I still remember the excitement of seeing those two blue lines. My heart was racing. What is my next move? I was already imagining the tiny kicks, baby snuggles, and the little person who was about to change our lives. I knew this baby was a girl from day one, and I was beyond excited.
At first, not much felt different other than being extremely tired and nauseous. Well that nausea didn’t go away for my whole pregnancy. “It will get better,” they say. NO, it didn’t. Not for me.
Around 17 weeks, my baby bump started showing. I loved it. I was so proud of my little bump! But then, at the same time, nothing fit. My favorite jeans would not button up. Dresses would have a seam line at the worst place. It cut right across my belly. It was time for some new clothes. Something more comfortable, but still on trend.
I learned quickly learned over the next few weeks that my body changed so fast during pregnancy. I am talking from top to bottom. Even my feet changed size.
And honestly, I did not want to spend a fortune on everyday clothes I would only wear for a short time. I did, however, splurge a little on the occasional outfit for special events.
That is when I discovered how amazing thrift stores can be for my maternity clothes. I was able to buy a few pieces at a time as my body grew, without spending a ton of money. It took a little pressure off and allowed me to still feel cute and comfortable during every stage of pregnancy.
👶 Looking for a new mom group? They saved me! 👶
Whether you want to save money or splurge on a few staple pieces, there are so many great places to shop so you can still feel like yourself and look fabulous while showcasing your sweet bump. Here are some of my favorite places to buy maternity clothes.
Local Stores
Once Upon a Child
Four locations around the metro.
One of my absolute favorite places to shop during pregnancy was Once Upon A Child. Most people think of it for baby and kids’ clothes, but many locations also have a maternity section. And while you are at it, you can find a few items for your baby. They have anything from the cutest baby booties to onesies and outfits.
This was one of my go-to spots because the prices are so affordable. They often have discounted days and $1 onesie days.
Uptown Cheapskate
Five locations around the metro.
Uptown Cheapskate is another hidden gem. They carry gently used, trendy, branded clothing. I was surprised by how many bump-friendly pieces I found there. Even when I did not find specific maternity items, I found flowy dresses, oversized sweaters, and a few stretchy pieces that worked perfectly with my growing bump. It was a great way of staying on trend without paying the full retail price.
Goodwill
Search for the location closest to you.
Goodwill can be a hit or miss. They do not have a designated maternity section. Instead, everything is just mixed in with the other items. So if you have the time, you can find some great items, but it will take some browsing through all the aisles. I did find a great pair of jean shorts with the maternity elastic waist that I was able to wear my whole pregnancy and postpartum.
Just Between Friends
This is a huge consignment event that happens biannually at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds. They have gently used maternity clothing, baby items, toys, and even strollers. Follow them to keep up to date with the next event.
National Chains and Online Stores
Pink Blush Maternity
Pink Blush Maternity is great if you have a baby shower, maternity photos, or a special event; they have the most beautiful options.
Their dresses are designed to highlight your bump in the most flattering way. This is where I found pieces that made me feel truly beautiful and confident during pregnancy. It is more of a splurge, but work it for those special moments.
Target
You can never go wrong with Target. Their maternity section is cute, comfortable, and affordable. I would definitely recommend buying here if you know you are going to have more pregnancies.
Their maternity jeans were some of my favorites. They have great basics like tanks, leggings, or casual dresses. They often have sales on selected items, and if I do my girl math, you can get a nice Starbucks with those savings in store. It’s a win-win.
Old Navy
Old Navy is often overlooked when it comes to maternity clothes, but they actually make some of the most comfortable and flattering clothes that are often on sale. Some weeks, I lived in my maternity leggings. They were perfect for every day. Especially when you get to the point where everything hurts.
Ross Dress for Less
Ross had some amazing items for expectant mothers, from jeans and leggings to dresses. I got a beautiful white dress with soft blush flowers to wear for my birthday. I got so many compliments. Biggest regret: I did not take one photo that day.
Amazon
Ahhh Amazon. Where would we be without Amazon? I was honestly surprised by how much I loved shopping for maternity clothes on Amazon. The convenience of the fast shipping and easy returns made it so helpful when I suddenly needed something. I found great basics like pajamas and dresses.
My pro tip for Amazon is to always read the reviews. Other moms will be brutally honest and tell you exactly how things fit.
If you like online shopping, here are a few more of my favorites:
Motherhood
Worth Collective
Seraphine
Baltic Born
Pregnancy is such a beautiful, exciting, and sometimes challenging season. Your body is doing something incredible, and you deserve to feel comfortable and confident along the way.
You do not need to spend a fortune to look and feel amazing. Whether you thrift, shop sales, or splurge on a few pieces. There are so many great options.
Because every bump deserves to be celebrated.
