Pregnancy changes your body in so many ways, and your lingerie is no exception.
As your breasts grow and your shape changes, your usual bras and underwear may suddenly feel uncomfortable, restrictive or simply not quite right. Knowing what to buy - and when - can make a big difference to how comfortable you feel throughout pregnancy.
But how much maternity lingerie do you actually need? When should you buy it? And what's the difference between a maternity bra and a nursing bra?
We've put together this guide to help you make sense of it all.
What is maternity lingerie?
Maternity lingerie is designed with your changing body in mind during pregnancy.
It can include:
- Maternity bras
- Nursing bras
- Maternity briefs
- Maternity underwear
- Maternity camisoles and vests
- Maternity swimwear
You don't necessarily need to replace your entire underwear drawer as soon as you become pregnant. The right time to switch to maternity lingerie is really about comfort and fit.
If your normal bra starts feeling tight, digs in or no longer gives you the support you need, it's probably time to look for something more comfortable.
How does your body change during pregnancy?
Breast changes can happen surprisingly early in pregnancy. Your breasts may become larger, tender or more sensitive, and you may notice changes to your nipples and areola too.
For some women, their bra size changes quite quickly. For others, the changes happen more gradually.
There isn't a particular week of pregnancy when everyone suddenly needs a maternity bra.
Your body is your best guide.
If your bra is becoming uncomfortable, don't feel that you have to put up with it just because you're only a few weeks pregnant.
When should you buy a maternity bra?
There's no magic date when you need to buy your first maternity bra.
A good rule is to buy one when your current bras no longer feel comfortable or supportive.
You may find that you need a new size during the first or second trimester, and then another adjustment later in pregnancy.
It's also worth remembering that your breasts can change again after your baby is born, particularly as your milk comes in.
That's one reason it's useful to choose maternity and nursing bras with a little flexibility rather than buying a very firm, fitted style too early.
Read more: When Should I Buy a Maternity Bra?
Maternity bra vs nursing bra - what's the difference?
The terms maternity bra and nursing bra are sometimes used interchangeably, but they're not quite the same thing.
A maternity bra is primarily designed to provide comfortable support while your body is changing during pregnancy.
A nursing bra is designed for breastfeeding and usually has cups that can be unclipped or moved aside to make feeding easier.
Some bras are designed to work throughout both pregnancy and breastfeeding, which can be a really practical option if you want to get more wear from your lingerie.
If you're planning to breastfeed, you don't necessarily need to wait until your baby arrives before buying nursing bras. You can choose styles that accommodate your changing shape during late pregnancy and are also suitable for feeding.
Read more: Maternity Bra vs Nursing Bra: What's the Difference?
What should you look for in a maternity bra?
Comfort should be at the top of your list.
A comfortable band
The band should sit securely around your body without digging in or feeling uncomfortably tight.
As your ribcage and breasts change during pregnancy, you may find that a bra that fitted perfectly a few months ago suddenly feels restrictive.
Room to grow
Your body is changing, so choosing a bra with some flexibility can be useful.
Adjustable straps and multiple hook-and-eye settings can help you adapt the fit as your pregnancy progresses.
Good support
Comfort doesn't mean your bra shouldn't be supportive.
Look for a style that supports your breasts without creating pressure points or digging into your shoulders.
Soft, comfortable fabrics
Pregnancy can make your breasts more sensitive, so soft fabrics and comfortable seams can make a big difference.
If your usual underwired bras suddenly feel uncomfortable, you may prefer a softer wireless style.
Read more: How Should a Maternity Bra Fit?
Do you need an underwired or wireless maternity bra?
There's no single style that's right for everyone.
Some women love the support and shape of an underwired bra throughout pregnancy, while others find wires uncomfortable as their body changes.
A good maternity bra should feel comfortable and supportive without digging into your breast tissue or feeling restrictive.
If you prefer wireless bras, there are plenty of supportive options available.
And if you love underwired bras, you don't automatically have to give them up just because you're pregnant.
It's about finding what feels right for your body.
What about maternity underwear?
Your growing bump isn't the only reason your usual underwear might stop feeling comfortable.
You may find that waistbands dig in, briefs feel too restrictive or your normal underwear simply doesn't sit where you want it to.
Maternity briefs are designed to give you more room and comfort as your bump grows.
There are two main styles you'll come across:
Over-the-bump maternity briefs
These sit over your bump and can provide a little extra coverage and support.
Some women love them, particularly later in pregnancy, while others don't like having fabric over their bump.
Under-the-bump maternity briefs
These sit underneath your bump, leaving your stomach uncovered.
They're often a good choice if you don't like the feeling of fabric over your bump or want something lighter for everyday wear.
There's no right or wrong choice — it's simply about what feels comfortable to you.
How much maternity lingerie do you actually need?
You don't need to completely replace your lingerie drawer.
A small collection of comfortable, well-fitting pieces is usually much more useful than buying lots of things you don't end up wearing.
As a starting point, you might consider:
- 2–3 maternity bras that you feel comfortable wearing regularly
- Several pairs of comfortable maternity briefs
- 1–2 nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed and want to start preparing before your baby arrives
- A comfortable maternity or nursing vest if that's something you enjoy wearing
- Maternity swimwear if you swim regularly or have a holiday planned
The exact amount will depend on your lifestyle, how often you do laundry and what you personally find comfortable.
You don't need to buy everything at once.
When should you buy nursing bras?
If you're planning to breastfeed, you may want to have a couple of nursing bras ready before your baby arrives.
Many mums find it useful to buy them towards the end of pregnancy, when they have a better idea of how their body is changing.
However, your breasts can change again after birth, so it's sensible not to buy a huge collection of one size before you know what your post-pregnancy body will do.
A couple of comfortable, flexible styles can be a good starting point.
The NHS recommends packing comfortable bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed, for your hospital stay.
Read more: The Ultimate Nursing Bra Guide
Don't forget about maternity swimwear
If you're pregnant during the summer, planning a holiday or simply enjoy swimming, maternity swimwear can make getting in the pool much more comfortable.
A good maternity swimsuit should accommodate your growing bump without feeling restrictive.
Look for adjustable features and fabrics with enough stretch to allow your body to change throughout pregnancy.
You don't necessarily need to buy maternity swimwear at the beginning of pregnancy. As with bras and underwear, it's often best to buy when your existing swimwear starts becoming uncomfortable.
Your lingerie needs may change more than once
One of the most important things to remember is that there isn't one perfect maternity lingerie size or style for your entire pregnancy.
You may need to change your bra size once, twice or several times.
You might start pregnancy preferring your usual underwired bras and later find that a soft wireless style is much more comfortable.
You might love over-the-bump briefs one month and decide you'd rather have something lighter underneath your bump a few months later.
That's completely normal.
Your body is changing, so your lingerie can change with it.
The most important thing? Be comfortable.
There's no prize for squeezing yourself into your old underwear for as long as possible.
If something is digging in, pinching, rubbing or simply doesn't feel comfortable anymore, it's probably time to find something that fits better.
Maternity lingerie isn't about buying a whole new wardrobe just because you're pregnant.
It's about giving your changing body the comfort and support it needs.
Choose pieces that make you feel comfortable, confident and like yourself — because that's what good maternity lingerie should do.
More maternity advice
Looking for more help choosing maternity lingerie?
Read our guides on:
- When Should I Buy a Maternity Bra?
- How Should a Maternity Bra Fit?
- Maternity Bra vs Nursing Bra: What's the Difference?
- What Maternity Lingerie Do I Actually Need?
- Maternity Underwear: Over or Under the Bump?