Pregnancy Week by Week

Get a window on what’s happening in your pregnancy, week by week. From week four to week 42, your baby is experiencing a miraculous transformation from a clump of cells to a fully formed (and totally cute) newborn. Just imagine, as early as five weeks, your baby is already starting to form major organs (heart, stomach, liver, and kidneys) and systems (digestive, circulatory, nervous). By eight weeks, your raspberry-sized womb-mate is moving her arms and legs. At the beginning of your second trimester (week 14), your wee one is sucking his thumb. By week 28, the first week of the third trimester, baby (now as big as an eggplant) is prepping for breathing, developing his eyesight and packing on pounds in anticipation of life outside the womb. Each week is a new miracle. Less miraculous is how a mom-to-be may feel. Pregnancy Week-by-Week charts your baby’s development but also lets mom know what she might be feeling during each week of her pregnancy. Pregnancy week by Week includes everything mom needs to know to feel a sense of control over her pregnancy. Each week offers a complete guide to what you might feel, your must-do’s, your nice-to do’s, and answers and advice on everything pregnancy-related. Plus each week’s guide offers tips on maintaining a healthy and comfortable pregnancy from strategies on coping with pregnancy symptoms (morning sickness anyone?) to ideas for healthy eating, and pointers on talking to your OB. Let us guide you along your pregnancy, week by week.

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Q&A: Budget maternity clothes?

I’m reluctant to spend much on maternity clothes,because I know I won’t need them for very long. How can I save money as I shop?

Re: I’m reluctant to spend much on maternity clothes,because I know I won’t need them for very long. How can I save money as I shop?

You’re not the only one with this problem… as evidenced by the stacks of barely worn maternity clothes in most secondhand stores. (A great place to find quality bargains, by the way.) The easiest place to start, though, is at home… in your husband’s closet. His clothes will be great for lounging around the house throughout your pregnancy, and his button-downs and blazers will probably work for the office well into your pregnancy. Worn unbuttoned, your own sweaters and blazers should also fit into your last trimester.

Once you’re ready to pick up the pocketbook, go for a few quality basics (black pants, twill or denim pants,skirt, dress, blazer) in neutral colors (black, brown, navy). Look for items that can be dressed up for work or down for the weekends. Spend less money on cardigans, fitted tees and camis. These cheaper tops are a great place to get bright colors and patterns in, if you want. Rather than buy lots of tops at once, pick them up along the way to keep your wardrobe fresh… and fitting! Another smart place to splurge is on accessories. You’ll still fit in a necklace or scarf after baby comes, so it’s worth the investment.

Finally, while it’s always smart to save, don’t be too frugal.Well-fitting clothes that make you feel good will make those tough last months a little bit more manageable.

The Bump Editors

Q&A: Budget maternity clothes?

I agree that second hand stores are a great place for maternity clothes. I recently went to a local Goodwill in an upscale section of a nearby city and found many clothes with the original tags still attached - they had never been worn! I was able to buy 12 items for $43, and a bonus in my mind was that the proceeds go to a charity. Since I didn't have to invest a lot I won't hesitate to "pay it forward" and pass these clothes on to friends and family when I'm done with them and they are expecting. I would also suggest buying some stretchy regularly sized clothes in a few sizes larger that your pre-pregancy weight that you can comfortably wear now because you will be able to step down through your post-pregancy weight loss without having to continue to wear "maternity" styles.

stephanie.varholak |

Q&A: Budget maternity clothes?

Stores like Ross and TJ Maxx also have maternity sections- they're often very limited, but I picked up a great pair of jeans and some decent tops to at least carry me through the weekends. Keep an eye on Old Navy online too- they have great sales on maternity stuff regularly and a decent return policy if it doesn't fit. Just be sure to read the reviews before you buy. I didn't, and I will be returning some items this weekend as a result!:)

chsideri |

Q&A: Budget maternity clothes?

I have had a rough time shopping for maternity clothes because I am a very curvy girl. I find that most jeans are made for those skinny ladies who just develop a baby bump while I have hips and a butt that don't fit into those snug jeans. I have tried Target, consignments, old navy (which isn't terrible) however even if I were to find something at one of the mentioned stored they are rather pricy. Well I went to the mall to JC Penny's and searched through their maternity section. Many of their jeans gave me no luck but they had a bigger selection and I was able to find some that fit perfectly. Not only do I love the fit but the price was awesome...$14.00...I searched through some more of their sales/clearance racks and found some great deals...I got 4 shirts and a pair of jeans all for $70.00... bottom of receipt showed I saved $92.00. I deff recommend hitting up the department stores and take your time because it will be worth it and save you tons!!!!

abrownie |

Q&A: Budget maternity clothes?

Places like Ross and TJ Maxx are also great for dresses that aren't necessarily "maternity" dresses. I found 4 really cute ones at Ross last night, all in the regular dress section. I've found that long tunic-type tops that aren't "maternity" are also great, and usually less expensive. My other piece of advice: splurge on the pants! I got four pairs of maternity pants (two dressy for work and two pairs of jeans), and have already gotten my money's worth! Good-fitting pants have been a good confidence booster and help the bump look great. Department stores like Macy's often have 2-for-1 specials on maternity denim.

Nuggetron |

Q&A: Budget maternity clothes?

Just found the most amazing thing ever! H&M now carries (a very limited) maternity. They are calling it the MAMA line. Found a pair of skinny jeans for $15,

cnabbott |

Q&A: Budget maternity clothes?

Honestly Goodwill, Salvation Army, Ebay/Craigslist is the cheapest spots to get it since they will only be worn for so long! Good deals/Nice clothes! Yoga pants and leggings are comfy :) Try more dresses also!

DyeC16 |