• Weight change in either direction changes the rounds first, then the lengths over the bust and tummy. Re-measure when garments start to feel different.
• Illness and treatment can change the body quickly. Measure gently, in short sessions, and choose soft fabrics and adjustable closures.
• Surgery or devices: measure around dressings, ports or stomas as they will be, and ask what openings help.
• Swelling can vary through the day; measure at the time the garment will mostly be worn.
• Keep it private: measurements are personal. Talk about the garment, never the weight.

• Date every measurement and note the week of pregnancy.
• Measure the bump level all round; it tends to drop at the back.
• A maternity bra changes the bust; measure in it.
• Measure a maternity garment that fits as a check (lesson Measuring other garments that fit).
• Ask for extra hem length at the front; the bump lifts the hem.
• Nursing openings: say which side you prefer, or both.
• Festive blouses: princess-cut with side ties adjust well.
• Keep pre-pregnancy measurements; they help plan garments for later.
• Comfort first: sit, take breaks, keep water nearby.
• Get help with lengths; bending to read the tape is hard later in pregnancy.

The blouse fitted last month and is tight now.

1. Let out the side seams if allowance was left.
2. Add side ties or a panel.
3. Prevention: wide seam allowances and adjustable closures from the start.

The kurta hem rises at the front.

1. Let down the front hem.
2. Choose an empire line that falls from above the bump.
3. Prevention: give front length over the bump and back length.

The petticoat or salwar cuts in.

1. Move the waist under the bump.
2. Use a wider, softer elastic or a drawstring.
3. Prevention: give an under-bump round.

The garment for the event no longer fits on the day.

1. Use the adjustable features.
2. Ask for a last-minute fitting.
3. Prevention: measure close to the event and choose adjustable designs.

Nursing is awkward in a fitted blouse.

1. Add a hidden front zip or opening.
2. Wear a nursing layer under a looser blouse.
3. Prevention: plan the opening before cutting.

My postpartum shape keeps changing.

1. Choose wrap and drawstring styles for now.
2. Re-measure every few weeks.
3. Prevention: delay fitted garments until your shape has settled.

Measuring is uncomfortable.

1. Measure seated or lying, in short sessions.
2. Measure a garment that fits instead.
3. Prevention: let the person lead, and stop when asked.

• Measuring once at the start of pregnancy for something worn at the end.
• “Get back in shape” talk. There is no shape to get back to; there is the body now.
• Forgetting the front length over the bump.
• Measuring only the waist and not the under-bump.

As a hobby: adapting your own garments with ties and panels through pregnancy is a satisfying, practical project.

For earning: maternity and nursing alterations and festive outfits are a real need; offer adjustable designs and planned re-measuring.

For teaching: teach adjustable features as part of every pattern; they help more people than you expect.

• Blouses: bust and under-bust change most. Princess cuts with side ties, or blouses with wide side seams, last longest. Note the bra.
• Kurtas: empire lines, A-lines and side slits give room; give the front length over the bump.
• Sarees: tie the petticoat under the bump; drawstring plus elastic. A pre-stitched saree with an adjustable waist is quick to wear.
• Salwars and trousers: under-bump or over-bump waistbands; stretch panels.
• Lehengas: lace-up or drawstring waists; a longer choli if you prefer more coverage.
• After birth: nursing openings in blouses and kurtas; soft, adjustable waists.

• Partners and family may help with measuring; the pregnant person decides who measures and where.
• For a family event, measure everyone else as usual and the pregnant person last, closest to the date.
• Weight change in men shows first in the stomach round and the trouser waist; re-measure them, not the shoulders.
• Children’s changes are growth, not weight; see Module 5.

1. Bump rounds: on a dress form or with a willing person, mark above-, over- and under-bump lines and measure each.
2. Front against back: measure front length over the bump and back length; note the difference.
3. Plan a garment: choose adjustable features for a blouse to be worn at seven months.

1. Name the three bump rounds. Above-bump, over-bump (fullest) and under-bump.
2. How often should fitted garments be re-checked in pregnancy? About every four weeks.
3. Why give front length over the bump? The bump lifts the front hem; the tailor adds front length.
4. Name two designs that adjust. Any two of: side ties, drawstrings, lace-ups, wide seams, empire lines, under-bump waistbands, nursing openings.

Maternity ready-made sizes abroad usually follow your pre-pregnancy size, with room built in for the bump. Check the brand’s chart: some ask for your current bust and over-bump rounds. Made-to-measure maternity festive wear from India works best with adjustable designs, given shipping time.

• Keep a dated series of cards through pregnancy; they help plan the next garment.
• Store adjustable garments with their ties and laces loosened, so they don’t stretch.
• After pregnancy, many adjustable garments can be taken in and worn again; keep their seam allowances.

Adding side ties to a blouse you own; a drawstring petticoat with an under-bump waist; a nursing opening hidden in a kurta placket.

• Measuring the bump with the tape dipping at the back. Check in a side mirror.
• Using pre-pregnancy blouse numbers for the bust and under-bust.
• Choosing a fitted design for an event weeks away, with no adjustable features.
• Measuring standing for a garment that will be worn mostly seated, such as at a long ceremony.
• Measuring too soon after birth for a fitted garment meant to last.

• Did you take above-, over- and under-bump rounds?
• Did you date the measurements and note the week?
• Does the design adjust?
• Did you plan when to re-measure?

• Over-bump: the round at the fullest part of the bump.
• Under-bump: the round just below the bump.
• Empire line: a garment fitted just under the bust.
• Nursing opening: a hidden opening for feeding.

• General maternity-wear practice. “Every four weeks” is a working rule, not a standard; bodies differ a great deal.
• This lesson gives no medical advice. For anything about health, ask a doctor or midwife.
• Teacher to check: the studio’s maternity and nursing options.