Wearing Shapewear While Pregnant: Top Tips

Can you wear shapewear while pregnant? Luckily for those who swear by the slimming and confidence-boosting effects of shapewear, you can still wear these garments during pregnancy. Shapewear can continue to support your figure and posture as your baby grows, but you do have to be mindful of a few things. Here are some top tips and things to avoid if you choose to wear shapewear while pregnant.

Choose Maternity Shapewear

If you want pregnancy-appropriate shapewear, your best option is to buy maternity shapewear for this period of time. This is the most comfortable shapewear you can buy, and it offers just the right amount of compression and support to mold to your growing body without being restrictive or harmful. You may already have shapewear that still fits you, but if you’re searching for the perfect shapewear while pregnant, look no further than maternity shapewear.

Avoid High Compression

One thing you definitely want to avoid is high compression shapewear, so if your current shapewear fits this description, you should stop wearing it for the duration of your pregnancy. High compression shapewear isn’t good for pregnant women because it can be too restrictive and uncomfortable. Pregnancy is already a very difficult and taxing process, so it’s never a good idea to increase your discomfort voluntarily. 

Instead, you should opt for low and medium compression shapewear that can offer support without being too tight or restrictive. These types of shapewear are still fantastic for a wide range of activities due to their comfort and flexibility, including both relaxing around the house and being more active outdoors.

Avoid Tight Shapewear

Similarly, you should avoid any shapewear that’s too tight, as it can irritate your skin and not give your body the extra space it needs. In particular, you should never wear shapewear that’s too tight around the crotch area during pregnancy, as pregnant women can be more susceptible to yeast infections and general irritation in this area. Another tip is to find shapewear with a cotton panel over the crotch, as this material is more breathable and can reduce the risk of irritation.

Never Wear Waist Trainers

Waist trainers are extremely popular among women who want to sculpt their stomach and create an hourglass figure. If you love wearing a waist trainer, you may be tempted to wear one during pregnancy to try and maintain your figure, but this is never a good idea. Too much compression in this area can squeeze your internal organs and abdominal muscles, which is particularly bad for pregnant women. In addition, waist trainers can restrict your mobility and your breathing capacity, so they can be very harmful to your health during pregnancy.

Although you can safely wear shapewear during pregnancy, you need to follow a few guidelines to make sure that you’re keeping your baby and yourself healthy. Remember to always avoid high compression shapewear, tight shapewear, and waist trainers while pregnant, and for the most comfort, consider opting for maternity shapewear during this period.