Is it time to shop for maternity clothes?

Mornings, for me, have always been a race out the door. Today was no different - except now that I'm pregnant (see the first of my weekly columns), I'm slower. A lot slower. And, indecisive - especially about what to wear. It seems my choices lately have become ever so limited.

Usually light-headed first thing in the a.m., I stare up (lying on the floor of my closet, of course) at all the clothes I've accumulated over the last few years and try to figure out what will fit.

My pants don't. They won't zip up. My shirts are too tight. Even if I do get the buttons to close, they'll pop open later, like when I'm interviewing the police chief or something (it's happened. Thank god I was able to slip away and do them up before anyone noticed).

But, I'm not big enough to buy maternity clothes. I call this stage body purgatory. Too big, yet still to small. And I can't bring myself to spend money on regular clothes that I'll grow out of in two weeks. Call me cheap. I can take it.

So, I've resigned myself to just looking odd. I refuse to buy a belly band, those giant lycra belts that are supposed to keep one's pants up, so I just wear long tops to cover the open zippers.

And, I refuse to take off a trapeze-like jacket that one friend said is starting to look like Linus' blanket.

I'm waiting to "pop" as one woman put it. That moment when I finally look pregnant, rather than just plumpy. Someone please tell me that happens soon!

Comments

[Steph]

I believe every pregnant woman has been here. I am currently 13 weeks and am at the same stage you mention. I look fat not pregnant. This is my second pregnancy so I have given in to wearing maternity pants already, purely for comfort sake. My first pregnancy I was in maternity clothes at 20 weeks, what a difference. So, if this is your first you have a while til you "pop".

[Mary]

Congrats on your pregnancy! I'm at the same stage as you! Buy a Bella Band, it's so worth it!!! Buy a black one. The white ones are ugly and cheap looking. You'll be so comfortable and your fly won't show. I am anti-maternity clothes, so I am doing everything possible NOT to wear them. Thank goodness H&M has got some great styles out that I can wear to work, and still look professional and feel like myself.

I hope you feel better soon!!!

[mary]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Steph: Where did you buy the Bella Band?

Where can you buy maternity clothes other than Thyme Maternity or the other store you find in most shopping malls?

Thanks

[Leslie]

I seemed to really pop during week 17. Now that I am week 18 it looks like I'm just plump again. Where did the baby go? I don't know, I guess it's in the back looking for something. I went out and bought a bunch of mat wear anyway. I know I will be growing into it shortly.