What Winter Maternity Clothes do You Really Need?

Pregnant women go through many changes, wherein their body change is the most noticeable one. Due to their growing belly, many clothes don’t fit them anymore. Adjusting the winter maternity wardrobe is a must. But that can cost a lot, especially during the winter, when we need more clothes. What winter maternity clothes do you really need? Where can you make compromises?

What should a pregnant woman wear in winter?

What should a pregnant woman wear in winter to keep her warm? What winter maternity clothes are worth buying so that you don’t go bankrupt? We have found “must-have” maternity clothes and non-maternity pieces that may come in handy during winter pregnancy as well. 


How should a pregnant woman dress for winter?

A pregnant body doesn’t regulate body temperature as effectively as otherwise. You can get hot flashes in a cold room, and vice versa, feel cold in a well-heated room.

Fluctuating temperature is a result of pregnancy hormones, and there is not much to do about it. But you can ease your situation by dressing up in layers. I think that is the best dressing strategy for a pregnant woman during the cold season.

Dressing in layers will keep you warm while allowing you to take off your clothes if you suddenly feel too warm. Basically, you can continually add or take away a layer so that you are comfortable all the time.

RELATED ARTICLE: Do’s and Don’ts of Winter Pregnancy


What winter maternity clothes do you really need?

Must-have clothes for a winter pregnancy:

The following clothes are essential to be warm during the winter, though you might not need to buy all of them in the maternity wear section. What’s more, you probably already have a few suitable pieces in your wardrobe.

  1. Soft stretchy tank tops, T-shirts, and long-sleeve maternity shirts that fully cover your bump
  2. Sweaters, ponchos, and/or cardigans
  3. Coat and/or jacket
  4. Maternity pants with an over-belly waistband and warm leggings
  5. Warm socks

Shop for maternity tops that are ideal for layering

To master maternity layering, you will need a base layer, which are tank tops, T-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts. While you have to invest in a few maternity long-sleeve shirts, you can cheat a bit with tank tops and T-shirts.

During the winter, tank tops and T-shirts are usually hidden under a sweater, or you use them only at home. To save some money, you can use ordinary tank tops in large numbers, or T-shirts from hubby. However, if you are in the last trimester, I suggest that you pick at least two maternity tank tops and three maternity T-shirts.

During my winter pregnancy, snug-fitting tops from cotton and spandex were my winner. They are lightweight and cover the whole belly. By longer length than non-maternity pieces and a stretchy side ruching, they perfectly accommodate your growing belly. The best part is that you can wear them throughout your pregnancy and beyond. However, if you get overheated fast, you might take a look into 100% cotton maternity clothes, as they are more breathable.

Do you need maternity sweaters, ponchos, and cardigans?

Probably you will need a few trendy maternity sweaters, especially if you are going to work during your pregnancy. But you can still save the most in this category!

You can wear many pieces that are primarily not intended for pregnant women. Check up your closet for non-maternity sweater dresses, long tunics, and ponchos.

Skip the maternity cardigan and wear your non-maternity pieces unbuttoned. The same goes for the blazers. You can wear them open, over a maternity top or dress.

Your sweater dresses and tunics will fit you at least until the beginning of the third trimester. As far as the ponchos, they are usable throughout the whole pregnancy and nicely complete your winter maternity look.

What about a winter coat and jacket?

Winter coats are the biggest problem, as they are usually not spacious enough to fit over a belly bump. Look at the discounts, where you may find a piece that covers the whole belly.

Excellent and very chic are also coats that do not fasten but only bind. Such a model will grow with your belly to the end of pregnancy. And the best part? You will be able to wear it even after your pregnancy.

Another great solution is creating a maternity jacket out of your non-maternity one. Yes, you’ve read it right. You can turn your current jacket into a maternity piece. Do not worry, as you can do it without sewing!

The trick is in handy jacket extenders that zip right into your jacket. What is even better is that you can use it after the pregnancy too. It also extends your coat around your baby carrier to keep both of you warm.

What Winter Maternity Clothes do You Really Need?
Click on the Picture for the Price on Amazon

If you are continually hot during pregnancy and you don’t even miss a fasten winter coat, you can wear it open over a sweater with a large warm scarf around your neck. Such a scarf will warm your belly when you can no longer fasten your jacket.


Bottoms for Pregnant Woman in Winter

  • maternity pants
  • leggings for pregnant women
  • maternity skirt

As for bottoms, warm maternity pants are a must-have piece in a pregnant woman’s wardrobe during the winter. I suggest you have a few warm leggings on hand as well, but choose them wisely.

I think that in this clothes section, you can save the most on skirts. In winter, skirts and dresses are worn less often anyway, so giving up on skirts during the winter is the easiest way.

Winter maternity pants:

Don’t buy regular pants in bigger sizes because they are not designed to accommodate and support a growing bump. You need specially designed pants with a stretch belt in pregnancy. If you browse the shops and the web a bit, you will see that there are quite a few different models available for pregnant women.

There are three main types of maternity pants, which differ by the method that keeps the pants up:

  1. under-belly waistband
  2. side stretch panels
  3. over-belly waistband

Under-the-bump pants have a wide elastic waistband at the top, which fits snuggly under your tummy. Pants with side stretch panels have a stretchy section, which expands with your belly. It is made of jersey and located either at the front of the waistband or on each hip. 

The last model has a fully elasticated soft fabric waistbandwhich slips easily over your bump. Because it covers the whole belly and doesn’t expose your lower back to the winter cold, I think that’s the best maternity pants model for a winter pregnancy.

Maternity Leggings:

There are tones of leggings in maternity shops, but while most of them do not differ much from the non-maternity ones, they are usually more expensive.

I certainly wouldn’t give them up, as they are super-stretchy and super-comfy. No wonder maternity leggings were my favorite piece of clothing. However, I also wore plain ones as they fit me just as well, despite my pregnant belly.

If money isn’t an issue, pamper yourself with one or two pairs of maternity leggings. Otherwise, try the regular model, or look for the leggings in a large size women’s department.

Maternity Skirts:

If you prefer to wear skirts or you work in an office, you need at least two skirts or dresses. Don’t head to the maternity wear section right away, but check your closet for skirts with an elastic waist first. A non-pregnancy skirt with a stretchy belt might still fit you during pregnancy.

If you decide on a skirt or dress, a few pairs of comfortable, warm maternity tights are a must during winter pregnancy as well.


    Leave a Comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *