Gone are the days when pregnant women are limited to wearing long, shapeless dresses in the name of maternity wear. Thanks to the fashion evolution of the 21st century, there is a variety of gorgeous maternity wears for all shapes and sizes. You don’t have to worry about what to wear to accommodate your growing baby bump, especially if you’re used to wearing those tight jeans, shorts and pencil skirts.
However, we know that many pregnant Nigerian women are still struggling with what to wear, particularly when they want to go out. You’re probably one of them since you’re reading this article. Don’t worry; we have listed 10 celebrity-style maternity wears that you can try to rock that baby bump.
What is maternity wear?
Collinsdictionary defines maternity wear as clothing worn by a pregnant woman which is designed to allow for the changes in body size which take place during pregnancy. In simple terms, maternity wear is any clothing that a woman can comfortably wear throughout her pregnancy.
The question many ask is if a pregnant woman actually needs maternity wear. Every woman must not change her wardrobe entirely because of her pregnancy. This is especially true for first-time pregnant mothers who already have loose-fitting wear in their wardrobes. Some lucky women may not have huge baby bumps throughout their pregnancy and can manage the wears they already have.
Some may not need maternity wear until their third trimester, while others may need comfort from the get-go. The point is every pregnant woman should be comfortable in her wear to have a less suffocating pregnancy.
Best maternity wears for pregnant women
Naija women, come and see the 10 best maternity wears for pregnant women on our list. I promise you, by the time you’re done reading, you won’t have to worry about what to wear. Oya, let’s go.
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1. The little black dress

Who says the little black dress is limited to women with slim waists? Take a look at Nollywood star, Cha Cha Eke and see that you can never go wrong with this style, even during your pregnancy. The little black dress is an essential piece for any closet, including the maternity closet. If you want to look fab with your baby bump, try this dress. If you can, jazz up your looks with heels or wear some comfortable flats and be on your way.
2. Bold hues

Turn heads in any event by wearing bold colours. A bold-coloured outfit will accentuate your bump and glow your skin. Your confidence will get a major boost, and your mood will be lifted, especially if you have a bad case of mood swings. Yeah, pregnancy can wreck your mood, but a bold-coloured outfit is guaranteed to make you glow and forget everything else.
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3. Ankara maternity wear

Separating Nigerians from ankara is like separating salt from food. It doesn’t work. Ankara is Nigerians’ signature wear. You can make anything with it – suits, trousers, shorts, skirts, tops, and maternity wears. There are numerous maternity styles to choose from. You can make maxi dresses, flowing gowns, off-shoulder, empire waist, trapezium, layered, top and wrapper etc.
4. Flowing gowns

A flowing gown is not just simple and super comfortable; it is classy. You know that maximum comfort you feel when you’re tying only wrapper, a flowing gown will give you that and some additional benefits like looking more stylish and well presented. If you like, you can even hide your baby bump in this breezy look, especially if you’re running from village people.
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5. Plain and pattern

Plain and pattern is a combination of Western and African styles. As in, you get to combine a plain material with an ankara. It’s a perfect style for a pregnant woman who wants to look chic. Just make sure you add enough room to accommodate your bump. You can make the dress long or short, but I personally prefer it short because I want to enjoy the fresh air. Try this style and thank me later.
6. Prints

You can wear prints anywhere, even in your house. Floral prints are usually the best and the most popular. If you’re looking forward to doing a maternity shoot in a natural environment, floral print dresses are the perfect option. Print wears are attention grabbers. You will definitely turn heads and start conversations that will boost your physical and mental energy. And you know a pregnant woman needs a lot of energy.
7. Trousers and tops

There’s no rule that says a pregnant woman must be limited to wearing maternity gowns. You can add comfortable trousers and tops to your collection. Yes, you mustn’t go crazy like Rihanna, but other trouser styles exist to explore. The most important thing is your comfort. You can wear joggers with comfortable T-shirts or jean trousers with stretchy waistbands. You can wear any trousers as long as they have stretchy waistbands to accommodate your baby bump. Trousers and comfortable tops are great wears for pregnant women.
8. Pencil skirts and gowns

Do you know you can rock your baby bump with a pencil skirt or gown? Don’t let anyone deceive you that you’ll look like a suffocated whale. Check out the image above and tell me you don’t want to look like that. Is it comfortable? Of course, as long as you ensure that the waistline is stretchy. You can take things up a notch with heels and accessories or choose comfortable flats that still look sharp.
9. Short-fitted dress

If you want to show that you’ve still got it despite your pregnancy, then a short and fitted dress will do. Show off your bump in all glory, and while at it, show off those great legs too. Let everyone know that being bumplicious is a great feeling.
10. Sleeve T-shirt dress

If you don’t have this one in your wardrobe, my sister, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Hurry and get this fabulous sleeve T-shirt dress. Not only does it show off your bump, but it’s super stretchy to make you feel comfortable. And on top of that, you’ll look absolutely classy like Regina Daniels in the above picture.
Conclusion
There you have it – the best maternity wear, not only for Nigerian women but for women in general. Don’t look dull and unattractive because you’re pregnant. Rock your beautiful bump with any of these maternity wears to enjoy your pregnancy journey.