in-1 maternity coats: If you're the kind of mom-to-be who's looking for an investment piece that will last you longer than just pregnancy, a 3-in-1 coat is for you. You can wear it with a small bump then add the extender panel as your belly grows. This insert zips into the coat to provide extra room over your bump, making it a great option for a coat to wear throughout your entire pregnancy. Once baby arrives, you can continue to use the panel to wear baby in a carrier against your chest while still shielding her from the cold. Shopping for the right size maternity coat might feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Typically, your size in maternity clothing will be your same pre-pregnancy size. Many brands that specifically design maternity wear have in-depth size charts so you're not just shopping for a coat that fits you today, but will work throughout your pregnancy. How we chose the best maternity coats Several moms who live in especially cold locations, like Chicago to Canada, raved about this extender for allowing them to continue wearing their existing high-performance winter coats. What's great about this extender, too, is that after baby is born, both parents can take turns using it to hold baby in a carrier and keep you both warm, thanks to the polar fleece design.

I've tried to be thrifty and look on local buy and sell groups however no one around me is selling them (probably because they're using them!)If you're pregnant during winter, a maternity coat is likely necessary depending on where you live. But don't think of this as one of those maternity items that will have no use once baby is born — a maternity coat that can take you from pregnancy to new motherhood can be a good long-term investment. Some women, however, do choose to buy a maternity coat because they want something specifically designed to fit their growing body. Also, for those who live in cold or windy climates, a warm maternity coat that fits you properly will best help you brave the elements.