Here’s why pregnant women should avoid tight-fitting clothes
Maternal health experts have decried the rate at which pregnant women wear tight-fitting clothes, especially among young mothers, warning that it could impact pregnancy outcomes.
According to them, putting on tight clothes during pregnancy subjects the woman to unnecessary pressure and could lead to premature contraction.
The experts disclosed that wearing tight clothes during pregnancy could also restrict the free movement of the baby in the womb.
A Lagos-based midwife, Ijeoma Igim, speaking during an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, said a pregnant woman wearing tight clothes could be under undue pressure.
Igim said many pregnant women nowadays put on clothes that made them uncomfortable all in the name of fashion without considering the possible health risk.
She explained, “We now see a lot of pregnant women during our antenatal clinics who are wearing tight jeans and tight-fitting clothes. For some of them, the jeans will be so tight on their waist that it can affect the free movement of the baby in the womb. Babies in the womb need to exercise liberty and not be restricted.
“ But what we are seeing is worrisome, especially among women in their 20s. We have been advising them to wear free clothes that will allow the baby to relax but some of them refused.
“Some prefer wearing small skirts and blouses that reveal their whole body. Some of them are so tight to the point that when the baby is moving, you will be seeing the reflection on the cloth.”
The midwife noted that some of the complaints by some young pregnant women under their abdomen could have a link with the wearing of tight jeans.
“A pregnant woman wearing tight clothes cannot be free. Even, the way some of them sit when they come for antenatal, you will know that they are not free.
“Tight clothes put them under pressure and pressure is not good in pregnancy because it causes stress. A pregnant woman needs a breeze, now if she is under pressure, this can increase the rate of vomiting for those vomiting. Also, wearing tight clothes can lead to premature contraction.”
Counselling young pregnant women, Igim said, “The right thing to do is that, immediately you find out that you are pregnant, you prepare your mind to leave your old clothes until you deliver.
“Pregnant women should desist from wearing tight clothes, especially young mothers. Some will say, my husband likes it. But they have to consider the health of their babies.”
The American Pregnancy Association suggests that the effect of wearing tight, unbreathable clothing is increased vaginal yeast infections.
“Pregnant women experience an increase in vaginal secretions during pregnancy. This, combined with tight underwear, can create the perfect environment to allow yeast that naturally occurs in the vagina to overproduce and cause an infection”, the association said.
A 2015 study published online by the National Institutes of Health notes that a woman’s body undergoes many changes due to hormonal effects during pregnancy to support the uterus.
“Hormonal activity loosens up ligaments and increases the capacity of the chest and abdominal cavity. The wearing of tight clothes can therefore interfere with these physical changes and cause discomfort. Constipation is one of the most common minor problems experienced by pregnant women and tight clothing may further aggravate this condition”, the study says.
Also, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Meenakshi Ahuja, says though there is no study that specifies that wearing jeans during pregnancy is harmful to a mother or baby, it is wise to avoid wearing anything too tight as it might hinder blood circulation.
“ Blood circulation is essential for the mother and baby. Wearing a tight belt can also affect blood circulation. During the second and third trimesters, the baby bump becomes very prominent. And this is the time when most women prefer wearing tight jeans to hide the baby bump, which is not advisable.”, the gynaecologist said.
