Pregnancy is a huge life milestone, but while it’s a  wonderful and unparalleled experience, it comes with unique challenges. As your body changes and adapts to the growing baby inside you, your old clothes may no longer fit properly, especially the undergarments you wear. This is especially true with underwear. 

Consequently, many turn to maternity underwear, or maternity knickers in the UK, to use while pregnant. The right maternity underwear can make or break your pregnancy experience, affecting your comfort and well-being. Thus, you must find underwear that will meet all your needs.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best maternity underwear for everyday use.

Consider How Your Body is Changing

As life grows inside you, your body must change to accommodate it. And while your belly grows, you might find that regular underwear will no longer work for you. Hence, it’s important to choose maternity underwear designed to adapt to the changes your body is undergoing. 

Look for styles sporting a high waistband that will sit comfortably above your belly. Some maternity underwear also features a crossover panel or extra fabric in the front to provide extra support and coverage.

You may also want to consider buying maternity underwear in a larger size than you normally wear. This will give you extra room to grow as your pregnancy progresses, ensuring that you remain comfortable and supportive wearing these maternity knickers. You can save money this way too!

Choose the Right Style

While there is a recommended style, that shouldn’t stop you from discovering other options. Fortunately, maternity underwear comes in different styles, allowing you to pick and choose to your heart’s content.

Since pregnancy can take a toll on your body, it’s essential to choose a style that’s both comfortable and supportive. You can easily expand your knowledge of different types of underwear for women by running a simple online search. Some popular styles for maternity underwear include:

• Maternity Briefs: This style is similar to briefs but with a higher waistband to accommodate a growing belly. They provide full coverage and support for the hips and bottom, making them a great option for women who prefer more coverage. Maternity briefs have various styles, including high-cut, low-cut, and full coverage.

 

• Maternity Bikinis: Like regular bikinis, its low-rise waistband sits below the belly. They offer less coverage than briefs but provide plenty of support and comfort. Maternity bikinis are best for women who prefer more flexibility and mobility, as they don’t cover the entire belly.

 

• Maternity Thongs: Yes, you heard that right. Thongs. These are designed to provide minimal coverage and avoid visible panty lines. They sit below the belly, featuring a stretchy waistband accommodating your belly. Maternity thongs are your best option if you want minimal coverage or need tight-fitting clothing without visible panty lines.

 

• Maternity Boyshorts: This underwear provides more coverage than bikinis or thongs but less coverage than briefs. They have a low-rise waistband that sits below the belly and provides full coverage for the hips and bottom. Go for this one if you want more coverage than a bikini or thong but don’t want the full coverage of briefs.

Opt for Comfortable Materials

When shopping for maternity underwear, one of the most important factors you should consider is the materials used. 

The skin has a tendency to become more sensitive during pregnancy, so it’s important to look for soft, breathable fabrics that won’t cause you any irritation. Hence, avoiding synthetic fabrics is a must. 

Materials like polyester and nylon can trap moisture and heat, leading to discomfort and irritation. Additionally, tight or restrictive fabrics can cause chafing and discomfort, so look for underwear with a good stretch and a comfortable fit.

One great material is cotton. It‘s one of the best choices, as it’s soft, absorbent, and breathable. Other good options include bamboo and modal, which are not only soft and breathable but also absorbent because of their weave. 

 

For those with sensitive skin, these materials are your best options since they are hypoallergenic and contain antibacterial properties.

Choose Supportive Features

During pregnancy, discomfort and pain in your lower back, hips, and pelvis are common. Lucky for you, various maternity underwear come with supportive features that can help alleviate these issues. Features you should look out for include:

 

• Wide waistbands: Look for underwear with wide waistbands to help support your ever-growing belly and prevent it from pulling down on your underwear.

 

• Supportive seams: Choose underwear with supportive seams that can help lift and support your belly. With this, you’ll reduce the pressure on your lower back and hips.

 

• Compression panels: Some maternity underwear features built-in compression panels to help support your lower back and hips, reducing pain and discomfort.

Check the Care Instructions

Maternity underwear can be expensive, so it’s important to check the care instructions before purchasing it. Opt for maternity underwear that is machine washable and easy to care for so that they’d last throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Doing this is not only cost-effective, but it’ll also make doing the laundry easier for you.

To Conclude

Choosing the right maternity underwear is essential for your comfort and well-being while pregnant. Factors like adaptability, style, materials, support, and care instructions must be considered before buying, especially since these don’t come cheap. Remember, the right maternity underwear can help you stay comfortable and provide the necessary support as you grow life inside of you.