Our body changes month by month during pregnancy, so your maternity wardrobe should evolve too. Planning your maternity shopping gradually ,rather than buying everything at once helps you save money, reduce clutter, and ensures you always have comfortable, well-fitting clothes. From everyday wear to nursing essentials, this month-by-month guide makes pregnancy dressing easy and stress-free.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. (Affiliate links for amazon.com on highlighted text)

Months 1–3 (First Trimester)

You may not show much yet, but you might already feel bloated or notice tender breasts.
Shopping focus: Comfort and flexibility.
What to get:

• Stretchy leggings (regular ones with soft waistbands work fine for now). These pair beautifully with long or short tops and work for both indoors and outdoors — and the comfort… aah, truly the best.
• Loose, flowy tops you already own or a size bigger than usual – like these double layered tank tops. They’re versatile for layering, work beautifully during pregnancy and postpartum, and can look casual or formal depending on how you choose to layer or accessorize them. The layering is also great for temperature regulation, which will be handy as your body heat changes later on. Bonus: dark colors can create the illusion of a smoother silhouette with no visible bulge.
• Soft, wire-free bras for early bust changes. You might want to hold off on buying too many right away — this stage is unpredictable. The only thing you can count on is that you might get bigger, but when and by how much is anyone’s guess. To save money, you can use bra hook extenders to increase the band size temporarily instead of buying a whole new set too early.
• Comfortable flats or cute sneakers for long walks.
  💡 Tip: Hold off on full maternity wear — save your budget for when you’re visibly showing.

Months 4–5 (Early Second Trimester)

Your bump starts to become noticeable, and regular jeans may feel tight.
Shopping focus: Transition pieces.
What to get:

• Maternity jeans or jeggings with over-belly or side panels.
• Side-ruched tops that stretch with your belly. Maybe matching ones for you and your insignificant other.
• Maxi dresses (can work through pregnancy and postpartum). An anarkali tiered dress in pastel colours look awesome on any woman
• A supportive bra with adjustable straps.

Extras:

• Party wear dress for maternity that can be used postpartum as well.
• Floral gathered maxi dress for maternity photoshoots

Months 6–7 (Late Second Trimester)

You’ll likely need dedicated maternity wear by now. Comfort is key as mobility changes.
Shopping focus: Full maternity wardrobe staples.
What to get:

• Full-panel maternity leggings for all-day comfort.
• Empire-waist tops or wrap dresses for work and outings.
• A light-weight cardigan or maternity jacket (if season requires).
• Slip-on shoes (bending to tie laces may get tricky).
  💡 Tip: Choose fabrics like cotton or bamboo for breathability.
• Compression socks for swelling, long workdays, travel, or standing jobs.

Months 8–9 (Third Trimester)

Your belly is at its largest, and you need clothes that make movement easy.
Shopping focus: Maximum comfort and nursing prep.
What to get:

• Extra-comfy maternity pajamas or loungewear.
• Nursing-friendly tops for easy postpartum transition.
• Maternity underwear with soft, stretchy waistbands.
• A supportive belly band if you experience back pain.
• Warm coat if you’re in a cold climate (look for maternity-specific or one-size-up).
• Grippy socks / hospital socks – Many hospitals encourage non-slip socks for labor & postpartum

Postpartum Shopping

You may still wear maternity clothes for a few weeks (or months) after birth.
What to keep handy:

• Nursing bras and cute tops for feeding convenience.
• High-waist leggings for recovery comfort
• A feeding cloak will come handy, especially while travelling. You can adjust these as per your baby’s comfort.
• A cozy gown for home.

Maternity shopping is less about having a huge new wardrobe and more about adding the right pieces at the right time. By spreading purchases across your pregnancy months, you save money, avoid overcrowding your closet, and always stay comfortable and stylish.