When I was pregnant I got lots of questions about plus size maternity. I learned that plus size maternity options were almost nonexistent. But don’t lose hope! Here’s what I learned.

• Your body might not change for a couple months or it might change fast, so don’t buy lots of stuff all at once.
• Embrace the baby bump! Unless you’re that Duggar lady, you will only be pregnant once or max, a few times in your life. Don’t spend that time worrying about your changing body. Healthy baby, happy mama.
• Less is more: pick versatile items that can work across trimesters or even into post-partum.
• Some of your pre-pregnancy clothing might still work for you, especially if you have oversized or stretchy items in your closet.
• I wore heels sometimes, but not for long and not late into pregnancy. Invest in a good pair of flats or sandals. It’s ok to hang on to your personal style, but eventually let go and come to the comfy side (yes, let the comfort flow through you…)
• Remember to plan ahead depending on what season you have your final trimester. I was mighty pregnant in the summer and light cottons became my favorite thing.
• Take lots of photos! You will want to remember this time later.
• The usual plus size retail options will have clothing that can work: look for jersey, cotton, or shapes that are flexible. You may need to size up.
• Decide if you like demi, half, or full panels. I never really found a paneled pant I liked because they rolled down. So shop around.
• Check out some of the few plus size maternity options: Old Navy, Motherhood, SimplyBe. I found some affordable basics at Target.
• Don’t underestimate the power of yoga pants. I packed a bunch into my hospital bag (my favorite are the fold-down style). These are also essential in the weeks after baby’s arrival.
• Your hospital bag should also include a wrap or long cardigan, nursing tops or other pajama style button ups, slippers, a pack of huge underwear (Laugh now – but trust me. Hanes classic cotton work great or grab a bunch from Cacique during a sale; you might discard them soon after post-partum), basically everything focused on comfort for the days immediately after your baby’s birth. Here is a good hospital bag list.
• If you plan to breastfeed your baby, buy a few nursing tops/camisoles and bras around month 8 (size up because your bust will grow). I’m pro-breastfeeding, and while it is hard at first, being as ready and informed as possible can help you move through the hard period. For more breastfeeding info and support check out the sidebar of links here.
• Remember that in the days after you have your baby your body is going through lots of changes. Don’t listen to anything or anyone about how fast you need to drop baby weight. If you feel the need to shut down negative body talk immediately, please go ahead! Many women lose a lot of weight in the first month after giving birth. But not all. It’s ok if it takes longer and it’s ok and normal if your body just looks different post-pregnancy. Don’t be hard on yourself, your body just did an amazing thing! You are powerful. You’re sort of a life-giving goddess. Best wishes for mama and baby.

If you have any questions or advice, whether you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or a new or experienced mom, please feel free to share in the comments. xo