Concealing pregnancy during the first trimester can be difficult. Not to mention the obvious symptoms that can occur, like sickness and fatigue, but physical changes can be hard to disguise with an increasing bust size, an extra few pounds, a growing tummy, and expanding thighs.

Even after you tell people you are pregnant it can still be hard to dress in this early stage as you don’t quite fit into maternity clothes, yet might not fit in to all of your regular clothes.

Personally, at week 14, while I feel different, if a person was to look at me they might not think I look pregnant – I just look like I ate my Christmas season fill early this year and have gained a few pounds. They may also think that I got an early Christmas present of a boob job. So it is safe to say my current wardrobe is not fitting me as well as it did.

As a personal shopper, I am going to share my top tips with you for dressing throughout pregnancy, starting with the early stage:

Closest search

Resist the urge to go shopping for maternity wear straight away as it can be hard to predict how your body will change during the course of the pregnancy. Search through your closet for items that are forgiving, allow space around the tummy area and pick clothes that have a stretch to them.

Try everything on

Normally, when I am shopping for myself I have it completed in no time. I can pick out items and buy without having to try them on. However, at week 13 things changed. I picked up a black, fitted, tailored dress for work when it dawned on me to try it on. And just as well I did. While the size 10 dress fit everywhere else, my tummy was protruding out of it, plus the material was very unflattering on my new shape. So I opted for a heavier material dress that provided more of a structure and got the next size up.

Extend your bra strap

If your bra is getting a little tight but you aren’t ready to invest in maternity bras, you can extend your current bras with a bra strap extender. You can get these in any good underwear store.

A bella band

If you haven’t heard of one yet, you will. It is a band of material that you wear around the bump area. It can be used to keep your trousers up if you need to leave the top button open or it can be used to add layering to your current tops, should they begin to rise up the body as the tummy begins to expand.

Top choices

Wrap tops, empire line tops, chiffon flowing tops and long, light-knit cardigans with a belt all work well.

Blazers and jackets

Open blazers and jackets can stand the test of time during the pregnancy months as you don’t need to close them over the bump.

Dress up

Dresses won’t cut the body in half, such as a skirt and top combo can, this avoids cutting into the tummy area and creating two separate bulges.

High-waisted skirts

The high waist starts just over the bump. A tulip skirt gives the effect of a small waist, but then flows nicely out over the bump, giving you comfort.

Ponchos and Capes

With coming in to the winter months it is a perfect time to invest in a cosy cape or poncho. With the oversized nature of these items, you can wear them in early pregnancy to conceal the secret, during the pregnancy for staying comfortable and stylish, and post pregnancy for added comfort. And finally, remember, dress how you want to be perceived – if you are trying to keep it a secret opt for good coverage and space, or if you’re dying to show off your bump opt for fitted numbers. CL

Credits

Read more about Siobhan McHugh at styleuphoria.com and contact her at info@styleu phoria.com.

Makeup

Fiona Hogan

Photography

Ramona Farrelly

With special thanks to the Carton House Hotel.

Outfit ONE – work wear

Red tailored dress, Next €54 |

Swarovski necklace, stylist’s own |

gold bracelets, Next €14.50

| nude platform shoes, Marks & Spencer €35 |

nude wallet, Next €14.50

Outfit two – smart casual

Limited edition skinny jeans, Marks & Spencer €49

| white vest, Oasis €31 |

gold necklace, Oasis €17 |

faux fur brown jacket, Oasis €81.60 |

brown bag, Oasis €35 |

black boots, Oasis €50

Outfit three – occasion wear

Constanta cape coat, Coast €285 | Felicia silver clutch, Coast €59 | charcoal top, Oasis €35 | grey shoes, Next €51 | Lisandra high-waisted black skirt, Coast €70 | Herme bracelet €30 and Herme necklace €45, Coast