Stretchy clothes are perfect for pregnancy
TRUE... and FALSE
Fabrics containing elastane offer numerous advantages: they are stretchy and adapt to changes in the body shape. They are soft to the touch and comfortable. As for care, they are machine washable, quick-drying, and require no ironing.
However, their elasticity has its limits! Indeed, if stretched too tightly, a garment, even one containing elastane, will eventually become constricting. Beyond the discomfort, overly tight pants can impede blood circulation.
Hence the importance of investing in proper maternity clothes.
Synthetic materials promote perspiration
TRUE
Rest assured, being pregnant does not necessarily mean excessive sweating, however, it is true that the body experiences temperature variations that promote sweating.
To avoid this inconvenience, we zoom in on the labels: we rule out synthetic materials like nylon or acrylic which retain perspiration, and we favour natural materials.
Certain "dry" tissues promote the appearance of stretch marks
FAKE
Stretch marks are small tears in the skin's elastic fibers that sometimes occur during pregnancy due to weight gain and hormonal changes. They also depend on individual skin type, but not at all on the clothes one wears.
Applying a special preventative treatment for pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of developing stretch marks.
Organic materials are good for the skin
TRUE
In general, it is good to favour soft and natural materials: linen, silk, cotton, wool.
For ultra-sensitive skin, hypoallergenic fabrics such as organic cotton are recommended, at least for clothing in direct contact with the skin, especially tops.
For all the others, blended fabrics, especially with a little elastane (link to question #1 above), are more comfortable and easier to care for.
You need to wear warm clothes to avoid catching a cold.
FAKE
Of course, pregnancy is a time when it's best to avoid getting sick! But it's also a time when the body experiences frequent temperature fluctuations, including hot flashes. So, rather than putting on a bulky sweater that will be cumbersome all day, we adopt the layering strategy: a tank top, a light sweater, a cardigan...
Compression socks are mandatory.
FAKE
They are recommended to relieve heaviness and pain in the legs for women. For others, the good habit of wearing compression socks for air travel remains, but they are not necessary for everyday use.
If in doubt, consult your doctor, keeping in mind that compression socks and tights are partially reimbursed by health insurance with a prescription. As an added tip, you can also use a leg-lightening gel specifically formulated for maternity.
