10 Best Maternity Underwear, According to an Expert
![Pregnant Woman Laying In Bed 1440x1037.jpg](https://mumsypop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pregnant-woman-laying-in-bed-1440x1037-780x470.jpg)
Between weight gain, breast pain, sore ankles, and all the other body changes that pregnancy brings, it can be a long and uncomfortable nine months. That could be more than the wrong choice of undergarments, specifically bras and maternity underwear.
When shopping for maternity or pregnancy underwear, you’ll want something that’s breathable, non-binding, and not itchy or binding/tight. It’s designed to accommodate a changing body, and whether you want a style that hugs your bump or sits below it is a personal choice.
For 20 years, I’ve been the go-to guide for empowering women with style while helping them find the best bras, undies, and shapewear for their shape, size, and comfort needs. From my best-selling book, The Bra Book, in appearances at NBC’s Today Show, I’ve helped millions of women look and feel their best with energetic advice. I’m a mom too, so I know the importance of having underwear that keeps up with our busy, active lifestyles.
How to shop for maternity underwear:
There are several factors you want to consider when shopping for maternity underwear.
Fabrics: Material is more important than ever when you expect. Hormones can make you warmer than usual, which means you want something breathable (like Cotton, bamboo, or breathable nylon) or a little cooler (like a lightweight seamless Microfiber). You also don’t want anything that can rub or irritate your skin in any way. Usually, you’ll want something with a good amount of stretch to accommodate your growing bump.
Style: You don’t have to choose a pair designed specifically for maternity. Often, you’ll find a suitable style in the regular underwear section. You have to decide where you will be most comfortable, whether you want them to sit just under your bump, mid-bump, or pull over it. If you choose the mid-bump, you’ll want to pay attention to the waistband. Elastic can help it stay where you want it without rolling down, but it can also be painful to cut across your stomach. A boy short style can sit comfortably below your bump but can also ride up the legs. Try a few different styles to see what works best for you.
Fit: In the first trimester, you can fit comfortably into your regular size. But as your weight increases, you may need to buy 1-2 sizes bigger. While it may seem like a big expense, the good news is that you’ll likely wear the same pair post-pregnancy, and then you’ll switch to a smaller size as the pregnancy pounds drop.
Absorption and Protection: This can also be an issue for pregnant women, especially in the latter trimester when you may have more discharge and eventually bloody discharge. You want something that safely absorbs all body fluids while keeping you dry and comfortable while you wear them.
How many pairs of maternity underwear do I need?
As with your regular supply of undies, you’ll want plenty to rotate through as the months go by. Seven pairs is a good rule of thumb, so you’ll have one for every day of the week without having to do laundry as often (what mom or mom-to-be wants to do laundry??)
10 best maternity underwear
With all of this in mind, and based on my expertise, I’ve picked out ten styles you should buy to keep your lady parts comfortable and protected while you’re expecting.