First trimester basics, from maternity knickers to a birthing ball
In the first twelve weeks there's often no bump to dress yet, but your hips can already be changing, and sitting can start to ache. This page gathers what's useful from early on: maternity knickers that stretch with your hips, birthing balls and the rings that hold them steady, and a pregnancy pillow.
Our Under the Bump Knickers sit low, with a soft crossover waistband that stretches with your hips and rests under the bump, and a three-layer gusset for the extra discharge pregnancy brings. The Maternity Knicker Set adds a high-waisted postpartum pair in the same size, and the Postpartum Knickers here are for after the birth.
A birthing ball is a kinder seat than the sofa when your back or pelvis aches, and it comes with our Pregnancy Book of exercises for each trimester. On a wooden or tiled floor, a stability ring stops it rolling away.
Questions, answered.
When should I switch to maternity knickers?
When your usual knickers start to dig in at the waist or leave marks. There's no set week.
What size maternity knickers should I order?
Use your dress size from before pregnancy with the size guide: S is 6 to 10, M 10 to 14, L 14 to 18 and XL 18 to 22. They come up small, so if you're between two, take the bigger one, and bear in mind that knickers can't be returned once they're opened.
Can I use a birthing ball in the first trimester?
Yes, whenever sitting starts to ache; there's no set week. If you've been told to take things easy, check with your midwife before you start the exercises in the book.
What size birthing ball do I need?
Go by your height. The 65cm suits you up to about 5ft 8 (173cm) and the 75cm from 5ft 10 (178cm), and in between, either works. Once it's inflated, your hips should sit a little higher than your knees with your feet flat on the floor.
Is it too early for a pregnancy pillow?
There's no set time. The Moon Pregnancy Pillow is one long curve for your bump, back and knees, and the NHS advises going to sleep on your side from 28 weeks, which it makes easier to keep up as your bump grows. If your hips or back already ache at night, you may want it sooner, and after the birth it becomes a feeding pillow.
