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 that 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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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 allows 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.
Starting at $39.50 at Torrid
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.
Grab the FREE Printable Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Baby & Dad!
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 check to see what wardrobe pieces you can still rock.
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.
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.
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.
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 a 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 possibly also cause you to get clogged pores and other complications. This is not always the case but definitely something you want to consider.
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.
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 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 have a B-shaped belly. One of the things that have 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 here.
You’ll want to keep in mind that because we have a lil extra to love on, it is normal not to feel 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).
Side note: Depending on how much of a b-shaped 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.
Starting at $15.97 at Amazon
This a great choice for 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.
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 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.
9. Need a 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.
Grab the FREE Printable Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Baby & Dad!
The Takeaway
Having a plus-size pregnancy can be just as fun and enjoyable 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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