heart, and varicose veins may develop. Compression stockings help to apply pressure to your legs and improve the blood circulation from the legs back to the heart. When buying compression stockings, look for Class 1 therapeutic stockings (as opposed to normal “support stockings”) which exert a pressure of 15-21 mmHg on the ankle. This pressure decreases at the calf and thigh.
Where to buy
Therapeutic compression stockings are available at Mummy Toobie.
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