A pattern adaptation for body changes during pregnancy: a single case study.

Abstract

Pregnant women experience dramatic body changes during their pregnancy. With the wide variety of body shapes and sizes, physical changes occur differently for every pregnant woman; thus, these variations lead to problems of comfort, fit, and sizing of ready-to-wear maternity apparel. Therefore, this study examined the changes in body measurements and shapes during pregnancy and analyzed the relationship between these changes and pattern measurements and shapes. A single case study method was used to observe one participant’s body measurement and body shape changes during pregnancy, and the relationship between these body changes and related pattern changes. Findings were analyzed by the changes in body measurements and body shapes and the relationship between the body changes and pattern changes. The entire pattern adjustment process represents the analysis of the relationship of body changes to pattern changes. The findings of this study suggest that consideration of body shape during apparel pattern development offers valuable information related to fit that goes beyond standard linear measurements. In addition, the results indicated that body measurements and patterns did not increase proportionally to each other. The pattern changes were not necessary due to body measurement or shape changes. The patterns were adjusted not only to accommodate body changes but also to maintain the garment style.