Maternity Size Guide - Mothercare

Τry these on for size: what to buy and finding the perfect fit

As you'd expect, your body is going to change shape in all sorts of amazing ways during your pregnancy, and this is absolutely something to embrace and enjoy.

We understand that all women (and their bumps) are different so our maternity wear is designed to include all sorts of clever little features that will give you a flawless fit at each and every stage of your pregnancy and after your little bundle of joy is born. Our handy guide will help you understand how to measure for a bra and other pieces of maternity wear, as well as advise you on when and what to buy.

Μaternity clothing sizes: Ηow do they work?

The short answer is “the same as standard clothing sizes”. If you were a size 8 before you became pregnant, then you’ll fit into a size 8 maternity garment. Likewise, if you were a size medium, any medium item of maternity wear should fit you.

Μeasuring: Ηow to do it

When you’re buying maternity or nursing bras, you should be fitted by one of our bra fit specialists in store for the perfect fit.

You should be measured in not one, not two, but three places when you're figuring out your size for maternity clothes. You can probably guess exactly where:

• your bust – take a tape measure and measure around your bust at the fullest point
• your waist/bump circumference – do the same for your waist at its fullest point
• your lower hip – measure your lower hip at the fullest point, around 20cm below your waist

Once you’ve taken your measurements, you can check them against our maternity size guide:measurements shown are in cm's

measurements shown are in cm's

Μaternity clothes: When to buy?

Your beautiful bump probably won’t start showing until your second trimester – anytime from week 12 – but our maternity wear is designed to grow with you so there's no harm in planning your maternity wardrobe nice and early, especially as you don't know how much time or energy you'll have for shopping later on in your pregnancy.

Some useful tips to bear in mind:

• sizes can vary slightly between brands – if you’re unsure then feel free to ask a member of staff or speak to us online. Our staff can give you all the advice you need
• the power of layers – as your hormones get to work, your body temperature may go up and down a few times over the course of the day. Wearing layers means you take clothes off or put more on accordingly, keeping you comfortable

• be adventurous – your body is changing, so shapes and styles which you may not have previously considered may be your most flattering fit now!

  Maternity clothes: what to buy

• Maternity dresses - A super-stretchy nursing dress is perfect at every stage of your pregnancy and beyond.
• Nursing tops – Nursing tops are designed with nursing clips and feature layering for discreet breastfeeding.
• Maternity tops - Crafted with ruching, layers and pleats for your growing bump and can be worn after your little one arrives.
• Maternity jeans - Maternity jeans are specially designed for a sleek look and ultimate comfort with extra stretch which allows them to grow with your bump. They are available in both over the bump and under the bump styles.
• Maternity lingerie - Wire-free bras that are well fitted will give you the right support and are comfortable too. Under the bump briefs are shaped to sit comfortably under your growing bump. Made from soft fabrics, choose from mum to be, nursing and sleep ranges.
• Maternity hosiery - With a special tummy panel that expands and grows with your bump for a comfortable fit.
• Maternity nightwear - Made from cotton rich fabrics to keep your body temperature regulated and designed to fit you during and after your pregnancy. All our nightwear is designed with easy feeding in mind and can be worn during and after pregnancy.