ICYMI, growing a human being is a pretty big deal. Not only does a whole bunch of weird stuff happen to your body when pregnant, but people also say generally absurd things to you. Like, if you thought getting unsolicited wedding advice was bad, wait until you get unsolicited pregnancy advice. *shudders* On the plus side, being pregnant also comes with some fun perks, like never having to carry anything heavy and — if you timed things right — wearing some of the most epic Halloween pregnancy costumes ever.
Now, obviously, you shouldn’t try to get pregnant just so you can finally dress up like Juno. But! If you happen to be sporting a bowling ball bump come October, you’re in luck. First of all, the weather is considerably less miserable, so you won’t be sweating quite as much as if you were hella pregnant in, like, June. Secondly, you get the chance to lean into costumes that either aren’t feasible or simply aren’t as iconic without a baby constantly pressing on your bladder.
So instead of trying to hide your bump or, worse, staying home this Halloween, think of this as a unique opportunity to really blow your fans (yes, fans) away. From upgraded costume classics to the best pregnant pop culture characters, these pregnancy Halloween costume ideas will make you want to be knocked up every year.
Phoebe Buffay From Friends
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If you’re dealing with the whole “I’m pregnant while all my friends are blissfully free from swollen ankles and itchy nipples” thing, bring back that famous wedding dress moment from Friends. You know the one. Go to a thrift store for gowns (trust me, you’ll find some real gems), and be sure to take the iconic couch pic for the ‘gram. Pals not into the idea (and they said friends will always be there for you—smh)? You can still rock Phoebe’s pregnant bridal look solo, just make sure to caress your stomach a lot and hum “Smelly Cat” on a loop.
A Handmaid From The Handmaid’s Tale
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Truly one of the best things about being pregnant in the fall is that you get to dress up like a character from the most fucked up dystopian society ever. With the current state of the world, there’s never been a better time to don your blood-red robe and let everyone know that, while you’re excited about the bump under your gown, you still think everyone deserves the right to choose. Also, you get to stay “praise be,” “under his eye,” and “blessed be the fruit” a lot, which can really cut down on small talk if you’re not feeling the convo.
June From Juno
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Not sure if you remember, but there was truly nothing scarier than seeing Juno in theaters while making out with your boyfriend circa 2007. Now that you’ve beaten teen pregnancy, though, dressing up as the titular character is a nostalgic nod to your childhood (not to mention a little bless up to the birth control that had your back for so long). Show off the result of that one crazy night (or months of trying to conceive) with a striped shirt, skirt over leggings, and a giant slushy to ease the heartburn.
Mother Earth
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Looking for an excuse to whip out all your makeup and talk about global conservation? Same. Since you’re about to become a mother anyway, dress up like the most notable one in the world. The best part is that this costume is super easy to DIY, so you don’t have to run around getting a million different pieces in between appointments with your OB-GYN and Target runs for bigger pants. Simply throw on a white skirt and crop top (or get creative with a sheet), grab that flower crown you have left over from one of a zillion bachelorette parties, and paint your belly like a globe. And if anyone tries to touch your belly-globe, just tell them you’re trying not to pollute your growth environment.
Wilson From Cast Away
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Tom Hanks and his trusty sidekick Wilson are the definition of ride or die (except, spoiler, Wilson dies at sea while ol’ Tommy rides on, distraught), which makes them the perfect couple’s Halloween costume. When you’re pregnant, though, the costume gets even better thanks to the literal ball-sized lump in the middle of your body. Paint that belly like a volleyball, throw on a headdress made of hay, and ask your partner not to shower for a few days to really capture the essence of what this look is all about.
A Fortune Teller
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The future called and it says you can expect a lot of weird comments from relatives about your pregnancy! Are you going to breastfeed? You’re having a natural birth, right? Will you be sleep training? Lean into the fact that your destiny includes shutting down unwanted baby and body questions/comments by dressing up as a fortune teller with ~gypsy~ makeup and an unnecessary amount of necklaces. Don’t forget to paint your bump like a crystal ball so the next time someone asks you a dumb question, you simply can rub your belly and say something like: “My orb doesn’t answer to queries undeserving of a reply.” Not today, Susan!
Ursula From The Little Mermaid
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You can likely thank all your alluring *body language* for that positive pregnancy test, so show off your curvy new figure by dressing as one of the most sexual Disney villains ever. I mean, come on. Ursula was all about the form-fitting gowns and bright red lips, plus she turned herself into a total hottie just to screw Ariel over. We love an evil beauty. Wiggle into a black maxi, get a short white wig, and dust off those contouring skills to remind everyone who the poor unfortunate souls really are… basically anyone who says something along the lines of: “You’re about to pop.”
Violet Beauregarde from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Got this strange feeling that you’re blowing up like a blueberry? Use this as your excuse to eat allllll the Wonka Bars this Halloween. Violet Beauregarde, while a little rough around the edges, was a hard worker who just wanted what she deserved, and after all you’ve been through to grow that baby, you deserve mad respect (re: Instagram likes) as well. Paint yourself purple (I mean, violet), smack your gum loudly, and shut anyone down who says that maybe you don’t need another piece of candy. Sorry, Charlie, winners don’t listen to losers not creating life inside of them.
A Mummy
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Love puns and costumes you can easily DIY? A mummy-to-be is cute, simple, and can still be sexy. Plus, the look makes it very clear that while you’re a sacred vessel, you can also turn into a monster at any minor inconvenience. It’s nice to set clear expectations for everyone. Outfit-wise, you can make this as elaborate or lowkey as you’d like, but at a base level, put on a white mini dress or bodysuit, wrap some gauze all around you, and groan a lot whenever someone tries to give you yet another parenting tip.
A Disco Ball
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Between bell bottoms and the revival of the center part, retro styles are clearly back. And if you want a costume that hides your bump in plain sight, taking it back to the ‘70s will make you feel a little more glam and a little less “I’m so bloated.” Essentially, you’ll dress up as a disco ball (gray dress, gray wig, silver sequin fabric on the bump) while your partner throws on their best vintage look (think: corduroy and ample amounts of chest hair). Together, you’ve got a costume contest-winning combo, all while giving the illusion that your bulging bump is merely a fun dance party accessory and not an actual baby that keeps you up at night with its kicks.
Regina George
If you’re on that all-carb pregnancy diet, whip out those stretchy pants and dress up as the queen bee herself. A red tank top, Regina’s signature “R” necklace, and hoop earrings (because yes, they’re her thing) are all you need in addition to your most forgiving track pants and an undeniable air of superiority. Sure, all those other costumes are cute. But you know that putting in even the smallest effort for Halloween is a major ask right now. Between leg cramps, constant gas, and people touching your belly without asking, now’s not the time to expect a lot from you. It’s okay—you can’t help that sweatpants are all that fit you.
