Ordering a bridesmaid dress pregnant

[megs193]

I am almost 37 weeks pregnant and had to go get measured for a bridesmaid dress yesterday. The bride initially planned on waiting another month to order the dress but has changed her mind. They measured my bust and my hips. My hips put me in a size 12 and my bust put me in a size 18 . I usually wear a size 8 or 10 in regular clothes when I am not pregnant. The last bridesmaids dress I ordered was a size 12 but it is a different designer. I will be nursing after this baby is born so I know my chest will be big but my rib cage has also expanded a lot and I assume that will go back to normal when there is not a child pushing into it. Anyone have experience with this when they were pregnant? I have no idea what size to order.

[brit1017]

How far away is the actual wedding? I would probably go with the 18. It takes awhile (like a couple of months) for your ribcage to go back to normal, or at least it did for me.

[anna7602]

That's a tough one. My rib cage went back to normal almost right away. My hips took a little longer to shrink back (about 3 months) and my boobs were pretty huge for a while as I was BFing.

Is the shape of the dress one that could be easily taken in?

[megs193]

The wedding is in 6 months so about 5 months after I deliver. The dress is very form fitting so I am worried about them being able to take it in enough and look okay but also about it being too tight if I order too small of a size.

[everam01]

Your boobs might still be huge, especially if you are breastfeeding. I'd go big.

[jenjen]

I'd probably go for a 14 or 16 and have it taken in. I ordered a dress at 12w (not showing) for a wedding at 34w and it was too small in my rib cage. Thank god my mil can sew so she basically recreated the top of the dress to fit. It is much easier to take in than let out.

I've also read breast feeding moms getting a panel sewn in the back and having it lace up. That way you can take it in/ let it out throughout the day if needed.