Staying active and outside during the winter when pregnant is not always easy. It really does mean you often have to get some different gear so you can continue to go out. We think it’s worth it for your sanity!
We’re breaking records here. This is officially the longest (by 2 weeks) that I have gone in pregnancy. After two premies, I am a little thrown off by the fact that we are nearly 38 weeks along.
I’m not going to lie – it’s the most uncomfortable I have been. Ever.
Yes, I know all of you that have done full-term or late-term pregnancies are laughing at me now. I’m a self-declared *wimp* and, to put it mildly, anxiously awaiting this baby.
That said, I am thrilled that we will be meeting a full-termer (whenever he/she decides to make their grand appearance.)
Since we’re in the “close enough” stage, I thought it was a great time to highlight the gear that has made it possible for me to continue to get outside comfortably throughout the winter, even while “large as a barge”.
While it ain’t pretty, I am still able to snowshoe, take walks/hikes, and get some fresh air in full blown “waddle mode.”
I may end up laying around the rest of the day complaining about my hips and grunting as I get off the couch, but the outdoor time still does wonders for me.
The cute stuff from your basic pregnancy clothing store won’t cut it.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Gear I love for Winter Pregnancy:
Make My Belly Fit
THE thing I get the most comments on on a daily basis, especially on the ski hill. Definitely check out our full review (updated for 2019), but this is an incredible life-saver and makes getting out with your own technical jackets 100% possible.
The new universal adapter means it works with virtually any jacket.
It also works after Baby comes for baby wearing (which I will show off someday….sigh….)
Clouds Rest Baselayer Maternity Crewneck
Long enough to make it full-term with no belly-peeping, uber comfortable, thumb holes for layering, and a cool side pocket that holds essentials (my phone is stashed there usually so I am ready to take photos.)
Clouds Rest II Maternity Baselayer Bottoms
Size up, but great for fitting under belly and adding much-needed warmth. I layer these with my Topanga Pants.
Topanga Fleece Pants
Buy more than one pair. I wear them every single day right now. Super comfortable, toggle on the bottom to cinch up or let down, wide leg, fits under belly and, when paired with base layer bottoms, works great for snowshoeing, skiing, etc.
Tubbs Flex ALP Women’s Snowshoes
These ones are GREAT because they are so easy to get on and off. In fact, you can complete the process in just a few seconds of bending over (which is important when you can’t actually breathe while you are bending over.)
Toasty Cheeks Skirt
This is so great because it fits under your belly, adds some warmth when snow pants aren’t fitting anymore, and is easy to wear after pregnancy too. My all-time go-to skirt.
Skhoop Down Skirt
Another trick when you need a bit more warmth than the skirt above is a down skirt with zippers on the side you can unzip as needed as you grow (and then shrink back down too)! This skirt + fleece leggings is just about perfect for staying warm. Size up for comfort – these skirts have no stretch and better for it to be too big than too small.
Hiking/Skiing Poles
If you’re anything like me, keeping balanced far into pregnancy is nearly impossible. Play it safe with poles. We love adjustable ones so you can get them just the right height no matter the conditions or your footwear.
I want to know – what are/were your must-haves for being able to continue getting outside while pregnant?
Pin it:
© 2014, 2019 Tales of a Mountain Mama. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author.
I linked to your site through Title Nine, and I LOVED reading this! I am about 32 weeks along, and I have been trying to stay as active as possible despite our frigid weather here in Minnesota. I have been snowshoeing and cross-country skiing this winter, and I’m hoping to keep it up until the snow melts or the baby arrives, whichever happens first! I’m mighty jealous of your technical wear stash, though; I have resorted to buying larger sizes of standard outdoor gear, and it all looks a bit goofy, but it gets the job done. So far I have been getting by with:
1) A pair of size 14 Eddie Bauer Travex lined pants which are cozy and water-resistant, and I can add a pair of long underwear under if needed. I have been using a thin nylon belt (Bison Designs, I think?) to keep the pants up over my bump up until now, but in the coming weeks I think they may stay up on their own. They sit just over my belly button.
2) My old SmartWool long underwear sit nice and low below the bump when I need extra warmth.
3) An older Athleta turtleneck that wicks and is stretchy and long enough that it is getting me through so far.
4) I picked up two cheap ($10) Cuddleduds thermal shirts from Target in November in sizes large and extra large to layer over the turtleneck.
5) I’m wearing a size large REI Nevis jacket on top. The jacket has been great, because it has some insulation without being too warm for these aerobic activities. The sleeves also zip off the jacket, so I’m hoping I will have a vest for early spring.
6) I’m loving my Fischer Desire My Style waxless nordic skis, too; no maintenance-just snap in and go! I bought a pair of gel insoles for my nordic boots for a little extra cush for my extra weight.
All of the clothing has worked pretty well for me because I’m 5’2″, so most shirts/jackets in regular sizes are too long for me when I’m not pregnant, and the pants were available in petite sizes. Also, this is my first pregnancy, so my bump isn’t huge. I can tell these last two months might be tricky, though; maybe I will contact some of these companies to see if I can test out their products as well!
Thanks again for sharing and for inspiring me to keep pushing myself to get out there through the end of this pregnancy!
Hi Anna – um a bit geeked out that Title Nine tweeted about it 🙂 So cool. Thanks for reading! And yes, sounds like you got it figured out well – thanks for writing it out for the benefit of us all! And definitely do check them out – worth every penny too 🙂
Hi! Know this post is a couple years old, but I was hoping you might have some thoughts. 🙂 I am trying to find maternity snowpants, or softshell at least to shed the snow. Did you ever find anything like this? I am planning to ski, snowshoe and ice climb (top-rope only) and I have already outgrown my goretex layer. I got the belly fit, which is AWESOME! But now I need to cover my legs. I was just wondering if you had come across any solutions. Although I am active, I already often wore xl, so sizing up isn’t so simple.
Thanks!!
HI Mandy – it’s super tough! So, I ended up using these fleece pants on top of base layers and it did ok…..I don’t know of any better solutions out there!!! Hope that helps!!!