Pregnancy doesn't mean you need to completely replace your lingerie drawer.
As your body changes, you may find that your usual bras and underwear stop feeling as comfortable as they once did. Maternity lingerie is designed to give you a little more room, flexibility and comfort as your bump grows and your breasts change.
But how much do you actually need?
The good news is: probably less than you think.
How many maternity bras do I need?
For most people, 2–3 maternity bras are a good starting point.
Having a few means you have one to wear, one in the wash and another ready to go. You can always add more later if you find a style you love or your size changes as pregnancy progresses.
Look for:
- Adjustable straps
- Several hook-and-eye settings
- A comfortable, supportive band
- Soft fabrics
- Enough flexibility to accommodate your changing shape
You don't necessarily need to buy several bras in the same size at the beginning of pregnancy. Your breasts can continue to change, so buying a couple and reassessing your fit later can make more sense.
Do I need nursing bras during pregnancy?
Not necessarily — but they can be a useful option.
A maternity bra is designed primarily to provide comfort and support during pregnancy, while a nursing bra is designed to make breastfeeding easier, usually with clips or panels that allow the cup to be opened for feeding.
Some nursing bras are also comfortable enough to wear during pregnancy, particularly towards the end when you're preparing for your baby's arrival.
If you're planning to breastfeed, having 1–2 nursing bras ready before your baby arrives can be useful. You can then see how your size and shape change after birth before buying more.
Read more: The Ultimate Nursing Bra Guide
How many maternity briefs do I need?
You don't need to completely replace your underwear drawer.
Start with several pairs of comfortable maternity briefs and see which styles you prefer.
Maternity briefs generally come in two main styles.
Over-the-bump maternity briefs
These sit over your bump and can provide extra coverage and comfort as your pregnancy progresses.
Some women love having their bump gently covered, while others prefer not to have fabric over their stomach.
Under-the-bump maternity briefs
These sit underneath your bump and can feel lighter, particularly if you don't like anything covering your stomach.
Neither style is better — it's simply about finding what feels comfortable for you.
How many maternity briefs should I buy?
There's no magic number, but 5–7 pairs is a sensible starting point if you're replacing most of your everyday underwear.
That gives you a reasonable rotation without buying a huge collection before you know which styles you actually like wearing.
If you do laundry frequently, you may need fewer. If you prefer to have plenty of clean underwear available, you may want more.
Do I need to replace all my normal underwear?
No.
If your usual underwear still fits comfortably, there's no reason to stop wearing it just because you're pregnant.
You might find that some styles continue to work perfectly well throughout pregnancy, while others become uncomfortable as your bump grows.
Let comfort be your guide rather than feeling that you have to replace everything.
When should I buy maternity lingerie?
There's no particular week of pregnancy when you need to buy maternity lingerie.
Instead, pay attention to how your existing lingerie feels.
If your bra is digging in, your breasts feel cramped in the cups, your briefs are cutting into your bump or you're constantly adjusting everything, it's probably time to look for something more comfortable.
You may also find that you need to change sizes more than once during pregnancy.
That's completely normal.
You don't need to buy everything at once
One of the easiest mistakes to make is buying a whole new maternity lingerie collection at the beginning of pregnancy.
Your body is going to continue changing, so it's often much more practical to buy a few key pieces first and see how they fit and feel.
You can then add to your lingerie drawer as your pregnancy progresses.
A simple maternity lingerie starter collection
As a starting point, you could consider:
2–3 maternity bras
For everyday comfort and support.
5–7 pairs of maternity briefs
Choose over- or under-bump styles depending on what feels best.
1–2 nursing bras
If you're planning to breastfeed and want to have some ready before your baby arrives.
That's it.
You don't need a huge collection of maternity lingerie to be comfortable during pregnancy.
Choose comfort over a checklist
Maternity lingerie isn't about buying everything you're told you should have.
It's about finding underwear that works for your changing body.
If your normal bra and briefs are still comfortable, carry on wearing them. If they're starting to feel restrictive, it's time to look at your options.
Buy what you need, when you need it, and don't be afraid to change styles as your body changes.
Comfort comes first.
Want to know more about maternity lingerie?
Take a look at our Your Maternity Lingerie Guide for more advice on choosing maternity bras and briefs, when to buy them and how your lingerie needs can change throughout pregnancy.