I measure often...
- Measure like you would weigh-in. First thing in the morning before eat/drinking anything. Food, TOM, water etc can affect your measurements.
-Some measurements are meant to be taken a certain way:
Bust: Bras can actually vary your bust size and if you're in an ill-fitting bra your bust size can be many inches smaller than it should be! The easiest way to avoid this is to bend over so you are parallel to the floor and measure (loosely) around your bust and over your nipples. If this measurements doesn't even remotely match your bust size while standing straight up with your bra on you might need to rethink your bra size too.
Underbust: Measure tight.
Natural waist: Bend both to the left and right and see where your body naturally indents on each side. Then measure around making sure the tape measurer is parallel to the floor. This can be snug but not as tight as your underbust.
Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips, making sure the tape measure is parallel to the floor. You might want to do this in a few different spots and check to see where the wides part is. Also as you lose the widest part might vary (I speak from personal experience here) so it's good to check. Again this should be snug but not super tight.
Thighs: Largest part of your thighs, parallel to the ground. Don't try to flex your thighs while measuring because that will affect the results.
Upper arms: Lay your arm flat against your side and measure around the widest part (probably right up top), making sure the tape is parallel to the ground. Don't flex your biceps here (that's why they're laying flat against your side).
Neck: Wides part, again parallel to the ground, don't choke yourself.
Obviously, there's going to be variation and you better believe you'll fluctuate day-to-day. That's why I only count full inches lost because it varies so much.
ETA: I take it you're a guy? Well, I'll leave the bust part up in case it can be applied to any females here. For guys measuring at your natural waist is right at your belly button. You also can get away with measuring around your chest standing up.
ETA2: Ok, so I see you mention a prebaby weight, so maybe you are female. Sorry for the confusion.
Proper way to take measurements??
