If you can afford to do so, it makes good financial sense to buy your maternity clothing as early as possible in your pregnancy. If you're able to buy the new pieces you need in your first trimester, you'll get the most possible wear out of your entire maternity wardrobe. Buying early also assures that you'll be as comfortable as possible throughout the duration of your pregnancy. It's wonderful to be able to get on with your life without having too-tight clothing hindering your every move. Since that isn't viable for most pregnant women, the next best thing is to buy what you need one trimester at a time.

In your first trimester, there are five pieces worth prioritizing and a bunch more optional items to consider buying. The most important item to pick up at this time is a new bra. Most pregnant women quickly reach a point when their old bras become constricting. If you're far enough along in your pregnancy to have confirmed that you are, indeed, pregnant, your breasts have probably already started to get larger and become tender. If they haven't yet, that's coming soon. Be ready. 

The second thing to shop for is new sleepwear. You'll want to have either a nightgown or a comfortable pair of pajamas that accommodates an ever-expanding waistline. This is an essential purchase. Pregnant women often experience discomfort while trying to sleep. Sleeping will be much less problematic for you if you're dressed comfortably for bed. 

The third thing to buy is a nursing top. No, you won't be nursing until after the baby is born; but if you choose one of the nursing tops that's designed to comfortably accommodate a post-pregnancy belly, it'll also accommodate your tiny, growing baby bump in the early days of your pregnancy. That makes it a smart purchase right now that will also do double-duty for you later.

The fourth thing to buy is a new pair of maternity leggings. Select a pair with enough stretch to ensure comfort even when your baby bump gets much bigger. It's smart to choose a pair of leggings in a go-with-anything color like black, gray or beige. If you want to pick up a couple of pairs of leggings at this time, you could choose a bright or trendy color for the second pair.

The fifth thing to prioritize is a waistband extender for your pants. That way you can continue to wear your usual pants for a little longer.

In your second trimester, maternity clothing is likely to start becoming a much higher priority. If you're planning to continue working through this part of your pregnancy, buy at least two complete career outfits early on in your second trimester. Maternity dresses suit this purpose for many pregnant women. Skirts and tops can also work well if you choose appropriate styles. Buying only two outfits will have you either doing laundry or visiting your dry cleaner every day, so buy more than this if you can afford to.

A pair of new maternity jeans or casual pants and a coordinating top are smart purchases at this time. If you can afford to buy several of each, it's a good idea to do so.

To round out your second trimester purchases, consider buying another maternity bra or perhaps several of them. 

By this point, it's unlikely that you fit into your regular clothing. It's not a good idea to stuff your growing baby bump into clothing that's too small. If you haven't invested much in your maternity wardrobe up until this point, now is the time to buy the remaining pieces you want but are still lacking.

Your third trimester is a good time to stock up on nursing bras, camisoles and tops. After giving birth, many new, nursing mothers look back on their past purchases with regret that they didn't buy these items -- especially the nursing tops -- while they were still pregnant. 

Some women find that they need new shoes in the third trimester because their feet or ankles have become swollen. Comfortable shoes are essential at this time; athletic shoes or flat shoes are best. Pregnant women are notoriously clumsy towards the end of their pregnancies. Your center of gravity is way different at this time than what you're used to, and even simple things like standing up can be challenging. There's no sense in complicating these issues with high heels.

Shopping online is a convenient way to pick up the wardrobe essentials you need most. Wondering which store sells the maternity clothes Canada residents find most desirable? Grace Maternity Clothes is Canada's top source of stylish maternity clothing online. Check out our online store to find lovely maternity dresses, comfortable pajamas, flattering nursing tops, fabulous accessories and all the other exciting wardrobe-builders you'll need at every stage of your pregnancy.