A survey into maternity purchase and satisfaction according to trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

This study improves maternity clothes worn by pregnant women across each trimester. A total of 164 survey results from pregnant women living in the metropolitan area around Seoul, South Korea were received from November 2015 to July 2017. The results of this study were as follows. First, Internet shopping purchases were significantly lower during the first trimester of pregnancy than during the mid-trimester and third trimester (p < .001). Further, satisfaction levels with most items purchased online were significantly lower in the first trimester of pregnancy. Regarding the purchase price, there was no difference according to the pregnancy trimester. During the first trimester of pregnancy less body shape changes occur than in the mid- trimester and third trimester; however, the first trimester shows the lowest satisfaction levels for each item of maternity clothing and most body parts when worn. There were also no differences according to pregnancy trimester in terms of preferred maternity clothes purchased, but there were significant differences according to occupational status. Working pregnant women generally preferred not to reveal their body shape. © 2018, The Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles.