Dressing can be a major challenge when you’re pregnant as you traverse a beautiful transformation with your body. This means you need to rethink carefully on how you will go around styling whilst safely nurturing your baby bump. So, before you go shopping for your maternity wardrobe, take note of the things you should avoid wearing during pregnancy.
1. EXCESSIVELY TIGHT CLOTHES
Besides specifically designed light/maternity compression leggings, super tight clothes are generally a no-no when it comes to maternity activewear. So if you are asking - 'is it safe to wear spanx in pregnancy?' - the answer, in short, is NO. Anything too tight can restrict blood flow to your growing bump and inhibit movement when going about your day and exercising, risking uncomfortable rashes and chafing. Save the tummy-support wear, like postpartum recovery shorts, for after birth.
Having said that, it is good to invest on maternity compression tights and support wear, as they are designed with the perfect balance of support and room to grow your bump - but they need to be firm around the hips and pelvis to give the support you need! We’ve taken care of that for you with our physiotherapist-designed Everform Therapywear!
2. Leather & Jeans
During pregnancy, your hormones are in overdrive causing many women to feel hot and sweat excessively. Combining this factor with synthetic fabrics that trap heat, like denim and leather, you’ll feel on fire. . .and not in a good way!
3. High Heels
There’s nothing worse than putting on shoes that are too tight for your feet. So, given that extra pregnancy weight begins to bear down on your legs and can cause ankle and foot swelling, (as well as the extra ½ foot size your feet tend to expand, due to the hormonal changes happening and their widening effect on your feet!) it makes sense to avoid heels during this period. Not only are they hard to squeeze into, but your posture is already under load with the increasing size of your bump, and tends to put excessive pressure on your lower back. Add in heels, and this only exacerbates the pressure on your lower back, as your pelvis tends to be tilted even more forwards. Ouch! Believe me, I’ve been living in my flats during my pregnancy!
If you really want a dress shoe, go up a size to make room for extra swelling, wear a heel under 3 cm, and use a back strap and supportive arch for comfort.
It’s all about comfort and the right amount of support during your pregnancy journey. I made this list based on my own experience, and advice from Podiatrist Danielle Scambary - however, every pregnancy is different, so do what feels right for you and what makes you feel comfortable and at your best.
