Maternity Exchange Singapore: Buy or Rent Trendy Maternity Clothes

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Photo credit: dphotofolio

Do you know that one of the greatest woes of a pregnant woman is not being able to fit into any of her clothes? Initially, I found it quite amusing when my clothes started to feel tight around my baby bump, then it became frustrating when I could no longer zip up my dresses. It was not long later that I went into panic mode when I was left with only a handful of dresses that I could still force myself into. I was living in self-denial and refused to shop for maternity dresses, or what I call “XXXXL dresses”. LOL. Even my colleagues started to ask if I was planning to buy myself some decent maternity wear and advised me to get a few pieces as soon as I can as maternity wear can be quite costly. The earlier I buy, the more times I get to wear them before I deliver! Okay okay, I get the hint. I need clothes that fit a growing me!

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I did get myself quite a number of dresses, some online and some from retail stores. Ok I should also credit my mum for doing most of the shopping for me. I’m also glad to be introduced to Maternity Exchange, a long-standing innovative retail concept which offers mums-to-be the option of buying or renting outfits to create their own extensive maternity wardrobe without having to pay exorbitant prices. Plus, it’s also not practical because you won’t be wearing these clothes after you deliver (assuming you would have slimmed down) unless you intend to keep them for your second or third pregnancy.

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Maternity Exchange, located at Marina Square, carry the largest collection of imported and local designer maternity and nursing labels in Singapore, featuring international brands like Japanese Weekend, Maternal America and Jules & Jim Maternity, as well as popular local brands Mothers En Vogue and Dote Nursing.

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Also available at Maternity Exchange are maternity and nursing lingerie, swimwear, diaper bags, belly bands, maternity support belts, postpartum shapewear, and an assortment of gifts and accessories for mummmies and babies. We even spotted Sophie the Giraffe. It’s like a one-stop shopping haven for expectant mothers and new parents! If you prefer to do your shopping online, you will be pleased to know that Maternity Exchange stocks online exclusive maternity and nursing wear which is not available at the physical store.

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I was offered a 8-credit Basic Instincts rental package priced at $329. Two other packages with more credits – All Essentials and Indulge Your Bulge are also available. The renting system is very simple! You first pay the upfront fee for your desired package and you have one year to fully utilise each package. Each piece can be rented for a maximum of 4 weeks. Any item that features a rental price on its price tag can be rented. You can also rent by individual piece, where you will pay the full purchase price first and be refunded the difference between that and the prevailing rental price when you return the outfit. Regular casual pieces are usually worth one credit each, like this flattering black dress from Maternal America which I wore for one of our staycations.

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I also found a nice baby blue chiffon dress for my company’s dinner and dance late last year! Because some pieces are more expensive, they are worth two more more rental credits and may require a deposit which will be fully refunded when you return the rented piece in its original condition. Always remember to take good care of the dresses and check the washing labels to determine if the dress requires dry cleaning. If you really like what you are wearing and wish to keep it, you can simply purchase it!

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Photo credit: Studio Memories

Besides maternity wear, there are also nursing clothes available at Maternity Exchange. The collection is updated every 3 to 4 weeks so there’s bound to be something that catches your eye each time you visit the store! This lavender floral dress is only worth one credit and looks simple but turned out to be great in achieving a soft look for my maternity photoshoot.

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Photo credit: LiveStudios Photography

This has gotta be my favorite rented piece from Maternity Exchange which I wore to my cousin’s wedding at Shangri-La Hotel. It is an absolutely stunning V-neck beaded gown in an elegant shade of periwinkle blue by the brand Decode 1.8. I love how it fits me perfectly, even at 9 months, because I was close to believing that I wouldn’t be able to find a dress that could show off my ‘womanly curves’. Not only is the chiffon fabric very light and comfortable to wear, the fabulous cut helps slim the silhouette and the gorgeous pleated detailing at the bust and empire line adds a touch of glam. This piece retails at $499.25 but you can rent it for as low as 3 rental credits. I forked out $20 to have my gown altered by Maternity Exchange’s approved tailor because it was too long for me. Minor alterations can be done for a fee as long as it does not permanently alter the outfit.

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I have used up all the credits of my rental package and wish to conclude by saying that my 5-month long journey with Maternity Exchange had been a pretty pleasant one. You can read up on the FAQ section online if you have any queries or better still, head down to the physical store and browse through the amazing range of maternity clothes. Feel free to approach Maternity Exchange’s friendly retail assistants for advice. Nana had been a terrific help and was always so patient with me when I was at the store. Her cheerful disposition really puts me at ease and I didn’t feel bad about trying 6 outfits at one go πŸ˜› Do check out Maternity Exchange’s website and Facebook page to be updated on their promotions and clearance sales!

Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy and @misterchewy πŸ™‚

Maternity Exchange
6 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square
#03-108
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6100 3924

The Second Trimester of Pregnancy

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Last December, I shared about my first trimester of pregnancy which wasn’t an easy one but I think I’m lucky when I compare myself to other pregnant mothers because although I did experience morning sickness, it wasn’t anything like a full blown one. I felt nauseous most of the time but at least I didn’t vomit. Currently, I’m in my last leg of pregnancy and decided to blog about my second trimester before I procrastinate even further! Cuz once I pop, I doubt I will have that much time and energy to blog πŸ˜›

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At about 20 weeks, I was scheduled for a Fetal Structural Anomaly Scan to check if our baby is developing normally and where the placenta is lying in the uterus. It was also through the scan that our baby’s gender is confirmed-plus-guranteed-chop! πŸ™‚

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The anomaly scan is a very detailed scan which typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. All of the baby’s organs will be examined and measurements are also taken. We even got to hear our baby’s heartbeat, loud and clear! After the scan, we decided to take up the antenatal package offered by my gynae, which includes the cost of this ultrasound scan. It excludes delivery fees as well as cost of supplements.

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Physical Symptoms
– An end to nausea
– More energy
– Decreasing urinary frequency (compared to first trimester)
– Achiness in the lower abdomen and along the sides
– Foot growth
– Slightly sensitive gums that sometimes bleed during brushing
– Increased appetite
– Fetal movement from the middle of second trimester

Emotional Symptoms
– Fewer mood swings
– Excitement whenever our baby kicks

Total weight gain: 8kg

How I felt about the second trimester: The second trimester (weeks 13 to 28) was the best! No morning sickness, I wasn’t lethargic and I didn’t really experience much mood swings. It was like I was back to my normal pre-pregnant state. I could even stay up late and not feel tired the next day.

Stay connected with us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy and @misterchewy πŸ™‚

I’m 8 months pregnant at the time of writing.

Maternity Exchange X missuschewy Lookbook

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Hello chewys, happy Monday! Here’s a quick update on what I wore to my company’s Dinner and Dance function at Gardens by the Bay recently πŸ™‚ A few weeks back, I picked out this cocktail dress at Maternity Exchange which I thought would be perfect for the event.

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All photos in this post were taken by misterchewy.

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My baby blue cocktail dress is made of elegant chiffon material with satin lining which is actually quite cooling to wear. Since my baby bump is kinda huge at the moment at 6+ months, I think it’s a great idea to wear dresses made of chiffon fabric because it is lightweight and drapes beautifully.

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I like the sequined details around the neckline which helps to draw attention to my neck and no-longer-existent collarbone πŸ˜› The sequins also add a glamorous touch to the overall look.

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Thank you Maternity Exchange!
Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy and @misterchewy πŸ™‚

The First Trimester of Pregnancy

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Chewy Junior at 6 weeks

As soon as I discovered I’m pregnant, I made an appointment for a prenatal checkup. I have always wanted to deliver at Thomson Medical Hospital but due to our working schedule and most gynae’s availability, we chose Dr Chia Yee Tien from Mount Elizabeth Hospital. She does night consultations at Choa Chu Kang’s The Edinburgh Clinic, which is very near my place. It also means that we don’t have to take leave for my checkups as misterchewy can accompany me after work. He used to work on Saturdays.

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During our first consultation with Dr Chia, she helped to determine my estimated date of delivery (EDD), asked about my medical history, did an early ultrasound to confirm my pregnancy and told me what types of food to avoid. We were to see her again 2 weeks later. At 6 weeks, Chewy Junior was about 2mm in length.

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Chewy Junior at 8 weeks

Isn’t she cuteeeee?! The hubs and I were very amused when our gynae said, “Oh look, you can now see your baby, like a little teddy bear.” LOL. And we could see our baby’s heart beating very quickly! πŸ™‚ Dr Chia also commented that our little one grew really quickly within that 2 weeks. Must be all that junk food I ate! If I didn’t remember wrongly, she was close to 2cm in length.

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Chewy Junior at 12 weeks

Visited Dr Chia when I was 12 weeks pregnant at her clinic in Mount Elizabeth Hospital to do the first trimester ultrasound (nuchal translucency) scan, also known as the NT scan. This scan aims to detect Down’s Syndrome and also many other chromosomal abnormalities. The NT scan, together with the blood tests, cost us about $500.

Here are most (if not all) of the symptoms that I had during my first trimester:

Physical Symptoms
– Morning sickness (it lasts through the day, not just in the morning but it’s the worst in the morning)
– Constantly hungry (found myself snacking in between meals if not I would feel nauseous whenever I’m hungry)
– Breast changes
– Bloatedness
– Fatigue (no amount of sleep could save me)
– More frequent urination than usual (visited the bathroom once or twice in the middle of every night)
– Nausea without vomiting (I think I’m quite lucky because I never once puked!)
– Increased sensitivity to smells (fried oily smell of food became a turn-off for me)
– Occasional headaches
– Metallic taste in mouth (making most food taste bland)
– Food aversion (certain fried food)
– Food cravings: sour sweets (esp Sour Power apple flavoured candy strips), tuna sandwich, tomyam, chicken rice, my mum’s cuttlefish and peanut porridge

Emotional Symptoms
– Frequent mood swings

Total weight gain: 4kg

How I felt about the first trimester: It was the most horrible phase of my life, no kidding. I felt like a nauseous zombie 24/7. It’s definitely one stage of my pregnancy that I will not miss!

Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy and @misterchewy πŸ™‚

I’m 6 months pregnant at the time of writing.

missuschewy is 6 months pregnant!

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Hihi chewys! Just a little pregnancy update here lest you forget about Little misschewy! πŸ˜› We are past 24 weeks already! I admit that I tend to rely on my calendar and pregnancy apps in order to figure out which stage am I at. My second trimester has been really great so far and I wonder what the third will bring! The hubs helped to take a couple of baby bump shots on Saturday and I did some minor editing πŸ™‚

I’m also happy to announce that I’m collaborating with Maternity Exchange and I managed to pick out a few of their lovely dresses over the weekend at Marina Square. Will be sharing about their unique concept in a separate blog post. I’m still in the midst of drafting my first trimester post which hopefully will be out soon ok! Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy and @misterchewy πŸ™‚

From Preparing for Pregnancy to Conception

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(Photo taken during CNY 2012 with my niece, Naomi)

Ever since misterchewy and I registered our marriage in September 2011, many of our close friends have been teasing us about the possibility of popping a Chewy Junior. Eh hello friends, want to pop baby then pop meh? LOL. We had to wait till our customary wedding was over before we could set up a family! Our baby is planned such that my EDD will take place early 2014 even though our BTO will not be ready anytime soon. Age is a concern (not that we are very old!) but we would like to have at least 2 or 3 kids so we gotta start early. I don’t wanna end up giving birth to our second or third child after 35 because of the possible risks and complications. Preparing for pregnancy and getting ready for a baby is very important because it will affect how both parents deal with the news! πŸ™‚

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About one month prior to trying to conceive, I started taking Blackmores Folate tablets which I bought off the shelves at Unity. The consumption of folic acid may reduce the risk of giving birth to a child with birth defects of the brain and/or spinal cord. I chose Blackmores because it’s a reputable brand and each tablet contains 500mcg of folic acid which is around the recommended daily dosage. Unity sells its own housebrand folic pills as well and at a much cheaper price. I also reduced my alcohol consumption (it was tough!) and started to be more mindful of my diet. I’m not sure what misterchewy did on his part. Probably hit the gym more often? Hahaha. The first trimester, or you can call it first 12 weeks if you like, was an absolute nightmare. I’m thankful that the first 3 weeks whizzed by because I didn’t feel a thing but suspected that I could be pregnant because I was missing my period by a week. Ignorance is bliss huh? πŸ˜›

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As a first timer, I was horribly embarrassed about having to shop for a pregnancy test kit at Watsons so I picked up a few makeup items while making my way to the cashier. Went home and peed on the Clearblue Pregnancy Test with Weeks Estimator. I recommend this pregnancy test because it lets you know the number of weeks you are pregnant for. It totally ups the excitement levels. I mean, don’t you wish to know that? We had our arms around each others’ waists while waiting for the results and I actually gasped, “F***!!” when the test showed that I was 3+ weeks pregnant. How could I not feel a thing for so long?! I’m carrying a life inside me! :O We were overwhelmed with joy as this marks another significant milestone in our lives and relationship. Shared the good news with our parents that week. πŸ™‚

In my next pregnancy post (not the next post), I will be touching on what mummies-to-be should take note of during their first trimester! Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy and @misterchewy πŸ™‚

I’m 5 months pregnant at the time of writing.

Welcoming a New Addition to our Chewy Family!

Chewy Junior at 5 months

Hello chewys! We have some exciting news to share with all of you today!
It is with great pleasure to announce that misterchewy and I will be welcoming a new addition to our Chewy family! πŸ™‚

Little misschewy is expected to arrive in March next year! πŸ˜€ πŸ˜€ πŸ˜€
Our close friends whom we have shared this piece of news with were very quick to point out that Chewy Junior will be a perfect one year customary wedding anniversary present for us. LOL.

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Sorry for keeping you guys in the dark for so long because we wanted to find out Baby Chewy’s gender before announcing. Right now, I’m halfway through my second trimester and I have never felt happier! Will talk about my first trimester really soon. Promise! Till then, take care everyone! XOXO

Stay connected with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missuschewy and on Instagram @missuschewy and @misterchewy πŸ™‚