A guide to buying maternity workout clothes

Weight gain during pregnancy is perhaps one of the most daunting aspects of having a baby. The best ways to adapt to your body’s ever-changing shape and expanding waist line is through maintaining an active lifestyle during those erratic nine months. This guide sheds some light on the best places to shop for stylish, supportive and comfortable sportswear that will see you right through to your baby’s birth and beyond.

Keeping active

Everything from taking yoga classes, swimming and even taking a walk all contribute to a healthy and active pregnancy. They provide a long list of benefits for both the mother and her baby. Keeping fit and active during pregnancy can help you to cope with the modest task of giving birth and the even greater task of getting back into shape, once your baby is born. Retailers There are many top fashion retailers such as Next, Marks & Spencer and even trend-setting Topshop which boast stylish collections comprising of practical and comfortable basics such as maternity leggings, tracksuits and vests. They are all ideal for exercising during pregnancy. The internet is also the hotspot for stylish sportswear with built-in bump support.

Style and comfort

When picking out maternity workout clothes, a great place to start is with a supportive bra. Both in-store and online, Mothercare has an extensive range of maternity lingerie at modest prices, (£16 - £30, Mothercare.com). The most extensive range of maternity sportswear can be found at Sportybump.co.uk, (£15 - £22 average prices), whose collection comprises of everything from sports tops to under the bump capris with designs to suit all shapes and sizes. Celebrity endorsements, online size guide and convenient delivery options make this site a go-to point for exercise wear before and after birth. Crave Maternity also offer a dedicated section of their maternity collection to fitness and well-being with specially designed workout pants and shorts. Crave Maternity Quickly and efficiently, Crave Maternity will ship your order within 24 hours and offer free delivery for all orders over £50. (Items £30 - £38, Cravematernity.co.uk). One of the most effective and relaxing exercises suitable for pregnant women is swimming. Luckily for mums-to-be, there is a wide range of maternity swimwear available on the market. One of the best and well-known retailers for understanding women’s shapes is Figleaves who boast an extensive range of maternity swimwear with as much emphasis on style as substance. Both flattering and supportive, the collection offers something for all tastes (£30 - £60, Figleaves.co.uk). With an abundance of stylish sportswear available, looking like a yummy mummy both during and after the birth of your little one, should prove to be a walk in the park - literally.