I’m in my first trimester of my first pregnancy. My newfound excitement has managed to survive severe sour stomach, embarrassing flatulence, and sleep patterns worthy of their own new pharmaceutical drug. The one thing that has eclipsed my mommy-to-be joy is the rapidly shrinking clothing in my closet (I know, I know—it is me, but it’s hard to admit that, okay?). Of course, the first trimester is a phase in which you’re suffering all the symptoms but showing none. Though your waist size has ... expanded some, it’s still not time to upgrade to maternity wear. So what are first trimester-ers supposed to do? Pray the rubber band looped through the button hole and latched on to the button doesn’t burst in the middle of that 3p.m. board meeting?

The makers of the BellaBenda (sold at high-end department stores), Ingrid & Isabel, have also launched a more cost effective product, which I found at my local Target for $17.99. I have purchased many things in my thirty-three years of existence but this is the only product I’ve purchased that has been more than worth the amount which I paid. It does exactly what it says it does, which is allow you to enjoy your prepregnancy pants/ shorts without having them fall to the ground because they are unbuttoned (and yes, in my case, unzipped as well). It actually serves you all throughout your pregnancy!

This product has enabled me to breathe easier and feel better (my food can now digest properly and the gas has and heartburn have lessened somewhat). And when my tummy feels better, I’m in a much more gracious mood and back to my sweet self. Most importantly though, this product has allowed me to really enjoy this early phase of pregnancy, which is such a miraculous time in a woman’s life and should be cherished just as much as the second and third trimesters! 

This product is fantastic! I know what I’m going to buy all my girlfriends now when they become pregnant! This is key for a happier and less stressful first trimester!