If the good news is around the corner and you want to celebrate this time of your life with a new set of clothes to fit your grown-up belly, be a little careful with what you want to buy. It’s important to understand that that the clothes should take the shape of the person’s body and not vice-versa during this tiring period, says the celebrity fashion designer Rachel J Amirtharaj.

Amirtharaj, who is a mother herself and has recently delivered twins, says that during pregnancy, the body goes through many physical changes hence the pre-pregnancy clothes are impossible to fit in.

She suggests ways to deal with the maternity closet for the next nine months.

“During the first trimester, there won’t be many changes so one can wear the outfits they own already but during the second and third trimester, the outfits are to be carefully picked. One can wear tight pants but it might cause problems for the woman wearing them. When you wear tight pants while pregnant, you put yourself at risk for a condition called Meralgia paresthetica . So comfort clothing is preferred,” she told Opoyi.

She insists on wearing clothes that provide ample support to your growing belly.

“You can choose from a range of maternity tops and bottoms that provide support to the baby bump. Invest in these, and team them up with tank tops or tunics. You can wear clothes that have elastics, but make sure they aren’t too tight. You can also wear your pre-pregnancy skirts but this time as a high waist option it fits and gives a very stylish look,” said Amirtharaj who is also the founder of the designer brand La Fantaisie

Layering is also helpful to stay casual and carefree yet elegant when you are outdoors.

Maternity jeans could also be embraced, which frankly are way more comfortable than regular jean. If you buy anything, make sure It can grow with you. There could always be some bump-friendly outfits in your existing wardrobe. Explore them before investing for new ones. A-line dresses are the best along with the empire dresses,” she said.

And what if you are planning to attend some celebration time or wedding?

“For this festive time wearing a high waisted plain pleated skirt with a cropped choli and a cape will make it stylish as well as comfortable, which is more important. For a Mehandi, a floor-length mirror work Anarkali will do wonders! For a smaller gathering a garara suit with short kurta with ur belly in place is so beautiful as well as light-weighted,”designer Miku Kumar told Opoyi.

Right footwear also plays an important role in keeping your safe.

“When it comes to footwear try and wear flat sneakers that give good support because you are already dealing with swollen legs and feet by this time. When I was pregnant it was all about practicality now that I’m the mother of two little ones that I’m constantly running after—I love to pair sneakers with dresses, and after wearing sneakers a lot during my pregnancies, I’m now even a bit sneaker-obsessed,” said Amirtharaj