Congratulations – you’re pregnant! You just got the best news of your life, but you may not be ready to shout it from the rooftops just yet…
We’ve assembled our top tips on how to hide a baby bump at work, out with friends and even from your nearest and dearest before you’re ready to share the news.
1) Maternity workwear
The empire waist is a magic silhouette when it comes to maternity workwear. Empire dresses and tops offer a flattering high waist and glide easily over your figure, or wear a loose fitting blouse, untucked over a comfy pair of black maternity trousers to hide your baby bump at the office.
2) Choose a partner in crime
Covering your first trimester tracks at work can be exhausting, so we suggest letting someone at the office in on the secret. They can help you divert attention from tell-tale hospital appointments and inevitable pregnancy symptoms.
Your work bestie is the perfect candidate, though really it could be anyone you trust to keep mum about your impending mummy-hood.
3) Stock up your snack drawer
Make sure to have a good supply of plain crackers, ginger nuts and water to sip at your desk. Anything that will help in case you come over queasy at work.
4) Get Sneaky with your Drinks
If you’re not usually one to shy away from a second (or third, or fourth!) glass of wine at a Christmas party, your friends may catch on if you suddenly abstain. Try to order when no one is listening and get a virgin version of your usual tipple – a lemonade can easily be dressed up as a gin & tonic.
Or if you’re out with your partner, order identical drinks and subtly switch glasses each time his starts to go down – if you’re careful, nobody will notice you’re not actually drinking.
If all else fails, claim that you’re detoxing or on antibiotics, or better yet, offer to be the designated driver!
5) Draw Attention Up
With party season practically upon us, this will be a crucial skill. Use your clothes and accessories to draw attention up towards your face and away from your budding bump. A gorgeous dress with a lot of detail at the top could do the trick, or you could try rocking a pair of statement earrings or a short bright necklace.
6) Balance your Bump
Family gatherings can be tricky – especially if your mum or mother-in-law are on grandbaby-watch! Wearing super-baggy clothes is sure to raise suspicion, so the trick at this stage is to balance out loose tops with more fitted bottoms.
7) Layer Up
To really disguise your new curves, layer up with a long draped scarf or shawl, and with this season’s chilly weather, no one would look twice!
8) Time for a Makeover
Been thinking about new highlights, or experimenting with some new makeup looks? Now is the perfect time to shake up your beauty routine, so that when someone spots something different about you, you can blame it on your new look. The confidence that comes with a brand new do provides the perfect cover for your radiant pregnancy glow.
Good luck keeping your wonderful secret mamas!
