5 1/2 wweks and clothes already feeling too snug- is anyone else feeling the same?

[rmh2012]

Timing seems perfectly normal (depending on your current wardrobe).

Relaxed fit t-shirts, empire cut shirts and dresses, hipsters or stretchy waistbands will get you through the next bit before you have to go the maternity options! Chino-ish style partial elasticised waistbands great for comfort and will accommodate for a bit longer, and will be a little more comfy post-birth. I am particularly fond of plain black yoga pants in a quality material - usually very soft waistband, and can be dressed up to go out in comfort, or worn around the house.

Just be wary of too many obvious style changes if you're hoping to keep it quiet until you are ready to tell your employer! Cross over style tops in a jersey-ish material, with bit of ruching around the hips/waist can be flattering and keep the changes subtle for as long as possible.

R x

[Hidden]

Hi- thank you for your reply. Is it perfectly normal? Everything that I have read indicates that you shouldn't start to notice until around 9-12 weeks. I had a right moment this morning and got all upset that nothing fitted nicely, its all tight. My tops are ok (at the moment) its the bottom half.

Think the problem is is that my current wardrobe is all really small, size 6's mainly. I've put weight on since trying and have really noticed it.

I think I need to rethink my work wardrobe totally. Luckily I am starting a new job soon so they won't know any difference and yes am keeping it quiet. We've only told my Fiances Dad (beacuase Fiance couldn't kepe it quiet bless him!) I want to keep it quiet (at work) for as long as possible to be honest.

Good ideas though- thank you. Am going to go trouser hunting after work, even if I buy a size or two bigger I don't mind, just hate the squished feeling!!

Did you have the same problem?

[rmh2012 in reply to Hidden]

Definitely shop if things are feeling squished now - it only gets more uncomfortable over time. And yup - I still hold that it's normal. Probably wardrobe-dependent whether you notice it straight away. I wore mostly tailored, well fitted clothes - not comfy for very long!!

Your fiance sounds adorable! My hubby was the one who broke silence first, but we kept it quiet from work until we were past the 'high risk' stage. (Mind you, my sister had already worked it out by the time I told her, and we'd only had one skype in that time!)

Might be worth perusing a few maternity websites for clothing styles - see what's flattering, then see if you can find similar styles in non-maternity - you won't fit maternity clothes for a while. Seraphine has some lovely stuff (a little pricey). Jojomamanbebe, Mothercare, and Mammas and Pappas - all good sites. Check the reviews, and regardless of review, be sure to adequately try out jeans/jeggings before deciding to keep (particularly if ordering online). I ordered hipster jeggings with great reviews but found they snuck down at the hips (not attractive!). They did the job, but I was restricted to wearing long tops for the sake of elegance.

I tried to get a few key pieces where I spent a bit more cash, then cheaper mix/match options to get me through. Just remember - you'll only be wearing your actual maternity clothes for a few months. Always check sale options (I've picked up some bargains!!). And if you want to start collecting winter options early, consider overseas maternity sites - some sites will start clearing winter stock soon (check the postage!). I picked up maternity jeans for $7AUD (so, approx £5-6 pounds) when on holiday in Australia, since they were clearing winter stock at the time.

Have fun shopping! R x

[Hidden in reply to rmh2012]

Hi R. Thanks for all the tips! I managed to get some trousers after work si least I won't feel uncomfortable now. My clothes are like urs, all fitted and smart office wear.

He is very sweet, and very excited. It's really hard to keep it quiet but till we're past the 12 week scan I'm keeping stum.

I've seen a model wearing leggings and a long wool jumper with no sleeves, I fancy that teamed with boots. I am bad enough at shopping- hope this is easier! Mix and match sounds a fab idea- no need to buy loads and loads.

Thanks chic. Where are you in the country?

Nix x

[rmh2012 in reply to Hidden]

I'm up in Glasgow, though not sure for how long. Most of the family are in Australia, so may move after the little one arrives. Leggings and long tops are fab and comfy! My boots got a serious workout during my first pregnancy.

Where are you based?

R x

[Hidden in reply to rmh2012]

The opposite end of the UK down near Poole. I can't say I blame you for thinking about moving- its our 5 year plan too to emigrate.

I think it's a eey practical look and can be stylish for work too. Still that's a bit of a way off yet. Duma still nervous at every twinge- roll on 12 weeks xx

[rmh2012 in reply to Hidden]

Well, if you end up emigrating to the other hemisphere, let me know!

[Hidden in reply to rmh2012]

If you give me your email address we can keep in touch as we are definetly going. Just better opportunitues over there and a better life style for the kids I think.

Where abouts are you going to settle?

[rmh2012 in reply to Hidden]

Most likely Melbourne. Family are mostly there, but will also depend on work options.

Email address forwarded in separate message.

[Carren]

I'm so glad to hear this is a normal. My husband is convinced I've got twins on board because I couldn't zip up my jeans at six weeks and now at 11 weeks when I lie on my back naked my stomach forms an obvious, if still relatively small dome. We've been desperate for one for years now, but I'm not sure we could cope with two at once!

I feel really stupid having to ask, but can anyone recommend any good websites not for buying, but just for explaining maternity clothes? I'm not good with fashion at the best of times (pretty much just a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal), and maternity wear is just a complete mystery to me. Are the clothes designed to grow with you, or do you have to buy them for different stages of the pregnancy? If I want to swim throughout the pregnancy how many different bathing suits will I get through? If my breasts haven't actually gotten bigger, do I still need to trade in my bras for an underwire-free model, and would the new bras be special in some way, or just normal bras without underwire? I'm a bit shy around salespeople, so if I can go into the shop with a basic understanding of the products on offer, I'll feel a lot more confident...

[rmh2012 in reply to Carren]

Hi Carren,

Most maternity clothes websites will have a sizing guide. They are all designed to grow with you throughout pregnancy, although lots of maternity clothes will be too big to start with (ie, tops / dresses are cut with extra fabric in front to accommodate bump, so will visibly droop in the early days). Maternity clothing should be purchased according to pre-pregnancy size, so check your sizes now, even if you are not going to purchase for a while.

You should only need one maternity bathing suit. Your usual bathing suit should fit for a while, then switch to a maternity one. I picked up a tankini set with side ruching and clips so that the cups drop down for breast feeding, so it did me for pre and post pregnancy.

Definitely switch to a non-wired bra - much better for the changes your body is going through. Later, if your size changes, any of the big department stores or maternity stores will be happy to do a fitting for you. I got all daft and teary when I went in for my fitting, and the lady who was fitting me was totally lovely and understanding.

Hope that helps.

R x

[Carren in reply to rmh2012]

Thanks very much! I don't know what exactly I was imagining, but I guess there aren't as many mysteries going on in those clothes as I thought...

[rmh2012 in reply to Carren]

And you'll be pleased to know that you can still remain a jeans and t-shirt gal

All the best.

R

[MummyBee]

I have just found out I am pregnant and reckon I am about 5/6 weeks. My fiancé thinks its in my head that I'm feeling all bloated but I definitely do!! And my stomach feels heavy too! Good to know that it isn't just me that feels this way!

I am so excited about this baby, our little baby bee.

[Hidden in reply to MummyBee]

Congratulations. Am really pleased for you.

I don't think it's in ur head- you know how you feel.

Are you excited?

[lunarkim in reply to MummyBee]

Hi MummyBee,

I am almost 6 weeks with my 2nd. I am feeling bloaty too ! My insides feel like a heavy wet sponge x

[MummyBee]

I think it's his way of trying to tell me he doesn't think I look bloated which is sweet! Had to change my work trousers as my others were definitely digging in and causing me to feel really gassy.

This will be my first baby and I'm going to tell my mum and dad tomorrow that they're going to be grandparents!! So nervous, but know they will be over the moon!

[Hidden]

Ah that is sweet of him. I had to buy new work trousers too as couldn't stand them feeling so tight. Hate that feeling!

Is my first too, we've only told my finances dad and partner, waiting to tell everyone

else till we're 12 weeks and had the scan. I bet they'll be so

excited- good luck x

[MummyBee]

How far are you? I have so many questions but guess I'll get them answered at my first midwives meeting a week on Tuesday! Good luck to you too x

[Hidden in reply to MummyBee]

I'm 6 1/2 weeks- have know for 2 weeks now. Just trying to carry on as normal! Got enough going on right now......

I think I need to write my questions down or I'm bound to forget! Bet ur very excited about ur booking apt. How far ru?

[MummyBee]

My doctor reckons about 6 weeks too! Yeah so hard though as one of my good friends is 25 weeks and just want to tell her but keeping quiet at the minute.

Yeah I should start writing things down myself or I'm sure I'll come away with more questions than I started with lol

[Hidden]

I don't know why (and its probably just in my head) but I feel further along then 6 1/2 weeks, more like 7 1/2.

Oh that must be soo hard to keep quiet around your friend, I'd be wishing that I was that far along.

Defo write the questions down, I've made a start now but think of things at random times of day!