The Transition Period

I know that I'm no pregnancy guru or expert or anything, but I think I'm officially or mostly out of that transition period.  The period where you are pregnant and you know you are pregnant, but you don't yet look it.  Instead, you just look like you've made a few too many trips through the Krispy Kreme drive-thru when the light is on.

It's a really difficult period of time to navigate for many reasons.  Some people are still not sharing the fact that they are pregnant with the world during this time.  Some have a strong desire to look pregnant early on because they are so excited - just being honest, a bump is fun to dress.  Some may not fit comfortably into their normal clothes, but are still too small for maternity.  And who wants to go out and buy bigger sizes for a month of wear?

transition period by coachgaines featuring mossimo

So, I came up with a list of Transition Period Essentials that helped me and may help you get through this weird period of time when you feel pregnant, but you don't look pregnant.

• Jersey Knit dresses: They stretch enough to fit your growing body and if you get the right cut, they can help to conceal that spare tire you've got growing around your waist until it turns into a bump.  Empire waist will help conceal it best.  Belting it around the waist is cute as well.
• Maxi skirts: These are perfect because they stretch so much as well and they are comfortable.  You can wear them above your new belly or below and most of them will grow with you as you do.
• Belly Band: I bought the one here in nude.  I ended up going back and getting one in black as well.  They are perfect for that moment when you can no longer button your pants comfortably.  They make your tummy look more like a bump and kind of hold everything in.  You could definitely wear this after delivery to transition back into your regular clothes again.
• Blousy tops: Anything that is loose and flowy is going to be comfortable, help conceal what you want hidden, and last you a while until you are at least into your second trimester.
• Workout capris: I am still wearing the same size I was before, but next time I'm near a Marshall's or TJ Maxx I will buy a size bigger.  These are more comfortable than cinch waist because they help to support your tummy while working out.  Most are pretty stretchy so they will grow with you to an extent.
• Bras: Shortly after finding out I was pregnant, I had to go up a whole cup size.  I'm almost ready to go up another and I'm only 4 mos.  (should I have warned about TMI?) Do not invest big bucks in your bras during this time.  I bought 2 from Target for about $12 and they have done a fabulous job during this transition time.
• Sports bras: Go to WalMart or Target and buy a multipack (or two) because during this time, you don't even want to think about a regular bra unless you have to.  Sports bras are much more comfortable during this time when everything is super tender.

Don't go out and spend a bunch of money on these things because chances are, much like maternity clothes, they are going to be worn for a brief time.  This is the perfect time to hit up stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Target.  Not that I don't shop at those stores all the time.

What items would you mommas add to the list?

Linking up with Style Elixir & The Mrs. and the Momma