I’m sure we can all agree jeans are the classic go-to look.
Frazzled and need to run out grocery shopping? Jeans and a t-shirt.
Planning a romantic movie night with your partner? Jeans and a nice blouse (maybe a pair of wedges).
Still in school and running to class? Jeans and a sweatshirt.
Jeans are a basic staple of life.
Or at least they have been until now.
Wearing jeans while pregnant can be frustrating. The fly is never zipped enough, the waistband never sits flat enough, the size is never comfortable because of your new pregnant body shape. The crotch area is too tight and too uncomfortable because the rest of your pants don’t fit.
Here are some tips on being that classy jean-wearing-Mom-to-be without the nervousness and hassle!
- Invest in maternity jeans!!!
This is the Holy Grail of jean advice.
Many women feel as if they can wear their old jeans and just keep the open-top closed with a rubber band or elastic. I’ve heard of all kinds of ingenious inventions future-moms use to save money instead of buying maternity jeans.
Don’t do this!
Although there are some women who swear by the Bellyband (a product which allows you to unbutton the top of your jeans and still have it lay flat) it is not advisable.
When you are pregnant, your body shape changes and it’s not only your belly getting larger. Your legs have to compensate for the additional weight and, most of the times, there is a significant amount of calf swelling especially in the third trimester. You will want to invest in jeans that have enough room for your legs to feel comfortable. Maternity jeans have stretchy tops so the jeans grow with your bump and are usually made of more breathable fabric enabling your legs to feel less constricted.
- Avoid tight jeans.
During the second and third trimester, the baby bump becomes very prominent. And this is the time when most women prefer wearing tight jeans to hide the baby bump. Don’t do this!
If you still want to wear one, you can opt for large sizes as the baby bump will increase with time. Although tight jeans won’t necessarily harm your baby they are very uncomfortable and can cause skin irritation on your bump. Stomach aches and other pain in the area can also happen as a result of too tight pants.
A recent study by the British Chiropractic Association found a strong link between various clothing items and common ailments, particularly for women. By restricting free movement in the hips and knees, every-day clothing (if too-tight) can impact how a person holds themselves upright, and ultimately reduces support. The BCA found “skinny jeans” to be the number-one fashion item causing back pain, and stated that only 28% of people were aware that their wardrobe choices were having an impact on their physical health. In general, say no to tight clothes.
Not just jeans, it is wise to avoid wearing anything too tight as it might hinder blood circulation, which is essential for the mother and baby. Wearing tight belts around your stomach can be very harmful to both mom and baby. Reduced blood flow over an extended period of time can ultimately lead to muscle degeneration and nerve damage, neither of which sound like much fun.
Additionally, as pregnancy can also increase the prominence of perhaps previously subtle or unnoticeable varicose veins, combining this with wearing your pre-maternity jeans is a recipe for disaster. Although external pressures are not able to directly manipulate purple, bulging veins or make them grow or multiply, over time these pressures can weaken the vein wall, which makes it easier for the veins to become visible externally
Wearing tight jeans that hide your bump might make you feel good at the moment, but the increased pressure over time can deform and swell veins. Other factors that heighten the likelihood of prominent varicose veins are standing for long periods of time, obesity or trauma to your legs.
- Follow basic hygiene.
There is a high chance of yeast infection during pregnancy if you fail to follow basic hygiene and sanitation. And, if the jeans are too tight, it can cause an increased vaginal secretion which put you at risk of yeast infection, which might be harmful to the mother and baby. Before purchasing your jeans, try them on and make sure the crotch is comfortable standing as well as sitting.
