Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy and Maternity Shapewear

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba and Chrissy Teigen put shapewear on all of our radars, making them one of our most cherished undergarments. But now they are using shapewear during pregnancy.

Actually, when you think about wearing spanx while pregnant it makes sense because it gives your body the support it needs, feels comfortable and helps maintain good posture. After all, maternity body-wear is designed to shape your body while leaving room for your baby.

But, is it really safe to wear shapewear while pregnant? What are the pros and cons of wearing pregnancy shapewear for both my baby and myself? Is it really advisable to be wearing something so constrictive during pregnancy? These and many more questions will be answered in this article.

What is Maternity Shapewear?

For the first three months of your pregnancy you can continue wearing your regular constrictive shapewear without harming the baby. As your uterus is located under your pubic bone, your baby is completely safe even with a tight girdle.

But after three months, your baby needs a little extra space to grow, and maternity shapewear is designed to stretch with your baby without harming the baby. The idea behind pregnancy shapewear is not to hide your bump but to make things more comfortable for you and help your clothes fit better.

Spanx while pregnant will be your best friend during the later months of your pregnancy because it cradles your baby-bump. Most styles have a light mesh that covers your belly that will grow with your belly, so you won’t need to buy several different pairs to adjust to a constantly growing tummy.

So, to answer the question: Can I wear shapewear while pregnant? Yes, you can but make sure it gives your baby the room it needs when they begin to grow. Look for styles that give you extra back and under the abdomen support to help you maintain good posture.

The Pros and Cons of Wearing Shapewear while Pregnant

Still haven’t decided whether you should invest in maternity shapewear yet? Then check out the pros and cons of wearing shapewear while you are waiting for your newest addition for the family.

Let’s start off with the cons of body shapers for pregnancy: Doctors say that wearing light to medium compression shapewear is completely safe for your baby, regardless of how far along you are. Since your baby is well-protected in a sack of amniotic fluid, but they advise against wearing any type of clothing that is too tight whether you are pregnant or not.

Rule of thumb: If your shapewear feels uncomfortable, then it is probably too tight. Besides causing discomfort, it can reduce blood flow, heartburn, digestive problems and even yeast infections. So if you do wear pregnancy shapewear make sure it isn’t too tight.

Now let’s get to the pros about wearing shapewear during pregnancy:

• Maternity shapewear will grow with your baby, giving you shaping and support for a few months.
• It will improve your posture, taking the pressure off the lower back and reducing back pain
• You will have more wardrobe choices, as you will be able to fit into your old wardrobe longer
• You won’t have to worry about visible panty lines for your entire pregnancy
• Stay goodbye to bunching and wedgies. As your body changes, you will find nothing stays quite where it should but shapewear will stay in place
• Look amazing whether you are going to grocery shopping or to a black-tie event

I guess this is why those celebrity moms love wearing spanx while pregnant and wear those body-hugging outfits with such confidence.

What is Post-Partum Shapewear?

Postpartum shapewear helps your body speed up its recovery after pregnancy, as that firm belly that held your gorgeous newborn baby is now a wiggly mess. Some of the best maternity shapewear products are designed to
be worn during and after pregnancy. Most doctors recommend new mothers start wearing post-partum shapewear the day after giving birth.

Postpartum shapewear has been around for centuries and is still used in many lands to help women train their abdomen to return to its original position. It is especially useful if a new mommy had a C-section as it helps prevent damaging the wound. However, it is recommended to start wearing post partum shapewear after the stitches are removed if you had a C-section.

Post maternity shapewear will also help all of those loose muscles and skin learn to return. Plus, it can help motivate you to get outside and exercise because you will feel more comfortably in your clothes.