And so it begins. We just made it over the 12-week mark with pregnancy number two, and I tell people this. People say they are happy for me. Then, they gleefully describe those telltale pregnancy signs that they noticed in the last few weeks: my belly protruding, my face “filling out,” my frequent donning of stretch pants. They are right, of course. I found it especially hard with this second one to hide the signs. It seems, upon having been pregnant once already, the general sentiment of my abs is, “We’re out! See you in two years. Maybe.” With everything being okay, health-wise so far, it’s easy for me to laugh at the comments. No big deal if people suspected. It’s my second, so I know that to some degree, someday, the baby will live on the outside, will sleep through the night, and will be giving me my body and personality back. I’m much less sensitive this go-round. I’m proud of the “filled out” various body parts that will be discussed with me on a daily basis for the next few months. Whereas last time, I was shy and secretive for as long as I could be, this time I show off the rib-high elastic waistband currently holding up my jeans. One co-worker even says she’s jealous of the ingenious contraption. All of that said, it is still a challenge to dress during that stage of “Is she or isn’t she?” Even now, when I’m no longer trying to hide the fact that I’m carrying a little one, I’m not totally looking the part. My jeans don’t button up, but my maternity jeans are still saggy. My stretch pants are working overtime, and each day brings a new blouse that won’t button up. In an attempt to feel happy, and not frustrated about my wardrobe (because really, there are so many other things to be frustrated about, i.e. not eating cold cuts), I’ve compiled a list of my 5 best tips to help anyone getting dressed during this awkward in-between time.
This is a good time to enjoy your shoes before your feet get too swollen or sore! Start planning with your shoes as the anchor and work your way up. Choosing shoes you love first takes the mental pressure off deciding what to wear, and makes it less stressful to find something that works up top. I’ve been pairing my knee-high black riding boots with black tights, and then any crisp top that’s clean. Easy and polished!
If you’re most comfortable in loose, flowery tops, pair them with structured blazers. Feeling like a close-fitting T? Put your softest long cardigan or open kimono on top. This creates harmony and balance, a welcome sentiment, no matter how your hormones are acting.
Birth is not going to go exactly as you had imagined, planned, or expected. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to be your own best advocate in the delivery room.
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