Plus Size Pregnancy Tips: 9 Hacks Every Plus Size Mama Needs to Know
Every pregnancy is so different and if you’re a plus-size mom you know there are certain things that only other plus-size mommies can relate to. Even though a plus-size pregnancy can be challenging, that is NOT always the case. It’s unfortunate but some people feel that because we are plus size we will automatically have issues – definitely not true! This is a list of useful plus-size pregnancy tips and hacks that will make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Plus Size Pregnancy Tips & Hacks
1. Go up a size (or 2 . . . or 3)
To be honest, this is probably my favorite and one of the most beneficial plus-size pregnancy hacks listed. So, instead of buying a lot of plus-size maternity clothes, just buy normal plus-size clothing but buy larger sizes (1-3 sizes from what you normally would wear).
Not only can a lot of maternity clothing be expensive (not always the case), but most of us usually won’t wear maternity clothes after we’ve had the baby. There’s a higher chance of you being able to wear the larger plus-size clothing so that’s an added benefit in itself.
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Side Note: A lot of expecting moms find the easier staples are leggings, dresses, and skirts. There are so many affordable plus-size fashion options. . . I would highly suggest checking out SHEIN, Torrid, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Etsy, Old Navy, Forever21, Fashion to Figure, Lane Bryant, Undercover Mama, and Boohoo and Pink Blush Maternity
Time and True Women’s Leggings (2-Pack)
Starting at $11.86 at Walmart
There are different options when it comes to Time & Tru leggings (ex. maternity, non-maternity, fleece-lined, ribbed or jeggings) . . . Yes, they now offer maternity sizes.
You can opt for the maternity pair or a non-maternity pair . . . It really depends on you. Keep in mind that most moms that have bought these plus-size leggings choose the non-maternity pair because they fit so well and allow them to continue to wear them even after the baby arrives.
These are also very popular with moms however they were not technically “maternity” leggings. They are so comfortable and affordable that plus-size pregnant moms choose their pre-pregnancy size or just size up. Also, keep in mind that some options/colors can either only be purchased in-store or online.
- Top rated by moms.
- Sizes from M to 3XL.
- Offered in full length & capri.
- There’s a thick band that can be pulled over your baby bump.
- Stretchy. Supportive.
- Good for rounding out your b-belly and/or apron belly.
Maternity Premium Legging
Starting at $39.50 at Torrid
See Now
These plus-size maternity support leggings are really popular with other moms. . . great before, during, and after pregnancy.
- Highly recommended by other moms.
- Sizes from 10 to 30 .
- Comfortable. Stretchy. Supportive.
- Good for rounding out your b-belly and/or apron belly.
2. What’s in your closet?
Now, this is something you may have not thought about. Many of us already wear comfortable stretchy clothing and because of this, there are probably many things that are already within your wardrobe that you can wear throughout your pregnancy journey.
Remember anything that fits well and can stretch is gonna be a great option. I don’t know about you but you can usually find me in extra comfy attire. My daily wardrobe usually consists of me wearing leggings and a top/jacket. During this pregnancy, because I don’t go out as much (because of the pandemic) I’m usually in one of my lounge dresses or leggings.
Don’t get me wrong . . . I do have a lot of cute plus-size fashion in my closet, however having a toddler (and now expecting our 2nd child), I usually have no interest in dressing up or looking too put together. Of course, this will vary depending on the mom but that’s exactly why you want to check to see what wardrobe pieces you can still rock.
Read => Plus Size Pregnancy: What to Expect in 2021 [+ Video & FAQs]
Side Note: If you have some favorite jeans and/or pants that you still want to continue wearing in your 1st or 2nd trimester, you can wear a belly band or use a hair tie to secure them around your belly. You can also wear a belly band for any shirts or jackets that you can still wear but come up too high.
Plus-Size Tank Dress
Starting at $18.99 at Amazon
- Soft Breathable Knit Fabric, Round Neckline & Ruched Sides.
- Sleeveless/Tank Style.
- Comes in 24 different colors and/or prints.
- Up to 2XL.
- Knee-length.
Click here create your Amazon Baby Registry and get your FREE Welcome Box
3. What’s in your partner’s closet?
This is of course, may not be an option for all of us plus-size mamas (definitely not for me) but it could work for some. My hubby is tall and slim so I can’t fit a lot of his clothes when I’m not pregnant, let alone when I’m carrying a baby.
Take a look in your significant other’s closet because you never know what you could find in there. . . You could grab some comfy loungewear (t-shirts, gym shorts/pants, sweatshirt or like a button-down collar shirt) . . . then pair it with some leggings.
Read => 101 Insanely Powerful Self-Love Affirmations You Need to Uplift & Love Yourself More
Side Note: Consider checking out Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and/or local thrift stores for gently used plus-size clothing options. . . Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Plus Size Pregnancy Tips & Hacks
4. Maternity bras or nah?
There is a wide range of plus-size maternity bras however not everyone will want to purchase them. In search of some for myself, I did a lot of research and made a really useful list of highly recommended maternity bras/tanks and found some that are of great quality and affordable.
If you aren’t sure if you want to invest right now or just don’t want to purchase maternity bras at all you could always use bra extenders with the bras you already own and/or wear plus-size sports bras.
Side Note: Wearing a bra with an underwire could be extremely uncomfortable during and after pregnancy. If you plan on nursing, the wire in a bra could also cause you to get clogged pores and other complications. This is not always the case but definitely something you want to consider.
Gratlin’s Plus Size Cotton Maternity Nursing Bra
Starting at $17.99 at Amazon
- Top-rated by other plus-size expecting mamas.
- Sizes from 32AA to 48DD/E,50C/D.
- Comes in several colors.
- Adjustable. Comfortable. Cotton material. Full support.
- Pull-on closure.
>> Related: Top Best 15 Plus Size Maternity Dresses
5. Plus Size Maternity Underwear
There are plenty of different options when it comes to what underwear you’ll wear during your pregnancy journey.
What is your preference? Do you prefer cotton or seamless? Do you prefer your underwear to sit below your belly or come up over your baby bump?
I personally just purchased these and they have been working well for me.
6. B-Shaped and/or Apron Belly
Many of us that are plus size & expecting to have what is considered a B-shaped belly that may or may not have an apron. With my 1st pregnancy, I didn’t even realize that I had one. I just knew that my belly wasn’t perfectly round-shaped.
With this pregnancy, I knew that I had a B-shaped belly. One of the things that has been a game-changer for me with this pregnancy is a belly band support belt and/or maternity shapewear. Not only do they provide support (which reduces a lot of the discomfort) but they also help round out your belly – which is a plus in my book!
If you feel you don’t need one for support but will be taking maternity pictures, I definitely recommend getting maternity shapewear (not the belly support bands) to help round out the shape of your belly. There are many different options however I’ve made it super easy for you to decide.
You’ll want to keep in mind that because we have a lil extra to love on, it is normal not to feel the baby kicking until later on in the pregnancy. This of course will be different for everyone. I personally started feeling flutters around 18 weeks with my 2nd born (I don’t remember with my firstborn).
Related: Best Plus Size Belly Bands | The Ultimate Plus Size Maternity Support Guide
Side Note: Depending on how much of a B-shape and/or apron you have will determine if your belly will eventually round out. Regardless if it does or doesn’t . . . Keep in mind that it’s a blessing to be carrying your lil bundle of joy! If you decide to take maternity pictures and/or you just actually look pregnant with a round belly . . . use maternity shapewear to help round out your baby bump.
Maternity Support Belly Band
Starting at $15.97 at Amazon
This a great choice for a plus-size support belt that’s top-rated by other plus-size moms.
- Top rated by moms.
- Sizes from S to XXXL. (Click here to purchase the XXXL)
- Adjustable.
- Provides back support.
- Supports the weight of your baby bump.
- Also, is great for rounding out your b-belly and/or apron belly.
Plus Size Pregnancy Tips & Hacks
7. Sleep
Your sleep throughout your pregnancy is gonna change. The main things that will help with this is either a pregnancy pillow/wedge/blanket/pillows, sleeping on silk linen, and/or sleeping on a foam mattress.
Some moms love sleeping with a pregnancy pillow however I’ve seen so many say that the pillow ends up losing its shape, so then you end up buying another one or just being uncomfortable. Plus, what are you gonna do with it after the baby comes? I personally like going the DIY route and using a blanket or throw instead. You can use whatever extra blanket that you have around the house and feel comfortable with – even roll it up if you prefer.
Sleeping on silk linen makes it a lot easier to turn over throughout the night. I don’t know about you but it gets so hard to move around in the bed at times. I get groin pains that are very uncomfortable so any little thing that helps is a relief!
A good foam mattress or foam mattress topper is priceless! I’m thankful that we invested in a good foam mattress awhile ago! If you don’t have a foam mattress or your mattress isn’t comfortable, getting the right foam mattress top cover would be ideal.
Starting at $39.95 at Amazon
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Side Note: If you are like me, and prefer sleeping on your stomach, you can try sleeping on an inner tube. I personally have not tried this because I am very particular and I don’t think this will be comfortable for me but some moms have done it.
8. Relieve Your Itchy Skin and/or Stretch Marks
As a plus-size mom, you may or may not already have stretch marks (I know that I do!). Mind you that stretch marks are usually prone based on your genetics and skincare however keeping your skin hydrated will help with both itchy skin and stretch marks during your pregnancy. It is said that coconut oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil are great for keeping your skin hydrated. You can also choose belly creams, almond oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter. It really depends on your needs, budget, and preference.
Starting at $12.25 at Amazon
Starting at $39.95 at Amazon
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Starting at $8.37 at Amazon
9. Need an Extra Hand?
If you end up dropping something on the floor or find the need to pick something up that’s out of reach, a set of long tongs or a reach-n-grab would be ideal. I usually would use tongs but I can’t always find them because my 3-year-old loves playing with them.
The Takeaway
Having a plus-size pregnancy can be just as fun as an average-size pregnancy. . . Having and implementing these plus-size tips and hacks is what you need to make that happen!
Be sure to drop a comment below and let me know what you think of this list or you can leave a comment just to say hi!
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