Maternity & Nursing Guide
It's important to find clothing that gives additional room for growth in the areas that you'll need it most with a constantly changing body during pregnancy. Here is a complete guide for everything available for expecting and nursing mothers.
Comfort & Support
Maternity Clothes
Comfort is extremely important for both mom and the growing baby. Exdup has a large selection of many of your favorite styles and looks with added maternity features to help along your pregnancy and postpartum.
How to Measure
When pregnant, sizes will typically reflect your pre-pregnancy size but it's still important to accurately measure to find the correct size as you move through a pregnancy. Here is how you will need to measure maternity clothing.
1. Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust while wearing a well-fitting bra. Keep the measuring tape snug but not too tight.
2. Rib Cage
Measure around your ribcage, just below your bust. This helps determine the band size for bras or tops with a built-in bra.
3. Waist
Measure around your natural waistline, typically the narrowest part of your torso, going around the belly button and below your ribcage.
4. Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Ensure the measuring tape is even or parallel to the floor.
5. Inseam
For pants, measure from the top of the groin to the bottom of the leg or where you want the pants to end.
6. Length
For dresses and tops, measure from the highest point of your shoulder straight down to where you want the dress or top to end.
Maternity Tops
It's important that you are able to maintain a familiar style and your unique look throughout the pregnancy. Clothing should feel comfortable and maternity tops help maintain your flattering figure without sacrificing your comfort. Here are some of the popular tops for expecting mothers.
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Types of Tops
Maternity tops are made in all the same great styles and fashions that you're used to in your everyday waredrobe. Here are some of the most popular styles to pick from and what makes the maternity collection unique.
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3/4 Sleeve
Sleeves length falls between the elbow and wrist with added material in the belly.
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Long Sleeve
Full length sleeve and a relaxed fit to comfortably accommodate a growing belly.
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Short Sleeve
Typically a thinner shirt with sleeves between the shoulder and elbow and relaxed fit in the belly.
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Sleeveless
Made of thinner materials for warmer weather and without sleeves for unrestricted movement.
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Active
Designed for pregnant women with more active lifestyles. Great for physical activities, yoga and sports.
Added Maternity Features
Maternity clothing combines multiple features that accommodate a changing body in more ways than just a growing belly area. Here are all of the added features that make maternity clothing unique.
EXTRA PANELING FOR BELLY
Additional material that provides added flexibility and support for the belly area as it grows.
SIDE PANELS
Added material from the underarm to the hem to provide room for an expanded bust and belly.
BACK PANELS
Designed to provide more support and coverage in the back area.
GATHERS ON SIDES
Allows fabric to stretch to accommodate a growing belly and provides a flattering silhouette.
BREATHABLE MATERIALS
Helps prevent overheating to ensure comfort and temperature regulation for expecting mothers.
NURSING
Discreet openings or panels to allow easy access for nursing mothers or when pumping.
Maternity Bottoms
Pregnancy bottoms are important to not only allow for room to grow but help support the belly by adapting to the changing body. The added support also helps take off the pressure from your back and allows for free movement for you and your baby.
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Pant Types
Maternity pants come in two very different styles that each offer a different type of support. Throughout the course of a pregnancy and depending on your changing body, you'll find both offer different fit and feel.
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Over the Bump
Feature a stretch panel that extends over the belly button to accommodate and support a growing bump.
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Under the Bump
Feature a lower-rise waistband that sits below the belly to provide comfort and support for the bump.
Types of Bottoms
Pregnancy bottoms are designed specifically to adapt to your changing body with features that support your growing belly in all your favorite cuts and styles. Here are the most popular styles available.
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Leggings
Necessity in every wardrobe for pregnant women due to the extreme comfort and versatility.
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Wide Leg
Has a wider leg opening that starts at the hip and extends down to the ankle to allow for more movement and airflow.
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Jeggings
Combines the comfort of jeggings with the support of an extended waistband to help with a growing bump.
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Straight
Features a straight or even cut from the waistline down to the ankles with added stretch waistband.
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Skinny
Stylish, more form-fitting style with a slim and tapered leg design that hugs the body from the waist down.
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Bootcut
Includes a stretch waistband that allows for a growing belly and a slightly flared leg opening that widens at the knee.
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Flare
Timeless look with a flared leg that widens out starting at the knee and down through the ankle.
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Boyfriend
Loose and slouchy fit of a traditional style of jeans, these maternity pants are more relaxed from the hips to thighs.
Length
Jeans are available in three different cuts or lengths of the bottom hem. From cropped and capris down to ankle cut jeans, here are the different options to pick from in maternity jeans.
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Ankle
Hem ends just above the ankle and provides a modern and versatile silhouette.
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Cropped
Designed to have the hem end at or just above the ankle.
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Capri
A style of pants that end mid-calf or just below the knee.
Maternity Dresses & Skirts
The familiar styles of dresses and skirts are also available in maternity clothing. You shouldn't have to sacrifice style for comfort. Here are the most popular maternity options to pick from that range from fun and feminine to dressed up or professional.
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Faux Wrap Dress
Inspired by the look of a traditional wrap dress with a cross-over front, but is designed to accommodate a growing belly.
Fit & Flare Dress
Style with a fitted bodice that hugs the body from the bust through the waist then flares out to a wider, fuller skirt.
Jumpsuit & Romper
A one-piece outfit that features a top connected to the bottom. A jumpsuit has full length bottoms and a romper has shorts.
Maxi Dress
Typically extends to the floor or ankle and often features an empire waistline that sits below the bust allowing the fabric to drape over the belly.
Midi Dress
Falls between the knee and ankle and comes in a wide variety of styles from A-line, wrap and flowy design.
Bodycon Dress
A more comfortable option that helps accentuate a baby bump while still providing a sleek and sophisticated look.
Shirt Dress
These typically have a flowing silhouette that accommodates a growing belly.
Sweater Dress
Typically made from soft and stretchy knit materials for a warm and cozy feel that offers comfort and flexibility for a growing belly.
Skater Dress
A fun and flowy option for expecting mothers that includes fitted bodice and a flared skirt.
Skirts & Skorts
These come in a variety of styles, lengths and materials. Skorts have attached shorts underneath.
Maternity Sleepwear
Getting a full-night's rest is very important during all phases of pregnancy and you'll want to find sleepwear that feels comfortable to promote restful sleep.
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Types of Sleepwear
Temperature regulation at night is very important while pregnant. You'll find some nights you run cooler and other nights you may need added coverage to help stay warm. It's good to have a wide range to choose from to always help keep you comfortable.
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Sets
Available in 2-piece sets with a top and bottom, or 3-piece sets with top, bottom and robe.
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Nursing
Designed for moms to wear at night to provide easy access to pump or feed without the need to undress.
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Long Sleeve Tops
Provides extra warmth and coverage for those that run colder or like to be warmer when sleeping.
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Short Sleeve Tops
Perfect for warmer months or those that like to be more cool while sleeping.
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Sleepshirts
Designed with a relaxed silhouette to accommodate a growing belly and give freedom of movement at night.
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Pajama Pants
Gives comfort and warmth in a wide selection to pick from including over the belly and under the belly.
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Pajama Shorts
Perfect for those that need coverage but run a bit warmer at night and is available in varying waistline options.
Fabric & Construction of Sleepwear
Different materials or the construction of maternity sleepwear offer various benefits. Your construction preference may change from what you typically wear or depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Satin
Smooth and silky texture that feels luxurious and soft on the skin.
Lace
Includes an intricate and delicate design and texture.
Cotton
Comfortable and durable fabric with breathability.
1. Satin
Smooth and silky texture that feels luxurious and soft on the skin.
2. Lace
Includes an intricate and delicate design and texture.
3. Cotton
Comfortable and durable fabric with breathability.
Maternity Intimates
Your confidence and comfort along the pregnancy and postpartum journey is extremely important. Maternity intimates can help maintain both of those for you during and after a pregnancy. If you are nursing your baby, you'll want to look at nursing options that allow for easy access.
Features for Nursing Mothers
If you are nursing your baby, you'll need nursing bras that allow for easy access for pumping or for skin to skin contact that don't require you to remove any garments.
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Clips
Designed to open up with one hand while securely holding the cup in place when not in use.
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Pull Downs
Can be pulled down or to the side to allow for skin-to-skin contact with the baby while nursing.
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Dual Feeding
Accommodates pumping and feeding to allow moms to pump without having to hold a pump.
Maternity & Nursing Bras
Your bust will become more full and need additional support and room to grow to keep you comfortable. Nursing bras have flaps, clasps and stretchy fabric for easy access when nursing and are comfortable enough to wear before baby arrives.
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Camisoles
A tank top that includes panels or openings that allow for nursing.
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Pumping
Designed to hold breast pump flanges in place to offer the convenience of hands-free pumping.
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Plunge
Low-cut front design with added nursing clasps or flaps.
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Bralette
Features soft material with easy open clasps or flaps.
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Full Figure
Full coverage cups with wide straps that open with clasps or flaps.
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Balconette
Lower cups that create a horizontal neckline with flaps or clasps for nursing access.
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Racerback
Back design features a Y or T shape with nursing access in the front.
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Sleep
To be worn while sleeping or nursing with easy access for nighttime nursing.
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Underwire
Contains underwire for support and shape while still allowing for easy nursing access.
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Seamless
Designed without seams to minimize rubbing or chafing.
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Full Coverage
Cups that fully cover the breast and include easy open clasps or flaps.
Underwear Types
There are two different types of maternity underwear. One that is typically worn during a pregnancy and another for after the baby arrives. Here are the different types and what makes them unique.
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Over the Belly
Designed with elastic to be gentle on tender skin with an expandable belly panel and helps reduce inner thigh chafing.
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Postpartum
Postpartum recovery is extremely important and you should have underwear that makes you feel comfortable during recovery.
Nursing
Mothers who are nursing their babies will need supplies to help along the way. Here is everything a nursing mother may need to help pump and store milk and keep you comfortable while pumping.
Breast Pumps
There are many different types of pumps to choose from. When selecting a pump, consider how you will be using it such as at home, on-the-go or at the office. Whether you are exclusively pumping or combination feeding, it's important to consider pump options that best suit your needs.
Shop Breast Pumps
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Manual
Operated by a gentle hand motion or squeezing mechanism.
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Electric
Motor helps create a rhythmic sucking motion. These come in single or double pump options.
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Wearable
Used to help pump discreetly when out of the home. These are a hands-free pumping option.
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Hybrid
Combines the ability to pump by hand or use of a motor to give mom the flexibility to pump with what is most comfortable at the time.
Nursing Accessories
From pumping to storage, Exdup has everything you may need for nursing. Find accessories to help at home, at work or out exploring the city with your new little one.
NURSING PILLOWS
Ergonomically shaped pillow that gives elevation and support to provide for physical contact and bonding.
NURSING COVERS
Provides privacy with feeding and is portable and lightweight to take on-the-go.
NURSING PADS
Pads that can be worn inside the bra to absorb any leaks.
STORAGE BAGS
Thin and disposable bags that can be used to store breast milk in the fridge or freezer.
STORAGE BOTTLES
Reusable bottles for long term storage of breast milk in a fridge or freezer.
STORAGE TRAYS
Compartment trays that allow for breast milk to be stored in portion sizes.
