Yes, I have gained more or less 50 lbs throughout the entire pregnancy. I know this is not a modest amount to gain. And let’s be honest, my belly isn’t the only thing that packed on weight.

So here are some preggo style tips for those mamas out there on how not look you’ve gained 50 lbs. Specifically dress like you only put on weight in the belly area and not anywhere else.

Long is better than short

Have you gained weight in your arms from pregnancy? Avoid off the shoulder, one shoulder or sleeveless tops. Three quarter sleeves and long sleeves are better choices than sleeveless.

Have you gained weight in the thigh areas? Longer dresses, pants or jeans are better than shorts. Go for comfy dresses that are knee length or longer. Those will hide your thighs, and also really helps you not flash everyone. Especially when you’re getting in and out of a car. Because my fellow mamas to be, we all know how difficult it is to get yourself out of a seat anywhere.

Make sure it fits

Not too loose, not too tight. Wearing clothes that don’t fit right, too loose or too tight will both make you look bigger than you actually are. Since I gained 50 lbs and not all of it is the belly, I also have to go up a size or two from my regular size pre pregnancy. I didn’t want to face the reality and refused to go up sizes at first. But eventually I learned I’m only doing myself and the baby bump a disservice. Wearing too tight clothes is uncomfortable and will NOT make you look any smaller. So be prepared that your size might change throughout the pregnancy. You can accommodate the changes by choosing comfy stretchable fabric (see below).

Soft breathable fabric

Say hello to your friend, cotton or cotton blends. Wonderful, soft, absorbent and breathable, just what a preggo girl wants. Sorry but you might have to put away your faux leather leggings for now. What you need now is soft, breathable maternity clothing. Soft because you need it to be comfy and grow with the your growing baby bump. Breathable is because how sweaty we preggers are if you know what I mean. Even if it is winter in the North Pole, you still want breathable material. The preggo body produces lots of heat while making a baby.

Okay so those were the dressing tips I found useful and I hope you can apply a thing or two to your maternity wardrobe. Now could someone please tell me it’s totally normal to gain 50 lbs during pregnancy? And that I will lose all of that relatively soon after the baby is born?

My polka dot dress in this post is a gift from Isabella Oliver, a maternity clothing brand with such adorable but comfy selection. Make sure you check out their dresses, tops and pants here.

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baby bump bump style Dress Isabella Oliver Maternity style Polka dots preggo style pregnancy