Everyone says that when you're pregnant you look beautiful and no one is judging your weight gain. I always thought so before, until it was me. But now that it is and I will be my largest in the summer, I'm feeling more bloaty and blobby than beautiful. The thought of wearing a swimsuit in public at this stage fills me with horror. 

Thankfully, after doing a little research I've found some pieces I think would not only be less embarrassing to wear, they might actually be flattering!


Motherhood Halter Maternity One Piece Swimsuit (C$39.98)
Though the bracelet pictured on the model finishes this look off perfectly, I will not be wearing jewelry to the beach and I doubt you will either. However, the gingham pattern is adorable and the checks are small enough that it has a minimizing effect.

Thyme Maternity Halter Bikini (C$69.00)
If you are comfortable baring your bump, this cute little number will provide support for both top and bottom.  No wardrobe malfunctions to worry about!

Joe Fresh Print Tankini Top (C$19.00) and Bottom (C$12.00)
This is not a maternity suit, but the stretchy material and length of these tops can work if you go up a size (or more). Or if you are carrying small, you may find you can still wear your normal size.


Maternity One Piece Halter Swimsuit (C$88.00)
Not only is black and white classic, if you have a small to medium bust you can still get away with skinnier straps during pregnancy. 

Motherhood Decorative Trim Maternity Tankini Swimsuit (C$34.98)
The paisley print looks really cute with a belly and the strap around the neck adds a hint of sexy.

Of course it's easy for the models to look amazing in these suits but you can't argue the cute factor, agreed?  The simplicity of the styles and the lack of unnecessary ruffles or ruching are a good way to go unless your aim is to draw attention to the extra cellulite and/or stretch marks that often accompany pregnancy.


Motherhood Beaded Detail Maternity Swim Top (C$34.98) and Bottom (C$24.98)
Black is still the best way to minimize weight gain. I think this would be great in another colour if you can find it, but you can't go wrong with basic black.

H&M Bandeau Bikini (C$29.95)
This is not a pregnancy swimsuit, but you can certainly pull it off if you are comfortable baring your belly. The top has cup support and the wider bottoms will make you feel less exposed than the itty-bitty bottoms that often go with bikinis. An added bonus is this is something you can wear again!

A Pea in the Pod Side Ruched Maternity Tankini (US$79.00)
Normally I advise against boob circles and side ties at the hips, but I think this one is the exception. The 'boob circle' or 'cleavage peephole' can look really bad if you have too much or too little up there. However if you have just the right amount it can be sexy. What makes the ties at the hips work here is that they aren't too thick and don't stick out at the sides. It's subtle and that's what you want.


A Pea in the Pod Twist Front Maternity Tankini Swimsuit (US$89.00)
The twist at the bust draws the eye upward, away from the hips and again, there are the polka dots but more subtle in soft grey.

Maternity Tankini Swimsuit (C$88.00)
For some reason a lot of maternity swimsuit manufacturers like to put pregnant women in polka dots. Not that we object, though this model is clearly not expecting, you know you'd look adorable in this!

Now all that's left is facing the dreaded changing room lighting. Don't be afraid, you can do it!

Which of these styles would you be most likely to wear?