Health & Hygiene

Complete Guide To Maternity Panties: From First Trimester To Postpartum

by Adira Editorial on Oct 03, 2024

Complete Guide To Maternity Panties: From First Trimester To Postpartum

Are you pregnant and finding it harder to stay comfortable in your regular underwear? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! As your belly grows, it’s normal to feel that your old undies just aren’t cutting it anymore. Think of it this way: you’re not squeezing into those undies anymore, there’s a little one sharing that space with you! So, it’s perfectly okay to outgrow your favourite pairs for now. But don’t fret—you’ll be back in them soon.

In the meantime, it’s all about finding the best pregnancy panties for women that will keep you and your baby bump comfortable. You’ll be spending a lot of time in these over the coming months, so it’s worth investing in undergarments that won’t leave you feeling restricted or uncomfortable. 

Pregnancy is such an exciting journey, and your body is changing every day. While not everyone experiences morning sickness or stretch marks, many find that by the six-month mark, even their regular clothes, especially underwear, start to feel uncomfortable. That’s when maternity panties become your new best friend, offering the comfort and support you need to get through this special time!

What Exactly Are Maternity Panties?

Maternity panties are more than just regular underwear—they’re designed to fit and support your body as it grows. Unlike regular panties, which can dig into your skin or feel too tight, maternity panties stretch comfortably around your belly, providing gentle support. They're made to accommodate your changing body and help you stay comfortable, no matter which trimester you're in.

Why Maternity Briefs Are Your Best Pregnancy Buddy!

Pregnancy is such an exciting journey, but let’s be real—it comes with a lot of changes! As your body transforms, finding the right underwear becomes super important. That’s where Adira’s maternity panties come in—they’re about to become your best friend!

1. Comfort For Your Growing Bump: Adira’s maternity undies are made from soft, stretchy fabric that moves with you. Unlike your regular underwear, these beauties are designed to fit your growing belly comfortably. 

2. A Gentle Hug For Your Belly: One of the best features of Adira’s maternity panties is the stretchy belly band. This pregnancy panty provides gentle support for your belly, helping to ease strain on your back.

3. Stay In Place, No Matter What: Adira’s pregnancy undies are made to stay in place. With fabric covered elastic at the waist and leg openings, you can go about your day without worrying about constantly adjusting your underwear. 

4. Comfort After Baby Arrives: After you give birth, your body needs some extra love. Regular underwear just won’t do. Adira’s post delivery period panties are soft and supportive, making them perfect for your recovery. 

5. Stock Up For The Journey Ahead: It’s a great idea to have different types of underwear ready for your post-baby days:

  • Disposable undies: Perfect for the early days after a vaginal delivery or C-section, providing essential protection during your hospital stay and recovery.
  • Post delivery period underwear: Ideal for managing postpartum bleeding in the weeks after birth can be paired with maternity or sanitary pads. Just remember to change them often to keep things fresh and hygienic!
  • Maternity compression panties: These help you feel supported and are super comfy.
  • Postpartum support band: Great for healing your tummy and easing back pain.

Stages Of Pregnancy & Why You’ll Need Different Underwear

An image showing stages of pregnancy - Adira

As your pregnancy progresses, your body goes through different stages—each with its own set of changes. Here’s how your underwear needs might shift through each trimester:

  • First Trimester: You might not notice much of a bump just yet, so your regular underwear may still feel comfortable for now. But here’s the thing—some women start feeling tenderness or bloating early on, the gentle support and stretch of maternity underwear can make a big difference, giving you that extra bit of comfort as your body starts to adjust. It’s all about choosing what makes you feel comfortable!
  • Second Trimester:  Your belly is growing! This is when maternity underwear becomes essential, as it helps prevent discomfort and chafing while supporting your expanding body. Adira’s maternity undershorts are great for easing discomfort from weight gain. They gently support your belly, are the perfect length, and help prevent inner thigh chafing. You’ll love the extra comfort!
  • Third Trimester: With your belly at its biggest, you’ll need the extra support and stretch that only maternity panties can provide. Along with comfort, hygiene is also crucial, as your body may produce more moisture, making you prone to issues like UTIs. This is where maternity hygiene panties come in. They’re designed with breathable, quick-drying fabrics to keep you dry and fresh. The crotch is antimicrobial and antifungal, offering extra protection to prevent 99% of infection-causing bacteria. The right underwear will keep you comfy, supported, and safe as your body prepares for delivery.

Pregnancy affects every woman differently, and your body’s changes will guide your maternity wear choices. For more details on the stages of pregnancy, check out this guide on pregnancy stages and changes.

Also read: Breathable vs. Non-Breathable Fabrics: Impact On Urinary Tract Health

Types Of Pregnancy Panties You’ll Need - By Adira

An image showing types of Adira maternity panties

 

There are different types of maternity panties designed to meet your changing needs throughout pregnancy. Here are a few you might want to add to your collection:

  • Maternity Panties: These are your everyday go-to panties, designed to fit comfortably around your growing belly.
  • Maternity Hygiene Panties: Made from breathable fabrics, these panties help maintain hygiene and prevent UTIs. Their antimicrobial and antifungal crotch design reduces 99% of infection-causing bacteria, keeping you fresh and protected throughout your pregnancy.
  • Maternity Incontinence Panties: Designed to handle light urine leaks during pregnancy and postpartum, these panties absorb leaks up to 10 ml, providing reliable protection and comfort while keeping your outfits dry..
  • Maternity Undershorts: Great for preventing inner thigh chafing with its perfect thigh length while providing gentle support to the belly.
  • Post Delivery Period Panties: Essential for postpartum care, these panties help manage postpartum bleeding and keep you comfortable after delivery. Use them with maternity pads or sanitary pads to ensure maximum comfort and leak protection. 

What To Look For When Shopping For Maternity Undies

 

An image showing shopping checklist for maternity undies

 

Choosing the right maternity underwear doesn’t have to be tricky. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re shopping:

    • Choose The Right Size: As your body changes, so will your size. Look for maternity underwear that accommodates your growing belly without feeling too tight. At Adira, we provide size guides to help you find the perfect fit, and we’re proud to be size inclusive!
    • Prioritize Comfort: Opt for soft, stretchy, and breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo that won’t irritate your skin. Comfort is key, especially with sensitive areas during pregnancy.
    • Support Is Important: Look for maternity undies with built-in support for your belly and back. Light compression can help reduce discomfort as your body adjusts to the extra weight.
    • Consider Different Styles: Depending on your needs, you may want to invest in a few different types of maternity underwear—like briefs for everyday comfort, undershorts to prevent chafing, and incontinence panties for light urine leaks.
    • Breathability & Hygiene: Choose panties with moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric to stay fresh and prevent infections like UTIs. Antimicrobial and antifungal crotch designs are a bonus for added hygiene.
    • Check For Adjustability: Maternity panties come with adjustable features like waistbands that can be expanded as your belly grows, making them last throughout pregnancy.
    • Consider Your Panty Lining: With new hormones during pregnancy, discharge can change. Adding a panty liner or pad can provide added comfort and protection.
    • Choose Light Colored Panties: In the final weeks of pregnancy, try wearing light-colored maternity underwear. This way, you can easily keep an eye on any discharge colors—like yellow, brown, or red—and let your healthcare provider know if you notice anything concerning
    • Consider Your Birth Method: If you’re having a C-section or end up needing one, high-rise underwear can help a lot. They’ll cover your incision, keep you comfy, and prevent any rubbing against your incision, which is one less thing to worry about!
    • Think About Postpartum: Consider purchasing panties that can also be worn postpartum. Post-delivery panties offer extra protection for bleeding, comfort, and recovery support.

Why Maternity Panties Are So Beneficial

Let’s face it, regular underwear just doesn’t cut it when you’re pregnant —they can be restrictive, uncomfortable, and just not up to the task. Maternity panties, on the other hand, are a must-have! Here’s why:"

  • Support: They provide gentle support for your belly and lower back needs, especially as you get closer to your due date. This can help reduce discomfort and strain during this crucial time.
  • Breathability: Made with soft, breathable fabrics, maternity panties help prevent irritation and discomfort, even on the warmest days. This is essential for maintaining hygiene and comfort as your body changes.
  • Flexibility: The stretchy design means they’ll grow with you, keeping you comfortable no matter how big your baby bump gets! This adaptability makes them a must-have addition to your wardrobe.
  • Hygiene: Maternity panties like Adira’s maternity hygiene panties feature antimicrobial and antifungal crotch, which help keep you fresh and reduce the risk of infections, such as UTIs.
  • Variety: Maternity panties come in different styles, including briefs, shorts, and hipsters, allowing you to choose what feels best for you and suits your daily activities.
  • Postpartum Use: Maternity panties like Adira’s post delivery period panties are specifically designed for postpartum needs. These offer support and comfort during recovery and help manage postpartum bleeding.
  • Chafing Prevention: Maternity undershorts like Adira’s are designed with just the right length and thoughtful construction, these undershorts help prevent chafing, and are especially useful during activities like walking or light exercise.

Why Regular Undies Just Don’t Work During Pregnancy

While you might be tempted to stick with your regular underwear during pregnancy, there are some key differences that make maternity panties the better choice. Regular underwear may start to feel too tight as your belly grows, causing discomfort. Maternity panties, however, are designed with extra stretch and support, making them a much more comfortable option. To make things clearer, here’s a quick comparison:

Feature Regular Undies Maternity Undies
Fit May feel too tight and restrictive as your belly grows Designed with extra stretch to accommodate a growing belly
Support Offers less support Provides gentle support for your belly and lower back
Comfort Can dig into the skin, causing discomfort Made from soft, breathable cotton fabrics for maximum comfort
Adaptability Not designed to stretch with body changes Stretches and adjusts to your changing body throughout pregnancy
Hygiene Standard materials without special features Often includes antimicrobial and antifungal crotch for better hygiene
Style Options Limited styles that may not suit pregnancy needs Comes in various styles (briefs, hipsters, undershorts) made for pregnancy
Postpartum Use Not ideal for postpartum recovery Specifically designed for postpartum needs, offering comfort and support during recovery

 

FAQs About Maternity Underwear

1. Which undergarments are good during pregnancy?

When it comes to finding the right panties during pregnancy, comfort is key. Look for maternity panties that are made from soft, stretchy fabrics and have a design that supports your growing belly without feeling too tight and restrictive.

2. When should I start wearing pregnancy underwear?

You might be wondering when to make the switch to maternity panties. Most women find they need to start wearing them in the second trimester when their belly begins to grow and regular underwear becomes less comfortable.

3. How many undies for pregnancy do I need?

Wondering how many pairs of undies for pregnancy you’ll need? About 5-7 should do the trick. This way, you’ll have enough to get through the week comfortably without worrying about laundry every day.

4. How tight should maternity panties be?

Your maternity underwear should feel like a snug hug, not a tight squeeze. They should sit comfortably without digging into your skin—after all, comfort is key!

5. Is it okay to not wear undergarments during pregnancy?

Whether or not you wear undergarments is totally up to you. However, wearing breathable, moisture-wicking panties is generally recommended to help maintain hygiene and prevent infections during this time.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right maternity panties is essential for comfort and support as your body changes during pregnancy. It’s perfectly normal to outgrow your favourite underwear, so embrace this new chapter with options designed for your journey.

From the first trimester to postpartum, maternity underwear will keep you comfy and confident. Look for breathable fabrics and gentle support to accommodate your growing bump and aid in recovery.

Treat yourself to cozy maternity panties—you deserve them! Enjoy your pregnancy journey!

Shop all Adira essentials, including maternity undies, and get an extra 10% off using code "MOMMY10"

 

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