Nine months is a long time — and 10 months (how long you’re actually preggo) is even longer. Would you go without your favorite food for that long? How about with your nightly moisturizer that costs half your rent? You prioritize things that are important to you, and doing so makes you feel good.
Take that same logic and apply it to your maternity wardrobe. What you wear during pregnancy is arguably just as important as skincare. And we think loungewear is probably the most essential clothing for a growing mama and baby.
From the intensity of the first trimester to the recovery of the second trimester and the full force preparation during the third trimester, pregnancy takes a lot of work. (Including the marathon sprint of the fourth trimester.)
Your body is working day and night to bring your baby to life, so we think you deserve to lounge!
Give yourself the gift of comfort and ease and make high-quality loungewear your maternity priority. We think loungewear rules because it works at home and out in the world, too. If you want to find the right pieces for you, check out our comprehensive guide to buying maternity loungewear.
A Comprehensive Guide To Buying Maternity Loungewear
Nine months is a long time — and 10 months (how long you’re actually preggo) is even longer. Would you go without your favorite food for that long? How about with your nightly moisturizer that costs half your rent? You prioritize things that are important to you, and doing so makes you feel good.
Take that same logic and apply it to your maternity wardrobe. What you wear during pregnancy is arguably just as important as skincare. And we think loungewear is probably the most essential clothing for a growing mama and baby.
From the intensity of the first trimester to the recovery of the second trimester and the full force preparation during the third trimester, pregnancy takes a lot of work. (Including the marathon sprint of the fourth trimester.)
Your body is working day and night to bring your baby to life, so we think you deserve to lounge!
Give yourself the gift of comfort and ease and make high-quality loungewear your maternity priority. We think loungewear rules because it works at home and out in the world, too. If you want to find the right pieces for you, check out our comprehensive guide to buying maternity loungewear.
The Secret Word Is: Sleep
That’s right. The secret to life isn’t necessarily as mysterious as you think. It’s actually just getting enough sleep.
Sleep might not be as exciting as the perfect mani-pedi, but it is just as important (probably more so, TBH). Our bodies are their most productive and protective when in R.E.M.
Sleep is even more precious when you’re hosting another life during pregnancy. Your body is fueling both you and your baby, so giving it a proper nightly reset is critical to your health and your baby’s.
Especially when you’re pregnant, your hormones haven’t raged this hard since puberty. Combine that fact with the heavier bump to carry around, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fatigue.
The Perils of Pregnant Sleep
We know what you’re thinking. “But, sleeping while pregnant is impossible!”
We know and trust us; you’re not alone. The first few weeks of pregnancy can be difficult as progesterone spikes and your placenta develops. This might make you feel more fatigued throughout the day and then too nauseous to fall asleep at night.
Usually, things will settle down, and you regain consistent energy levels during your second trimester. This could mean less of a desire to nap and more incentive to sleep at night. You still might experience some fatigue, though.
Another item to note is that your body produces almost double its volume in blood when you’re pregnant, which in turn can increase your heart rate and make it harder to fall asleep. Then in the third trimester, your bump grows even more, and your body starts to swell. Some nights, getting comfy enough for sleep might feel, yep, impossible.
Any mother who has experienced the joys (and perils) of pregnancy knows that these are essential to staying comfortable. Having some extra breathing room in all areas is a win-win.
Getting Better Sleep
There are plenty of ways to get in those precious Zzz’s when you’re pregnant. If you’re facing any obstacles to securing those 8 to 10 hours, consider some of these solutions:
- Minimize the chances of pregnancy heartburn by consuming less acidic and spicy foods. If that doesn’t work, there are a bunch of over-the-counter supplements and medications that may help temporarily ease the burden.
- Are your legs acting up in bed again? Reduce the effects of a common pregnancy side effect, Restless Leg Syndrome, by staying consistent with a good prenatal vitamin that includes iron and folate.
- Feeling a bit nauseous at bedtime? We know: Why don’t they tell you that it’s more than just morning sickness? Our favorite remedies are a few crackers or a cup of hot peppermint tea. But again, your local drugstore might have a few more options if you end up needing the extra help.
Fun fact: Many claim that sleeping on your left side is the best position during pregnancy. Doing so promotes blood circulation, making both you and your baby feel more comfortable at bedtime.
More Than Sleeping In Style
Once you’ve got rest and relaxation covered, you’ll want a maternity wardrobe that can give you the extra cozy factor to help you get to sleep and feel good.
We love the 21st-century revival of loungewear as more than just a uniform for the home but also a fun style choice. Loungewear can be just as chic as your luxurious eveningwear.
In fact, wearing loungewear is sort of like the new “model-off-duty” style. You know what we mean. If they’re not at a nightclub or photoshoot, we see snaps of our favorite celebs sporting matching cotton sets and Princess Diane-inspired bike shorts.
The key to style is picking the right ones. Let’s dish on the comfy pieces so that every nap in front of Netflix is a total Sleeping Beauty moment.
Here are our essentials for maternity loungewear:
The Basics
The Loose Tee
All your bases are covered when you’ve got a good t-shirt for daily wear. A loose-fitting, There’s pretty much no way to mess up a classic tee. A bump-friendly t-shirt is great for working at home and taking that lunchtime nap break. If you need to run out, give that baby a French tuck — you’re good to go.
Give a little oomph to the classic loose tee with a Longsleeve Stripe. The cascading stripes that extend beyond the shoulder line add a feminine touch to an ever-so-practical piece.
The Cami
Let’s say all that extra blood flow is actually making you feel uncomfortable. Like, that body temp is going up, and you’re looking for something simple that gives you some relief. Let us re-introduce you to the cami tank top.
She was a key player in your high school and college days, but she never forgot about you. She’s back, and she comes in baby bump size, too. A neutral cami goes just about anywhere your favorite t-shirt does while offering that extra cooling factor that is so hot right one.
The Flexible Fits
The Sweatshirt
The best maternity loungewear top to have at your disposal is the versatile sweater. We recommend going for one that keeps it simple in color but has a dynamic style. You can try a scoop neck for a romantic feel or a relaxed mock neck fit sweatshirt for something more contemporary.
The Sweatpants
If you’ve ever tried to lounge in denim jeans, not only are you stronger than us, but we actually think you need our advice. Get some good maternity sweatpants in your life! They’ll be your new second skin as your body goes through all its changes.
The best part? If you pair your sweatpants with a matching sweatshirt, you’ve got yourself an outfit, kid. Monochrome and matching sets create an effortful aesthetic without the effort.
The Body Rib Unitard
Speaking of easy outfits, can it get any easier than the unitard? No, mama, you don’t have to go back to ballet lessons and face that mean instructor again. You’re doing the dance of new life!
Give your inner child the gift of the maternity unitard. It’s comfortable, it’s playful, and it’s the easiest outfit you’ll ever put together. Pair a Body Rib Unitard with an oversized button-down for added dimension on brisk days. Perhaps you need to look cool while staying (literally) cool. No sweat, try the Body Rib Unitard Short.
The Extra Cute
The Overalls
Inching just slightly outside of loungewear territory is our favorite jumpsuit: a pair of cotton Zadie overalls. They’re a little more elevated in style, but they’re just as comfy. They’re the best way to lounge in secret.
Out at brunch? You’re lounging. In traffic on the highway? Totally lounging. The waiting room at the DMV? In those overalls, that seems like lounging to us.
Athleisure at Your Leisure
With all this talk about restless legs and burning hearts, you just might need some tried and true, (should be) doctor-approved, retail therapy.
Pregnancy might not always be easy, but looking your best while getting some rest can be. With the perfect loungewear pieces, you can count on lots of TLC and effortless style while you’re at it.
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