Author’s Note: I was so excited when Becca approached me about a guest post on Practical Maternity clothes! At 29 weeks pregnant, my pre-pregnancy workout clothes look like a joke on me. Becca is pregnant too, so this mama-to-be knows what she’s talk about it!
At this point in time it is no mystery that working out during pregnancy is full of benefits for us and our future babies. Finding well-fitting and properly functioning workout clothes for your growing baby bump can be a painful and frustrating task. Since your body is constantly changing, you will most likely need several different sets of workout clothes to last you the duration of your pregnancy. If you are anything like me, you want clothing that will make you look and feel good while at the same time, you probably don’t love the idea of spending tons of money on a temporary wardrobe.
When I started outgrowing my pre-pregnancy workout wear, I began looking for a temporary workout wardrobe with the goal of finding pieces that would last through my entire pregnancy. Now that I am getting closer and closer to my due date, I am finding that no matter which way you slice it, you will most likely need a few variations of various items. Sports bras are a great example. Your chest size will change several times while you’re pregnant. Unlike pregnancy t’s and tanks, sports bras are not meant to be stretchy. I have always been a little larger on top and of course am now even bigger. Finding supportive sports bras has always been a difficult task. When I started looking for new, pregnancy cleavage friendly sports bras, I was actually pleasantly surprised at the wide selection I found at T.J. Max. I found a variety of high quality and supportive sports bras at prices that didn’t make me feel bad about having to upgrade sizes quickly.
There are several workout wear items that can last though the duration of your pregnancy. So far, my pregnancy workout tops and bottoms have lasted me for the majority of my pregnancy and I am confident that I will not need to upgrade them. In terms of workout bottoms, purchase comfy and stretchy bottoms that do not go up above your belly. As your belly grows, these shorts and pants will not get in the way. For workout tops, look for extra-long tank tops and t-shirts that are made out of stretchy and breathable fabrics. Keep in mind that as the size and shape of your belly changes, most tops will become way too short on you. I really love the basic cotton tanks I got at Motherhood for my workout tops. I thought I could probably pull one off as a mini in the beginning, now I am on track to run out of room in these tanks just in time to deliver.
For those of you who enjoy an occasional swim in your workout rotation, finding a gym appropriate maternity bathing suit can be a real nightmare. In fact, I documented my attempts at finding the perfect bathing suit in depth here. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of maternity swimsuits out on the market however, I was surprised at how few truly practical ones I could find. I was looking for a bathing suit I can do laps in not just a cute one for lounging by the side of the pool. Again, you cleavage size will change. For the purposes of aquatic exercise, you want something that will hold “the girls” in while growing with you. I prefer a basic one piece for laps, however in this case, I chose a two piece tankini. The top is a racerback that provides decent support. The bottom is a basic bikini bottom that sits underneath my belly.
Last but not least, make sure your favorite workout shoes are meeting your changing needs. Keep in mind that your center of gravity is drastically changing as your baby bump is growing. There is also a high likelihood that your feet will begin swelling towards the end of your pregnancy. You want to make sure that your workout shoes are designed with optimal comfort and safety in mind.
What’s your favorite brand or style?
My favorite brand is For Two Fitness. Use the code “MARGARITAS” at checkout for 20% off site-wide!
About:
Becca Daniels is a self-proclaimed fashionista from St.Paul Minnesota who believes that “just because you are pregnant and on a budget, it doesn’t mean you should look and feel frumpy”. She is the momma-to-be behind http://inexpensivematernityclothes.org, a blog focused on helping women find stylish and inexpensive maternity clothes online. Keep in touch with Becca on Facebook and Pinterest.
I recently wrote a blog post on this topic too! Hope some of my tips might help: http://www.thefitscoop.com/what-to-wear-when-you-are-exercising-for-two/
I’ve found several of Lululemon’s tanks that are longer and blousy or stretchy work really well. And because they aren’t maternity they will work well after the baby too!
Just fyi: Victoria’s secret ultimate and incredible bras are just that. They are a little tough to get on but once on…. ohhhhhhh it’s like a cloud for a pregnant or nursing (especially nursing) mom. I discovered them post partum with my son. Just went 2 cup sizes up to accomodate. Still wear it and my boobies smaller now but it’s so supportive! I bought 4 more when they went on sale. Stay away from the ones that zip in the front. Just as supportive but a little tough to get on. The ones that close in back are awesome!!
Just fyi: Victoria’s secret ultimate and incredible bras are just that. They are a little tough to get on but once on…. ohhhhhhh it’s like a cloud for a pregnant or nursing (especially nursing) mom. I discovered them post partum with my son. Just went 2 cup sizes up to accomodate. Still wear it and my boobies smaller now but it’s so supportive! I bought 4 more when they went on sale. Stay away from the ones that zip in the front. Just as supportive but a little tough to get on. The ones that close in back are awesome!! I’m a runner, btw. That’s what the bras were for 🙂
Good to know, thanks for the lead on VS 🙂 I need some new ones!