10 Outfit Ideas to Hide Your Pregnancy
Not quite ready to share your pregnancy with the world? Trust me, I get it. I am a surrogate currently on my third pregnancy, and I know the feeling when you’re still guarding a secret from everyone outside your close-knit circle. Finding outfits that cover your bump can be a challenge, but with some strategic outfits it can be done. The key to disguising your first and second trimester belly bump is layers and optical illusion!
Reasons Why You Wouldn’t Want to Share the News of Your Pregnancy
There are so many personal reasons why women might choose not to share the news of their pregnancy right away. While there’s usually feelings of excitement when thinking about having a baby, there can also be a lot more conflicting and mixed feelings that happen simultaneously.
Firstly, privacy and personal boundaries are important for a new mother’s mental health, and some women prefer to keep this significant aspect of their lives private until they feel ready to share it with others. When it comes to having children, it will seem like everyone has an opinion, and you may not be open to hearing unsolicited advice from family and friends.
It is natural to have fears that a pregnancy and motherhood can have a negative impact on your career. Bringing a baby into the mix undoubtably changes your priorities, your schedules and can shift things in your life. It doesn’t mean that you no longer care about your career, it just means that your day-to-day life may look a little different than before.
And finally, having concerns about the pregnancy from a medical standpoint is also very normal. As a professional myself who has worked in the field of infertility (and also being a surrogate who carried a baby for another woman who couldn’t be pregnant), I fully understand the fears of miscarriages. Some pregnancies may be high-risk or medically sensitive, prompting couples to wait until they receive medical guidance or reach a certain milestone before sharing the news. Having to explain pregnancy loss to others while grieving can be incredibly heartbreaking, so many keep their pregnancies private for several weeks or months.
When Should You Tell Family and Friends About Your Pregnancy?
Holding this big pregnancy secret inside can be challenging. On the one hand you can’t wait to share the news, but then at the same time you’re protective and hesitant about what comes next after everyone knows. Many expectant parents choose to wait until after the first trimester or 12 weeks, as this period is often associated with a decreased risk of miscarriage. Additionally, waiting until after prenatal appointments and fetal screenings can provide reassurance and confirm the pregnancy’s viability before sharing the news. The 20 week anatomy scan is a big moment that can tell you about the baby’s health and development, plus it’s often when you find out the gender!
All that being said, if you’re feeling overjoyed and just can’t contain your excitement, don’t feel like there’s a hard rule that you can’t tell anyone about your pregnancy early on. It’s really whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. You may need a confidant to help you with emotional support and be a sounding board for your feelings. Plus you’ve got a lot of planning ahead of you! The other mothers in your life can help you build a roadmap for the next phase of your life.
When Should You Tell Your Job that You’re Pregnant?
Deciding when to spill the beans to your employer about your pregnancy is a pivotal moment that requires careful consideration. While there is no universal rule, many women choose to disclose their pregnancy to their employer during the second trimester. By this point, they may have had time to process the news, attend prenatal appointments, and plan for any necessary accommodations.
Additionally, waiting until the second trimester reduces the risk of early pregnancy complications and allows expectant parents to feel more confident in the pregnancy’s progression.
However, you will need to disclose your pregnancy earlier if your job duties pose potential risks to your health or the health of the baby. Also, if you’ve already got a baby bump growing and you need to change-up your wardrobe at work, this might be a giveaway. In this maternity style guide, I can help you hide that baby bump for as long as possible… but fabric can only go so far in hiding a growing baby.
Do I Need to Buy Maternity Clothes for My First Trimester?
The answer to this question really depends on how your body starts changing during pregnancy, and also what kinds of clothes you normal wear in your everyday life. Speaking for myself, I always have excessive uterine bloating in the first trimester (especially with IVF pregnancies after embryo transfer!). I basically can kiss my jeans goodbye at 6 weeks pregnant.
If your closet contains a lot of oversized styles, stretchy fabrics and flowy cuts, then you might be able to get by with non-maternity clothes for the first trimester. On the other hand, if you are a bodycon, jeans and slim fitting type of gal, you might need to shop for new clothes early on in your pregnancy.
Easy and Cute Spring and Summer Outfits to Hide Your Baby Bump
Pregnancy in the springtime is a breeze, but hot and sticky summers can make nausea and fatigue from early pregnancy even less pleasant. The good news is that getting dressed during the warm weather is fairly easy and straightforward. The name of the game is oversized dresses with voluminous silhouettes and strategically cinch free waists.
Peplum Tops and Dresses
The ruffle on a peplum top adds volume just where you need it to hide your baby bump. The flared, ruffled fabric around the waistline helps to create a visually interesting silhouette that draws attention away from the midsection. By accentuating the waist and then gently flaring out, peplum designs cleverly camouflage any signs of pregnancy while still maintaining a fashionable and feminine look. Ideally, choose a peplum set so that the look is cohesive. Better yet if your peplum has a pattern or print for a flattering optical illusion.
Whether it’s a sleek peplum blouse paired with tailored trousers for a professional ensemble or a flirty peplum dress for a special occasion, these versatile pieces can effortlessly disguise the bump.
Tiered Dresses
Tiered dresses naturally have volume, so they will hang away from or skim your belly in a manner that minimizes your middle. With their cascading layers of fabric, tiered dresses create volume and movement that cleverly distracts from the midsection. The tiered design draws the eye downwards, creating a visually elongated silhouette that skims over any curves.
I personally experience a lot of bloating during pregnancy, even in the early weeks of the first trimester. So technically my baby bump is not very big yet, but I start looking pregnant early on and I can feel uncomfortable wearing regular clothes. Flowy tiered dresses are always a staple in my closet during warm weather days.
The trick to avoiding your entire tiered dress outfit from looking too “poofy” is to keep the arms and shoulders either exposed or slim fitted. Whether it’s a bohemian-inspired maxi dress for a casual day out or a sophisticated tiered gown for a formal event, these dresses offer versatility and elegance for expectant mothers.
Waistless Rompers and Jumpsuits
I am a big advocate for rompers and jumpsuits, both during pregnancy and postpartum. These modern and trendy one and done clothes are so comfortable – such a win win scenario! With their one-piece design, they offer convenience and ease while providing ample room for comfort and movement. Opting for rompers and jumpsuits with stretchy fabrics and no waistlines ensures a flexible fit that can adapt to your changing body throughout the trimesters. Rompers and jumpers will also come in handy during those postpartum months when you’re just too tired and mentally drained to get properly dressed.
Trapeze Cut Dresses
With their loose and flowing silhouette, these dresses provide ample room for a growing baby bump while still maintaining a flattering shape. The trapeze cut typically features a fitted bodice that gently flares out into an A-line or swing-style skirt, allowing the fabric to drape gracefully over the belly without clinging or constricting. This design not only accommodates the changing contours of the body but also provides freedom of movement and breathability, perfect for warmer weather. Whether you’re attending a casual brunch or a special event, trapeze cut dresses offer versatility and ease, effortlessly transitioning from day to night with the right accessories. Pair them with sandals or sneakers for a laid-back daytime look or dress them up with heels and statement jewelry for a more polished ensemble.
Tunic Tops with Leggings
Tunic tops paired with leggings make for a comfortable option for everyday wear when pregnant. The loose and flowy silhouette of tunic tops provides enough room to accommodate a growing baby bump while offering coverage and comfort. Paired with stretchy and supportive leggings, this ensemble allows for ease of movement and flexibility. Tunic tops come in a variety of styles, from casual to more polished, allowing pregnant ladies to express their personal style while staying comfortable. Whether running errands, attending prenatal appointments, or meeting friends for lunch, tunic tops with leggings offer a versatile and practical outfit choice that can easily be dressed up or down with the right accessories.
Flowy Drop-Waist Dresses
There’s something I need to clarify right off the bat with this style. There are many form-fitted style drop waist dresses, which will not be helpful in this scenario. You need to specifically look for flowy versions of this drop-waist style, which might require just a little bit more browsing while shopping. Featuring a relaxed fit that skims over the belly and hips, these dresses offer plenty of room for a growing bump while providing a flattering silhouette.
Empire Waist Dresses
Calling all Bridgerton fans! Empire waisted dresses are having a moment in modern day, despite the fact that they were originally in fashion hundreds of years ago. With their high waistline sitting just below the bust, these dresses cleverly draw attention away from the midsection. The empire waist design creates a flattering silhouette that emphasizes the slimmest part of the body, providing both comfort and style during pregnancy. The flowing, A-line skirt drapes elegantly over the belly, allowing for freedom of movement and ensuring a comfortable fit throughout the trimesters. Whether you’re attending a baby shower, a casual outing, or a formal event, empire waist dresses offer versatility and sophistication for any occasion.
High-Waisted Midi Skirts
In the early weeks of pregnancy, you may be able to get away with wearing a high-waisted midi skirt paired with a cute top. With the waistband sitting comfortably above the belly, these skirts provide discreet coverage without revealing a growing bump. Adding layers with lightweight cardigans, boxy or ruffled tops and button-down shirts can also help distract from a baby bump.
Fall and Winter First and Second Trimester Outfits
Now we go from easy and breezy outfits, to focusing on warm and covering up. During these cooler seasons, layering becomes key to adapting to fluctuating temperatures and accommodating a growing baby bump. I have listed below all the cold weather non-maternity clothes that you can get away with during the first trimester. Once you’ve made it past the 12 week mark, you may have to consider investing in maternity leggings and jeans to keep your legs warm on extra cold days.
Overalls
Overalls are a godsend for prego mamas navigating maternity dressing. I mean, I’m a sucker for overalls even when not pregnant, but I especially appreciate the looser waistband and adjustable straps when my body is expanding. The roomy-fitting design allows for plenty of slack to move and ensures a comfortable fit throughout the trimesters. Additionally, the high waistline of many overalls provides gentle support for the belly, alleviating discomfort or pressure. Paired with a cozy sweater and boots and voila! You’re fall and pumpkin patch ready!
Corduroy or Denim Jumper Dresses
Paired with a cozy sweater or long-sleeved turtleneck top underneath, corduroy or denim jumper dresses offer a stylish and practical option for cooler weather. These dresses are usually cut without a waist, so they can easily hide a tummy. They usually come in denim or quintessentially autumn colors like brown, orange, burgundy red or black. Embrace all the cozy vibes of the season in comfort.
Sweater Dresses with Leggings
A sweater dress can either hide your belly, or accentuate it, depending on the cut you choose. Throwing on an oversized sweater dress with a pair of leggings underneath can be a quick and easy way to get dressed on cold winter days. For those days when you want to embrace those cold winter cozy hygge vibes, a favorite sweater dress can really do the trick.
Oversized Plaid Tops with Leggings or Maternity Jeans
The fall season is not complete without some cozy flannel plaid tops. They are so versatile because they can be layered over basic t-shirts and tops, which adds to your baby bump coverage. Pair your flannel button-down shirt with leggings or maternity jeans for easy dressing.
Structured Blazers, Jackets and Ponchos
Last but not least, you will probably have to wear a warm coat or jacket during the coldest months of the year. This extra layer can really be essential if you are truly trying to hide a pregnancy. Finish your outfit with that final touch, plus it can feel like a little bit of armor hiding your secret. Whether you opt for a classic blazer for the office, a trendy jacket for weekend outings, or a cozy poncho for chilly days, structured outerwear pieces are essential staples for any expectant mother’s wardrobe.
Check back to Surrogacy Mama for additional pregnancy fashion tips, including how to flatter your figure and dress to impress in the second trimester!
