Pregnancy changes your body in ways no one fully prepares you for. Yes, your bump grows but so do your ribs, hips, blood volume, fluid levels and skin sensitivity. Often, the first place we feel these changes is in our underwear. Waistbands that once sat comfortably suddenly dig in. Fabric rolls. Things feel tight and super irritating.
There isn’t a set week when you should switch to maternity underwear. Instead, look for the signs. In this blog, I’ll walk you through exactly what to look out for and how to stay comfortable as your body changes.
Giorge, Mutha in Chief
When should I start wearing maternity underwear?
There’s no fixed week it’s all about noticing when your current underwear isn’t doing its job. Some women notice changes in the first trimester due to bloating, while others feel fine until later pregnancy. The right time to switch is when your current underwear starts to dig in, roll, or feel restrictive. Your body expands gradually, sometimes daily, so underwear that adapts with you becomes far more practical than repeatedly sizing up. If you’re starting to feel aware of your underwear throughout the day, that’s usually your signal to level up.
Is it normal for underwear to feel tight during pregnancy?
Completely normal. Rising progesterone causes bloating, your ribcage expands to make room for the baby, and fluid retention increases overall body volume. Regular underwear isn’t designed for this kind of change, which is why it can suddenly feel tight or uncomfortable. This isn’t something you need to “put up with”.
Can tight underwear harm my baby?
Tight underwear won’t harm your baby, but it can cause irritation, pressure, skin sensitivity and reduced circulation in delicate areas. Pregnancy skin is more reactive due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow, so soft fabrics and flexible waistbands are exactly what you need. Choose underwear that supports your body rather than compresses.
Why does my underwear roll down in pregnancy?
As your bump grows, the angle of your abdomen changes. Standard waistbands aren’t designed for this new shape, so they often roll or slip. Seam-free, stretch-and-recover fabrics adapt to curves, which is why purpose-designed pregnancy underwear sits more smoothly on a changing body.
What underwear is best for pregnancy bloating?
Look for underwear with:
- Seam-free construction
- Soft elastics
- Stretch-and-recover fabric
- No rigid waistbands
These features allow the fabric to expand and relax.
Should I just size up in underwear when pregnant?
Sizing up can help short-term, but it often leads to loose, baggy underwear later, especially postpartum. Underwear designed to stretch and recover with your body gives a more consistent fit across pregnancy and beyond, without constantly changing sizes.
What underwear is best for sensitive skin in pregnancy?
Hormonal changes increase blood flow and skin sensitivity, especially around breasts and nipples. Soft, breathable, seam-free fabrics with gentle elastics reduce rubbing and irritation. If your underwear suddenly feels scratchy or uncomfortable, it’s usually time for a fabric upgrade.
Do I need different underwear for postpartum?
Postpartum bodies continue to change for a very long time. Swelling reduces, skin settles, your milk comes in and your breasts go wild . Underwear that adapts through pregnancy with stretch are designed to continue to fit as your body recovers.
What are the signs it’s time to upgrade my underwear?
- Waistbands digging in
- Fabric rolling or slipping
- Feeling “aware” of your underwear all day
- Skin irritation
- Underwear hanging on for dear life
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to invest.
Why we designed underwear for changing bodies
I designed our underwear when I was suffering from body changes and couldn’t find soft, stretchy thoughtful underwear that would make me feel good (while I was feeling anything but). Seamless bra’s and knicker’s that would lightly support you in pregnancy and still adapt and mould to your body as it recovers in postpartum. I had two c-sections, the cotton baggy knickers I had to buy, just didn’t cut it.
Ready to stop making do?
Explore our underwear designed for real body changes here.
