Maternity size guide

try these on for size:
what to buy and finding the perfect fit

As you'd expect, your body is going to change shape in all sorts of amazing ways during your pregnancy, and this is absolutely something to embrace and enjoy.

We understand that all women (and their bumps) are different so our maternity wear is designed to include all sorts of clever little features that will give you a flawless fit at each and every stage of your pregnancy and after your little bundle of joy is born. Our handy guide will help you understand how to measure for a bra and other pieces of maternity wear, as well as advise you on when and what to buy.

maternity clothing sizes: how do they work?

The short answer is “the same as standard clothing sizes”. If you were a size 8 before you became pregnant, then you’ll fit into a size 8 maternity garment. Likewise, if you were a size medium, any medium item of maternity wear should fit you.

pregnant woman wearing maternity lingerie holding her bump

measuring: how to do it

When you’re buying maternity or nursing bras, you should be fitted by one of our bra fit specialists in store for the perfect fit.

You should be measured in not one, not two, but three places when you're figuring out your size for maternity clothes. You can probably guess exactly where:

your bust – take a tape measure and measure around your bust at the fullest point
your waist/bump circumference – do the same for your waist at its fullest point
your lower hip – measure your lower hip at the fullest point, around 20cm below your waist

Once you’ve taken your measurements, you can check them against our maternity size guide:

measurements shown are in cm's

measurement types	size converter matrix
uk size	8	10	12	14	16	18	20
european size	36	38	40	42	44	46	48
dual size guide	S		M		L		XL
full bust (pre-pregnancy)	82	87	92	97	102	107	112
full bust	86	91	96	101	106	111	116
dual size bust	86-91		96-101		106-113		111-116
waist (pre-pregnancy)	64.5	69.5	74.5	79.5	84.5	89.5	94.5
bump circumference (early stages - 3rd trimester)	87 - 96	96 - 101	97 - 106	102 - 111	107 - 116	112 - 121	117 - 126
low hip (pre-pregnancy)	93	98	103	108	113	118	123
dual size hip	93 - 98		103 - 108		113 - 118		118 - 123
thigh	52	55	57.5	61	64	67	70

measurements shown are in cm's

inside leg
short	76
regular	81
long	86

mothercare bra band size
inches	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46
cm	70	75	80	85	90	95	100	105

cup size
size	A	B	C	D	DD	E	F	G
inches	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
cm	10 - 12	13 - 15	15 - 17	18 - 20	20 - 22	23 - 25	26 - 28	28 - 30

maternity clothes: when to buy?

Your beautiful bump probably won’t start showing until your second trimester – anytime from week 12 – but our maternity wear is designed to grow with you so there's no harm in planning your maternity wardrobe nice and early, especially as you don't know how much time or energy you'll have for shopping later on in your pregnancy.

Some useful tips to bear in mind:

sizes can vary slightly between brands – if you’re unsure then feel free to ask a member of staff or speak to us online. Our staff can give you all the advice you need
the power of layers – as your hormones get to work, your body temperature may go up and down a few times over the course of the day. Wearing layers means you take clothes off or put more on accordingly, keeping you comfortable
be adventurous – your body is changing, so shapes and styles which you may not have previously considered may be your most flattering fit now!

two pregnant women in fashionable maternity dresses

maternity garments: what to buy

maternity dresses >> a super-stretchy nursing dress is perfect at every stage of your pregnancy and beyond
nursing tops – nursing tops are designed with nursing clips and feature layering for discreet breastfeeding
maternity tops >> crafted with ruching, layers and pleats for your growing bump and can be worn after your little one arrives
maternity jeans >> maternity jeans are specially designed for a sleek look and ultimate comfort with extra stretch which allows them to grow with your bump. They are available in both over the bump and under the bump styles
maternity lingerie >> wire-free bras that are well fitted will give you the right support and are comfortable too. Under the bump briefs are shaped to sit comfortably under your growing bump. Made from soft fabrics, choose from mum to be, nursing and sleep ranges
maternity hosiery - with a special tummy panel that expands and grows with your bump for a comfortable fit
maternity nightwear >> made from cotton rich fabrics to keep your body temperature regulated and designed to fit you during and after your pregnancy. All our nightwear is designed with easy feeding in mind and can be worn during and after pregnancy

Mothercare & Early Learning Centre has over 50 years experience in all baby related products, from Prams and Pushchairs to Maternity Clothes ,Baby Clothes and Toys. With this experience comes a wealth of parenting and pregnancy advice, all of which we love to share with you. So whether you need inspiration for your nursery ,are stuck on which of our car seats to choose from, don't know what clothes to buy for your baby or even what toys to select we know we have the expertise and information to help you make these important choices. We hope you find what you are looking for and enjoy your time on mothercare.ro

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