My body really did not change so I assumed that I was just going through something. I got a little emotional and started feeling sick and could not explain why, my husband then asked about my due date, which upon checking I realised was 4 days prior. I then went and took a home pregnancy test to which it highlighted undoubtable that I was in fact pregnant within moments.
I walked out of our ensuite, and he did not even have to ask he saw the look on my face, it was one that was shock, excitement, love, and confusion all at the same time.
In the coming 29.5 weeks ( I was 10 weeks when I found out we were pregnant), I learned more about my body, and it’s needs than I think I learned in the previous 38 years. In this period, I started appreciating my body so much more. Watching the changes my body did to accommodate my baby as he grew and his development was such a blessing. I know I am extremely lucky and grateful to have this easy journey in pregnancy and am sending all positive vibes to those who are struggling with pregnancy or have suffered a loss.
For those of you who do not know there is 4 trimesters in pregnancy and all 4 trimesters are made up of a certain number of weeks as outlined below.
Trimester 1 is the first 12 weeks.
Trimester 2 is week 13 – 28 – normally when your abdomen starts expanding.
Trimester 3 is week 29 – 40.
Trimester 4 is from the birth through the first 12 weeks postpartum when you baby turns 3 months old.
In all these trimesters I found out how important comfort underwear was, as we were still in the sampling phase of our production, I went shopping hoping to find some great underwear to work with my changing body. Once I hit the shops, I did find some very specific pregnancy and postpartum underwear I was disappointed as none of them were made from organic or breathable fabrics.
It was then that I contacted my supplier and requested additional samples so I could wear bamboo underwear throughout my pregnancy, and I was lucky enough to be able to size up as I travelled the trimesters.
We have had many women asking us about what underwear they should be wearing through pregnancy and postpartum so we thought we would cover the 6 top questions we get asked in this episode of Brief Talk.
What is the best maternity underwear?
Comfortable and breathable underwear is always best. Either a cotton or bamboo fabric allows for breathability and is gentle on the skin. As everybody is different you need to find what feels comfortable to you. I chose to continue with my regular underwear I just increased the size as my pregnancy went on.
Do you have to wear maternity underwear?
The short answer is no you do not. The focus is on comfort and what works for you as we are all different. Whatever underwear you choose just ensure it is comfortable and not to firm around your waist. If you are looking at maternity specific underwear look for breathable nature fabrics like cotton and bamboo.
What style of underwear is best for pregnancy?
You can select to wear underwear that sits lower waisted under your stomach or higher waisted, the choice is yours. If you are wanting to wear sanitary items whilst pregnant look for Brief or Boyleg styles that are fuller cuts as they will work best for this. I personally have always been a G String girl and wore them the entire way through my pregnancy up to giving birth.
Can I just go up a size in underwear when pregnant?
Yes, you can. Many people find that they prefer to wear their same underwear styles or brands that they wore prior to pregnancy, you can opt to increase the size, so you have the additional room around the waist and legs openings to suit your changing body.
Can I wear regular underwear when pregnant?
Yes, you can. Many people find that they prefer to wear their same underwear styles or brands that they wore prior to pregnancy, as mentioned above just size up.
What is the best underwear postpartum?
Once you have given birth you defiantly need underwear that will allow for you to use sanitary products for the coming weeks. You can choice to wither continue with the same underwear you used throughout your pregnancy, and you can go back downsizes if you need or opt for disposable postpartum underwear, or even a period underwear, many companies are now making specific pieces for postpartum.
Either way look at comfort, support, and breathability. Ensuring that the waist is comfortable and if you have had a c-section you need to speak with your doctor regarding what can and cannot be placed around the opening area to ensure this is protected to allow it to heal.
Anything that pulls the moisture away from you allow you to feel dryer is best.
Which ever underwear you choose the main factor is COMFORT, during pregnancy and postpartum.
Hope you have had a wonderful start to the new year and to all the expecting mum’s in 2022 sending you lots of love.
Stay well
Danielle xxx
Trying to find the right underwear size can be difficult due to different companies making different sizes. To make things easier we have created a step by step guide to take the guess work out of the equation.
Below we have measuring instructions with images to assist you.
All you need to do is take a couple of simple measurements; your waist, your lower waist and your hips. The best way to do this is by using a soft measuring tape and a mirror to ensure you are accurate. If possible stand in front of a mirror when taking your measurements to ensure that the measuring tape is also parallel to the floor and is flat.
Your waist is the natural in indentation above your hips or just below your rib cage (see image). Wrap the soft measuring tape around firmly without pitching your skin together – write this measurement down.
Your lower waist is approx. 12cm down from your waist. Take your measuring tape and run this down from your waist to 12cm (see image). Wrap the soft measuring tape around this area firmly without pitching your skin together – write this measurement down.
Now wrap the soft measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips, this is approximately 25cm below your waist (see image). Use the mirror to check that your measuring tape is completely straight and parallel to the floor – write this measurement down.
All you need to do is take a couple of simple measurements; your Full Bust and your Lower or under bust. The best way to do this is by using a soft measuring tape and a mirror to ensure you are accurate.
Your Full Bust is the fullest part of your bust (see image). Ensure that the measuring tape is completely straight and parallel to the floor. Wrap the soft measuring tape around firmly without pitching your skin together – write this measurement down
The Lower or Under bust is measured by wrapping the measuring tape around your rib cage directly under your bust (see image). Wrap the soft measuring tape around firmly without pitching your skin together – write this measurement down
ELC Size | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Full Bust Measurements (cm) | 81-87 | 87-93 | 93-99 | 99-105 | 106-114 | 115-123 | 124-130 | 131-137 |
Lower or Under Bust Measurement (cm) | 61-67 | 67-73 | 73-79 | 80-86 | 87-39 | 94-100 | 100-106 | 107-113 |
Waist Measurement (cm) | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 | 100 | 110 | 115 |
Lower Waist Measurement (cm) | 90 | 95 | 100 | 105 | 110 | 115 | 120 | 125 |
Hip Measurement (cm) | 95 | 100 | 105 | 110 | 115 | 120 | 125 | 130 |
USA | 4 to 6 | 6 to 8 | 8 to 10 | 10 to 12 | 12 to 14 | 14 to 16 | 16 to 18 | 18 to 20 |
UK | 6 to 8 | 8 to 10 | 10 to 12 | 12 to 14 | 14 to 16 | 16 to 18 | 18 to 20 | 20 to 22 |
EUROPE | 34 to 36 | 36 to 38 | 38 to 40 | 40 to 42 | 42 to 44 | 44 to 46 | 46 to 48 | 48 to 50 |