So you’re expecting a baby?
Congratulations! This is a time in your life filled with so much joy and anticipation for the new life you’ve created. And with that comes many different changes with your body. One of the things that you’ll always want to make sure of is that you’re wearing clothing that doesn’t irritate or bind your growing baby bump.
Which is why having the right kind of maternity underwear can be a game changer. Moms who’ve experienced pregnancy already say that the best pair of maternity underwear fits smoothly either under or over your bump and provides plenty of coverage in the rear. Some women prefer to keep wearing their regular panties and just going up a size or two.
It’s all about personal preference and what you feel most comfortable wearing. Remember, during pregnancy your body grows in a very specific way and you’ve essentially got to fit two people into the same pair of underwear. Maternity underwear is specifically designed to fit your growing shape. It is usually made to be extra-stretchy and either low-cut, to fit underneath a growing belly, or high-cut, to fit over it. Because your body goes through so many changes during pregnancy it’s a given that often times you’ll feel uncomfortable. But the last thing you need is for your underwear to be an added annoyance. We’ve created a list of the best maternity underwear by trimester so you can feel comfortable and confident in your changing body!
Best Overall: Intimate Portal Women Under the Bump Pregnancy Underwear
Coverage: Low rise in the front and full coverage in the rear
Trimester: Best for second and third trimesters, works during first trimester. Can also be worn as postpartum underwear as the low-rise waistline makes C-section recover easier
The Intimate Portal Women Under the Bump Pregnancy Underwear have the classic crossover style that works with your belly as your baby grows and drops. This style of maternity underwear is 95% cotton and 5% spandex, which makes for a breathable and comfortable fit, with plenty of coverage in the back.
Best Material: GIFTPOCKET Under Bump Maternity Panties
Coverage: Low rise in the front and moderate coverage in the rear
Trimester: Best for second and third trimesters, works during first trimester. Can also be worn as postpartum underwear as the low-rise waistline makes C-section recovery easier
The GIFTPOCKET Under Bump Maternity Panties are made with premium cotton, which makes the comfort unparalleled when compared to other brands. They also have the crossover design which ensures your underwear won’t get in the way of your growing bump. Because the coverage in back is moderate, the sizing may run small so you’ll want to consider going up a size for full coverage.
Best Over the Bump: NBB Lingerie High Cut
Coverage: High waist and over the bump in the front and full coverage in the rear
Trimester: Best for second and third trimesters. Can also be worn as postpartum cotton panties for after delivery
The NBB Lingerie High Cut Over Bump Underwear Briefs are made for providing ultimate comfort for your bump. The underwear is 100% cotton and the main tummy section expands to provide room as your baby grows. Underneath that section is a light support band for added comfort. The high waist portion covers your belly and stays in place without slipping or rolling down. Plus, if your belly button has popped and is sensitive, these will help to protect that area.
Best Lingerie Style: Cosabella Maternity Hot Pant
Coverage: Low rise in the front and cheeky fit in the rear
Trimester: Best for all trimesters
If you’re feeling like sporting sexy underwear during your pregnancy, the Cosabella Women’s Never Say Never Maternity Hot Pants are a perfect choice that provide comfort and style. These panties are only 50% cotton and have some natural give, but aren’t as stretchy as other styles. The scalloped lace design is sexy and stylish and lies flat against the skin to avoid any kind of irritation. The cheeky fit in back means they will not fully cover your bottom.
Best Seamless: Rosie Pope Seamless Hipster
Coverage: Low rise in the front and moderate coverage in the rear
Trimester: Best for all trimesters
Like the Cosabella style, the Rosie Pop Seamless Maternity Hipster Panty with Lace can be worn during all three trimesters as a great basic for your wardrobe. These panties are 91% nylon and 9% spandex which creates a seamless, soft and breathable fabric. They’re a great combination of fashionable and comfort.
Best Thong: Hanky Panky Maternity Low Rise Thong
Coverage: Low rise in the front and minimal to no coverage in the rear
Trimester: Best for all trimesters
The Hanky Panky Maternity Low Rise Thong is a classic style that works for women who love to wear thong underwear outside of pregnancy. Because of the low-rise nature of thong underwear, they tend to work well with your growing bump. Plus, these will spice up your ordinary underwear and are a perfect go-to for date night. The style sits higher on your hips which means they should stay put as your baby grows and moves.
Best for Extra Support: Belevation Support Briefs
Coverage: Over the bump in the front and full coverage in the rear
Trimester: Best for second and third trimesters
The Belevation Support Briefs are a frequent award-winner for their everyday comfort and support for your growing baby bump. The fabric has four-way stretch and is moisture-wicking. They’re made of 90% nylon and 10% spandex so they’re able to provide full abdominal support. If you’re sensitive to fabric pressing on your belly, you wouldn’t like these. Other moms say they love the extra smoothing and seamless fit for wearing under dresses or anything that may show a panty line.
Best for Every Trimester: Motherhood Maternity Fold Over
Coverage: Fold over belly waistband can be worn as low-rise or over the bump, and moderate to full coverage in back
Trimester: Best for all trimesters
Moms love the versatility that comes with the Motherhood Maternity Fold Over Briefs, which are perfect for your changing body. You can wear them for over the bump support or fold them down to fit underneath your belly. The fabric is 95% cotton and 5% spandex which means they’re both soft and comfortable. Plus, these underwear work for postpartum wear as well.
Items of the Day
Trimester Gift Boxes
$49.99
Join the other 1,000,000+ expecting mamas who love Bump Boxes.
The keys to the best underwear for pregnancy are comfort and the ability to adapt to a growing and changing pregnancy body. Styles that cover and support the belly as well as those that fit under the belly are available, allowing you to find the best individual fit. The best maternity underwear offers support without restriction, a sure-to-stay-on style, breathability and a flattering shape.
Maternity underwear is designed for the physical changes of pregnancy, including the pregnancy belly. Although non-maternity underwear can be worn during pregnancy, it will likely be stretched out. Maternity underwear offers comfort and even support and coverage of a pregnancy bump.
Although you can wear thongs during pregnancy, there can be a greater risk of infection, such as a yeast infection.