Maternity knickers and tights

During pregnancy, your uterus and abdominal muscles will stretch to accommodate your growing bump so it is best to avoid tight bands that will cut across your abdomen.

Support knickers are designed to support your back and abdominal muscles. You can buy special maternity briefs and choose either small knickers that will fit under your bump, or big ones that cover it. However bigger knickers, than your normal size may suffice. Many women just want to throw the pants they wore during pregnancy away once they are returning to their previous body shape. You may not want to waste loads of money on expensive pants.

During pregnancy natural fibres, such as cotton are better for you than synthetic fabrics.

There are differing opinions on what to wear immediately after birth. Some new mums find disposable maternity knickers are ideal for wear after the birth. Others prefer to save their old knickers and then throw them away.

Support hosiery helps prevent varicose veins, and aching legs, and can be especially useful if you are on your feet a lot. Support tights are designed to fit throughout pregnancy, with a shaped foot & gusset. An alternative is to buy a larger size than normal.