An early epiphany I had is that while certain outcomes are out of my hands, some things, including how I dress throughout this journey, can be in my control. As with other instances when one’s body can change quickly, this experience is a deep exercise in connecting to your emotional and physical state, and dressing with those feelings in mind.
Bloating, skin sensitivity, and changing bodily temperatures have been the primary symptoms to consider when getting dressed for the day. In the beginning of a cycle, during the stimulation period–stim for short–my pant size can jump anywhere from one to two sizes above my baseline due to bloating. At the end of a cycle, after an egg retrieval, the bloating can remain for a couple weeks, in addition to some degree of skin sensitivity and unexpected bodily temperature changes. Similar symptoms can arise at other points in a cycle as well.
Along with choosing an outfit for symptoms, dressing for appointments is another consideration. For each visit to the doctor, I keep in mind everything from getting blood work done, to being able to easily undress from the waist down for an ultrasound or acupuncture. Depending on where I am in a cycle, my trips to the fertility clinic can range from once every two weeks to five times in one week, sometimes topped off with a procedure. Not to mention acupuncture in between. (If you’re in the New York Metropolitan Area, I highly recommend Lily + Horn.)
There are a few general guideposts I have used for getting dressed during fertility treatments: comfort, cool and organic fabrics, and layers.
On top, a loose tee like the Current/Elliot Cotton Tee—paired with Sezane’s Antonetta Cardigan or a Sergio Tacchini Tracksuit Jacket—allows for a versatile outfit that can accommodate blood work and medical tape.
On the bottom, the overall priority is to make sure there is nothing too tight around the midsection—whether to prevent irritation at injection sites, accommodate bloating, or ease changing during appointments. A few favorites include the Issey Miyake-inspired light, airy Uniqlo Pleated Straight Pants or the Because of Alice Cotton Crinkle Wide leg Pant. Sometimes, when a higher rise pant with more give is needed I rock my Lyle Iver Blanket Pants.