pregnancy
The support you really need
Maternity underwear should look and feel like a hug, not a tourniquet. Here are the dos and don’ ts of maternity underwear.
Pregnancy changes everything – none more so than your body, so choosing the right underwear is key to keeping you comfortable through bloating, bump growth and postpartum. The wrong pair? Hello digging waistbands and constant adjusting. Here’ s how to get it right.
“ Your skin gets more sensitive and your temperature runs hotter during pregnancy.”
Do: Prioritise soft, stretchy fabrics
Choose cotton bamboo or model blends. Your skin gets more sensitive and your temperature runs hotter during pregnancy. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric prevents irritation, yeast infections and swampy bits. Bonus: natural fibres stretch with your body without losing shape.
Don’ t suffer through synthetic lace or stiff seams because‘ it’ s cute’! Who are you trying to impress?
Do: Size up when in doubt
Buy your pre-pregnancy size early on, then go up 1 – 2 sizes in your third trimester. Many brands offer maternity sizing, but your regular brand one size up often works too. For bras, get fitted around 16 – 20 weeks and again at 36 weeks. Look for maternity bras with 4 – 6 hook-and-eye settings so you can adjust as you change.
Don’ t cling to old sizes out of denial. Red marks, muffin tops and quad-boobs are not the statement you want to make, and they’ re not good for your developing baby either. Your rib cage is going to expand, too, and your breasts can grow two to three sizes.
Do: Match the cut to your bump stage
Look at low-rise or fold-over styles for your first and second trimester. They sit under the bump without the pressure. In the third trimester, over-the-bump panels support and stay put without rolling. Postpartum, high-waisted briefs hold pads and offer gentle compression.
Don’ t assume one style will work throughout your pregnancy. Buy a few pairs each trimester as your body shifts.
Do: Think postpartum function
Grab five to seven pairs of full-coverage, high-waisted mesh or cotton briefs for after birth. You’ ll need space for heavy pads, ice packs and a tender perineum or C-section incision. Quick tip: dark colours hide stains. And invest in maternity bras that double as nursing bras for easy breastfeeding access.
Don’ t pack lacy thongs for your hospital bag. Just – don’ t.
Don’ t ignore signs of a poor fit
Don’ t tolerate rolling bands, riding undies or straps digging in. Chafing increases infection risk. If you are adjusting all day, it’ s the wrong size. �
30 www. babysandbeyond. co. za