Five items every single mom needs when she’s expecting
Congratulations! Now that you’re expecting a baby, you can start expecting lots of changes, both mental and physical. And for many women, upon learning they are pregnant, those changes can feel instantaneous, even if they aren’t yet visible.
While those changes are happening, one thing you shouldn’t skimp on is clothing. Single moms may be tempted to simply wear bigger clothes to hide their bump or to save money. Don’t do it! A little bit can go a long way with maternity clothes. Some good shopping options include secondhand stores, thrift shops, or even borrowing from friends.
Plenty of cute maternity clothes are available in lots of fun colors, but there are a few basics that every pregnant Solo Mom needs. These versatile pieces can be dressed up or down or worn to work or for play, and they are great in all seasons.
Congratulations! Now that you’re expecting a baby, you can start expecting lots of changes, both mentally and physically. And for many women, upon learning they are pregnant, those changes can feel instantaneous.
While these changes are happening, one thing you shouldn’t skimp on is clothing. Single moms may be tempted to simply wear bigger clothes to hide their bump or to save money. Don’t do it! A little bit can go a long way with maternity clothes. Some good shopping options include secondhand stores, thrift shops, or even borrowing from friends.
Plenty of cute maternity clothes are available in lots of fun colors, but there are a few basics that every pregnant Solo Mom needs. These versatile pieces can be dressed up or down or worn to work or for play, and they are great in all seasons.
Here are some suggestions for the maternity-wardrobe essentials you’ll need and where to find them:
1. Jeans. A well-fitting pair of jeans is crucial in any wardrobe, and a maternity wardrobe is no different. Maternity jeans come in many waistband options and in just as many styles as regular jeans. Full-panel jeans are probably the most popular, as they can be worn throughout the entire pregnancy. They can be folded over during the early months and worn high for support during the third trimester. Side-panel jeans are also very popular and are discreet in their appearance. The third option is low-panel, which many women prefer early on in their pregnancy. My favorite: Liz Lange for Target.
2. Maxi dress. This type of dress is perfect for all stages of pregnancy, including postpartum. The stretchy material enables the dress to grow with you while flattering all body types. Single moms can wear it alone in the summer or with a cardigan, if desired. Another option is to wear it with a shirt and make it look like a maxi skirt. Depending on the top of the dress, it easily can be transformed into a nursing dress. If you have extra room, or money, maxi skirts are great. Even nonmaternity maxi dresses will work; you can purchase them in a larger size or your regular size, but they might be a bit more formfitting. My favorite: Motherhood Maternity’s Maxi Dresses.
3. Tank tops. Maternity tops are not a necessity when shopping for clothes. Most button-down shirts, T-shirts, and even polo shirts will still work throughout pregnancy. Some Solo Moms will find the shirts getting a little short as their belly grows, but a maternity tank top can easily fix that. With a solid-color tank top underneath, each regular shirt usually can be worn well into the second trimester. The tank will add a splash of color, a few inches to the bottom of your shirt, and comfort. And, when the temperatures rise, either outside or just because you’re pregnant, the tank is the perfect solution. My favorite: Old Navy’s Maternity Shirred Tank.
4. Black pants. When jeans just aren’t going to cut it, classic black dress pants are the perfect solution. They can be dressed up or down and worn to work or out to dinner. I’d splurge a little on these if you’re going to be wearing them frequently. You can definitely get cheaper pairs, but we all know how black fades after multiple washes, and you’ll want these to look great throughout your pregnancy. These come in as many styles as regular dress pants, so trying them on is key. And just like maternity jeans, maternity dress pants come in several waistband options. My favorite: Maternity Dress Pants & Trousers from A Pea in the Pod.
5. Leggings. A comfy must for everyone, but especially for pregnant Solo Moms, is a good pair of leggings. Now they are more than just acceptable, they are fashionable! Worn with a long shirt or short dress, leggings are the ultimate in comfort. They hide the early stages of pregnancy well and can help accentuate a baby bump when desired. They also transition very well into postpartum clothes. A recent favorite among the Internet world are LulaRoe leggings. They are very popular and come in many fun designs. My favorite: LulaRoe.
You can always add to the above options, but they should be all you’ll need for your pregnancy. Don’t be afraid to spend money on good-quality clothes, treating yourself so that you look and feel fantastic throughout the months to come. Plenty of focus is going to be on buying things for the baby, but make sure to redirect some of that focus back on yourself.
Happy shopping!
Rebecca Alwine is a freelance writer, army wife, and mother of three. Her writing experience includes military-family topics, research pieces, guest blogging, and much more. She’s a contributing writer for ARMY magazine and a regular contributor to several online publications, including the Homefront United Network, PCSgrades, and ESME. She also has been published in Ms. magazine and the Atlantic. You can follow her online at www.whatrebeccathinks.com and on Twitter and Instagram.