THE BELLY FILES

MATERNITY FASHION’S HOTTEST HOUSES TALK SHOP-PING

POP LIFE

For many women, the first trimester is summed up in one word: nausea. Cure the queasy with the help of Preggie Pops. These all-natural suckers soothe the tummy and stave off waves of incapacitating nausea. Helpful tip: Save the extras. They're also useful during labor.

BOTTOMS UP

As you approach your second trimester, you'll notice your waistline begins to vanish. Your hips will begin to, well, let's just say they'll begin to put some stress on the seams of your favorite jeans. Invest in a few basic bottoms that will carry you from month to month in style and comfort. The super-soft Yoga Pants from Majamas go from pregnancy to postpartum period and beyond. The Ok Jean™ from Japanese Weekend with its supportive Ok waistband™ and stretch denim will be another everyday staple. If you’re looking for a dressier pant to wear to work or out on the town, try the Luxe Jersey Pant, also from Japanese Weekend.

The lactation consultants at Special Addition discourage the wearing of underwires while pregnant or nursing (as do most LCs) because of the possibility of the shifting of wires, which could result in a blocked milk duct and mastitis or breast infection. Underwires during pregnancy have also been known to cause nerve irritation and pain. Got questions? Seek the advice of one of our professional bra fitters in person, by phone or by e-mail.

STOCK OPTIONS

Versatility is key when it comes to your wardrobe essentials. The convertible pieces by Japanese Weekend do double duty as a strapless top and a flouncy little skirt—some even reverse to reveal a new color underneath.

Look for tops and dresses, like this one from Majamas, that can be worn during and after your pregnancy. Be sure that your choices offer easy breastfeeding access and are made from fabrics that bounce back as your body does.

BABY'S GOT BACK PAIN

Ending your second trimester? Enter the belly support! You look great in your chic jeans and that cool during-and-after top, but your back is aching and the round ligaments surrounding the uterus in the pelvis are not happy! Don’t waste your money on a narrow 3-inch strip-of-elastic maternity belt—it won't offer much relief. The wider the back of the support, the better the relief as the support lifts the belly, taking stress off the ligaments supporting the baby. There are light, medium and firm supports, and many insurance companies reimburse for the purchase of a maternity abdominal support with a prescription from your health care provider. Read the description of each support or talk with our sales staff to determine which support best meets your needs. While comfort is very important, you still want to look great in your versatile wardrobe, and these supports are very discreet.

YOU'RE SO VEIN

Ever wonder why women glow during pregnancy? That glow comes from the increased volume of blood. But with this glow often comes pain from unsightly varicose veins and swelling—especially after several pregnancies. It's hereditary, so you can thank your parents. While these veins sometimes go away once baby arrives, injury to the vein wall will occur if preventative measures are not taken. Wearing compression leg wear in knee high, thigh high or maternity style can ease the symptoms and help prevent further damage to the veins as well as blood clots from forming. The good news: These stockings are not your grandmother’s stockings! Attractive colors, open-toe styling for sandals and a range of fabrics are now available from Jobst, and many insurance companies reimburse at least some amount for purchases made with a prescription from your medical provider.

REST ASSURED

As you enter your third trimester, your bump is in its glory—and so are you. The big drawback? That gorgeous belly can make it tough to sleep comfortably. No need to fear. There is rest for the weary with a pregnancy pillow. The ones from Snoogle or Utterly Yours are sure to give you the support your belly needs to sleep tight.