Being pregnant for the first (or any!) time is an incredibly exciting time in your life! Amongst the excitement are so many things to consider, and being comfortable is something you may overlook initially or take for granted, but will soon become probably #1 on your mind! Read on to find out how and when to buy maternity bottoms without compromising on your aesthetic and your pockets!
Maternity bottoms include maternity leggings/shorts, and casual bottom.
What are Maternity Bottoms and Do I Really Need Them?
Simply put, maternity bottoms comprise anything from maternity leggings, maternity jeans, joggers, support wear, and more, designed to fit well to your growing baby bump, and provide coverage, support, or both, without hurting your bump or feeling constricted. You may get away with a belly tube or belly band, which will help you to maximise your pre-pregnancy wardrobe, but these aren’t that well-suited for exercise as they will move as you move your body, so they are best for working or less active pursuits.
When To Buy Maternity Bottoms
By the start of the 4th month of your pregnancy, you will start to see your bump growing as the uterus now sits above the rim of the pelvis, and so is a good time to invest in some maternity leggings/bottoms to support you through your pregnancy journey, as they SHOULD be designed to grow with you. Many mamas opt to buy a smaller pair as well as a pair one size larger to allow for extra room for the baby belly - but there are well-designed bottoms that you can wear and be comfortable in in every stage of your pregnancy and repurposed postpartum, like our pregnancy support range.
What to Look for When Buying Maternity Bottoms
Look for pregnancy support that is designed to support your body from the first trimester to the third trimester (and after). As the bump grows, its important to look for products that support your back, pelvic and hips to alleviate pelvic girdle discomfort, back pain and heaviness. Everform's Pregnancy Support Range looks like everyday activewear but it is designed by a physiotherapist to provide integral lift and support where you changing body needs it most. The range of leggings and shorts have targeted compression that helps ease back, pelvic and hip discomfort, while incorporating gentle abdominal and pelvic floor support with an internal pelvic floor sling.
How Do I Know What Size of Maternity Bottoms to Buy?
Generally, maternity clothing is designed to mirror your usual sizing. So, if you are usually an Australian size 12, you would be a 12 in maternity clothing (or M-L), depending on the individual sizing rules. It is common to go up a size due to morning sickness and additional weight gain that are common and normal in early pregnancy, so these also need to be taken into consideration. Maternity leggings, such as our Pregnancy Support Leggings, feature a belly-lifting bump sling that elevates and lifts your bump, reducing back strain and pressure on the pelvic floor. The high-waisted design not only supports your bump but stabilises your spine to ease daily aches, reduces the risk of abdominal separation (by supporting your fascia), and can be worn in the immediate postpartum to support your healing body.
To measure maternity bottoms, it is best to get someone else to measure you at the widest part of your hips, around the greater trochanter and across the flat part of your bottom. You can watch our video reference on how to properly measure your hips to guide you to the perfect size for you. Tip: Stand with your feet together, and ensure the tape is firm and flat across the circumference.