A number of things change when you become pregnant but without doubt the one thing that has the biggest effect on you is the changing shape of your body, especially your growing breasts and stomach. Women will react differently to this change but more often than not, when it comes to engaging in activities, such as swimming, a lot of women will find it very difficult to find swimming costumes that are comfortable or make them feel good about their bodies.
You don’t have to miss out on looking fab!
However, just because you have fallen pregnant should not mean that you have to miss out on things like swimming just because of the fashion world’s inability to produce stylish maternity swimming costumes. Swimming is an amazing activity for pregnancy because it enables you to exercise without the additional weight putting pressure on your joints and also makes you feel weightless.
No woman should miss out on being able to swim especially if it is something you do regularly, so the trick is to know what to look for in maternity swimwear and to know what to steer clear of.
Do not make the mistake of buying a plus size swimming costume instead of a maternity costume. You need to be supported differently when you are pregnant and a plus sized costume will not support you properly, plus it will not look as flattering on you because it will be too big on most areas of your body.
What should you be looking for?
When you go shopping for a maternity swimsuit keep in mind that you need to consider the following;
How much support the costume gives – The costume should have adjustable straps, so that you can adjust them as your breasts grow. The material should also stretch to accommodate your growing bump but be strong enough so that you feel secure.
The size of the costume – You should be able to buy your costume in your regular size, however, you need to ensure that the costume is roomy enough to allow for any weight gain. So make sure it is not too tight on your arms or legs.
How comfortable the costume is – If it’s not comfortable when you try it on the first time, it will only get more uncomfortable as your body starts to grow. Being comfortable needs to be your top priority otherwise you won’t go swimming because you don’t like wearing the suit and that is just a waste of money.
Getting the support and sizing of the costume right will ensure that you’re comfortable so make sure you put a good amount of time into these points.
Where can you find them?
These days, there are a huge number of both online and offline stores that sell a wide variety of stylish maternity swimsuits, so you don’t have to feel that you’re unattractive and enormous in an unflattering, drab costume. It is always advisable to try before you buy, however, of course buying swimsuits online might be preferable for pregnant women who can’t face hours walking around town and trying costumes on in cramped changing rooms.
Maternity swimsuits styles are now available in one-pieces, which are well suited to those women who prefer to keep their bump covered. It’s also the easiest style to find and you’ll usually be able to buy just one that will last throughout your entire pregnancy.
Some women like wearing maternity bikinis, as these provide a lot of support for growing breasts and many women can also get away with wearing ordinary bikini bottoms, instead of maternity ones. It’s best to wear bottoms with ties; however, otherwise you may find things start to become a bit uncomfortable later on in your pregnancy.
Another good choice for maternity swimwear is the tankini, which is a costume that is between a one-piece and a bikini. It is ideal for women who are not comfortable in a bikini top and is instead a longer vest-like stretchy top which covers both your breasts and your bump alongside normal bottoms.
Stay active during pregnancy and look great too!
It is definitely worth doing your research when looking to buy maternity swimming costumes and there is absolutely no reason why you should have to settle for a costume that is unflattering or uncomfortable. Keep looking until you find the right one, it is out there and it will most definitely be worth it once you’re wearing it and back in the pool enjoying swimming, whilst looking good once again.
Gemma Sly writes and blogs for Freya Lingerie (including their active and swimwear ranges at www.freyalingerie.com/swim.aspx). She’s an active gym addict and has a healthy interest in all things social media related.
