THE EFFECT OF ANATOMICAL CHANGES IN THE FEMALE BODY DURING PREGNANCY ON PATTERN DESIGNS FOR MATERNITY WEAR

This study deals with the effect of anatomical changes in the female body during maternity on pattern designs for maternity wear. First, the bodies of 30 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy were measured and correlation between these measurements was analyzed. Typology of pregnant figures (bodies) was determined (weight gain up to 12 kg and weight gain over 12 kg) on the basis of statistical analysis and the results were applied to the pattern design of two maternity clothes models (a blouse for the upper body and trousers for lower body). Further style modifications were made to these models. The results are applicable both for the determination of pregnant women types and as input pattern design parameter settings that respect the body proportions of pregnant women in case of different types of maternity wear.