3 Maternity Support Wear I Wish I Had Earlier In My Pregnancy

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Full disclosure: I was already in my third trimester of my second pregnancy when I finally decided I need to buy new maternity clothes. I had kept the old ones from my first pregnancy and brought them out, of course, to save money especially since I will be delivering my second baby via the more expensive Caesarean section. I wanted to buy new ones not to look fashionable or pretty, but to find those that could support my growing bump. 

So I finally took the time to shop and try out different brands of maternity leggings and shorts. While I wanted to choose the ones that best "supported" my belly, after wearing them for several times, I realized every pregnant woman deserves to have at least one of each of these in her closet. 

3 maternity leggings, shorts every pregnant woman should have

1. MAMA Leggings, H&M, Php 899

This pair of leggings is a must-have for any pregnant mama. It's made of soft and breathable material, composed of 53% cotton, 43% viscose, and 4% elastane.

I love wearing these leggings with a loose or long top, or even with a short dress. These can be your everyday leggings; I wear them during school pick-ups and drop-offs, or when I need to go out for a prenatal check-up.

They're affordably priced at Php 899 each, so I suggest buying at least two when you shop. Just make sure to try them on so you get the best fit for you. The wide panel at the waist that is super stretchy, and it still fits and supports my growing bump even at almost 36 weeks.

Available in-store or on H&M's website

2. Maternity Lift and Support Leggings by Carry-on Baby, Php 1,890

I found this product on Instagram, and I must say it's one of the best baby shower gifts you can give an expecting mom. Carry-on Baby is owned by a Filipina mompreneur, and their bestselling product is the Maternity Lift and Support Leggings.

Noelle Duñgo, the proprietor of Carry-on Baby, told Smart Parenting, "It’s not just regular maternity leggings; it has built-in and integrated bump support to relieve, reduce, or prevent pregnancy-related aches."

What makes these different from H&M's MAMA Leggings is that they're made of thicker yet stretchy nylon/spandex material that can support and lift your bump. The leggings reach your ankles, providing a snug fit and comfortable compression to improve blood circulation and prevent varicose veins.

I love wearing these with a loose top or a short dress when I'm out running errands, like getting groceries or dining out. 

They're priced at Php 1,890 each, but I recommend having at least one pair of this in your closet throughout your pregnancy. Carry-on Baby also offers Maternity Lift & Support shorts, tank tops, and even a dress!

Buy it on Shopee or on Lazada.

3. Bump Ease Maternity Shorts, MommaBare, Php 749

While doomscrolling on Facebook because acid reflux and my baby's kicks wouldn't let me sleep, I stumbled upon an ad for MommaBare. It's a new brand owned by a Filipina mama who recently gave birth, and they have these maternity shorts that I wish I had known about earlier in my pregnancy.

Like the maternity leggings, these shorts are designed to support the growing bump. What I love about them is that you can wear them even without underwear! They can be worn at home or under a long dress. 

Atty. Cyndy dela Cruz-de los Santos, the proprietor of MommaBare, shared with Smart Parenting that she just delivered her baby last June. She mentioned that these maternity shorts can still be worn postpartum. 

"After birth, while your tummy is still big, you can wear these as sleep shorts above your postpartum diaper to give your tummy a break from compression wear during the day," she explained.

Ever since I tried these maternity shorts, I wished I had 10 pairs in my closet! They're so comfy and breathable, and they provide the support and lift to my belly so I can walk and move comfortably.

They're priced at Php 749 each, which I believe is worth it for the comfort it gives, and come in beige or black. MommaBare also offers Bare and Free Seamless Bras for pregnant women and other postpartum products, like Bounce Forward Panty and an Ultra Compression Shorts.

Order on Facebook or on Instagram

Final word: Don't scrimp on yourself, mama

One thing I've learned during this pregnancy is that I deserve to have quality and comfortable things, like maternity support wear. Pregnancy is comparable to an Olympic sport, and this season demands a lot from a mom. We need to have the best attires and gears, too!

These three maternity support wear are just some of the essentials I believe every pregnant mom should invest in for herself (or include in her baby shower wishlist). While it's imperative to save up for childbirth costs and baby gears, our comfort as the baby carriers should never be compromised. 

So, go ahead and add these to your carts, mama! You're welcome, and you're so worth it!