In the early days of pregnancy, expansion is with girth of hip and rib cage. Any design for the back is suitable, which is made in advance of the front. I avoid starting to cut the front panels until some four weeks before the wedding, then at least it is close to the final tummy and cup size.

I prefer to suspend the front panel from the highest possible line, Empire line, to minimise the angle of drape over the tummy. Also, I design this panel to be at true bias over the tummy area to automatically accomodate any final growth.