One day, your favourite pair of underwear suddenly feels different.
The waistband digs in, the fabric keeps rolling down, and you're constantly adjusting it throughout the day.
As your bump grows, even comfortable pre-pregnancy underwear may no longer provide the support and flexibility your body needs.
Maternity panties are specifically designed to accommodate your changing shape during pregnancy, offering more comfort, coverage, and support than regular underwear.
Here are eight signs it may be time to switch to maternity panties.
1. Your Underwear Leaves Marks on Your Skin
Tight elastics and waistbands start digging into the skin as your body changes.
If your waistband leaves deep, red lines, your underwear may be too constricting.
2. Waistbands Keep Rolling Down Under Your Bump
One of the most common pregnancy complaints.
Briefs and bikinis often slip, bunch up, or roll down as your bump grows and your body shape changes. This is because there is no longer enough fabric to cover your growing shape.
Looking for extra comfort as your bump grows? The Mom Store's Rose Pink Maternity Over-Belly Support Panties are designed to sit comfortably above your bump with a supportive high-rise fit, full rear coverage, a soft 100% cotton gusset, and an adjustable waistband that adapts as your body changes. It's an everyday essential for moms who want comfort without constant adjusting.
3. You Feel Pressure Around Your Growing Belly
Regular underwear isn't designed for a changing bump.
If you feel pressure around your abdomen or your thighs feel pinched, especially when sitting for long periods, it may be time for a change.
4. You're Constantly Adjusting Your Underwear Throughout the Day
If you're pulling, tugging, or repositioning your underwear, it's probably time to switch.
As your body changes through pregnancy, you can choose between under-the-bump and over-the-belly panties.
Under-the-Bump panties are designed to sit low on the hips and comfortably underneath your growing belly, which is often preferred in the later third trimester.
Over-the-Bump panties are high-waisted and feature a full-panel design that stretches to cover the entire belly, offering gentle support, warmth, and preventing the fabric from rolling down.
5. Your Clothes Feel Less Comfortable Even When They Still Fit
Sometimes the issue isn't your clothes—it's what's underneath them.
If the panty fabric looks visibly stretched out or the side seams are digging into your hips, your clothes may not feel as comfortable as they should with well-fitting underwear.
6. You Notice Increased Skin Sensitivity or Irritation
Pregnancy hormones and increased body temperature can make you more prone to sweating; switching to breathable, moisture-wicking maternity underwear is recommended for hygiene.
Pregnancy-related hormonal changes and increased moisture can make some women more prone to irritation and vaginal infections.
Normal seams suddenly feel abrasive, itchy, or painful against stretching, sensitive skin during pregnancy.
Many pregnant women also experience increased thigh rubbing as their body changes.
If thigh chafing has become an issue during pregnancy, maternity boyshorts can offer additional coverage and comfort. The Mom Store's maternity boyshorts are designed to provide gentle support while helping reduce friction, making them a practical choice for daily wear, walks, or long hours on your feet.
7. You're Entering Your Second or Third Trimester
Many moms find maternity underwear becomes significantly more comfortable as their bump grows.
Many women begin switching to maternity panties during the second trimester, often between weeks 12 and 20, as their bump and hips start to expand.
Mom tip: Do not automatically buy your pre-pregnancy size; check the maternity brand's size chart as your hips and thighs naturally widen. Most moms need to size up.
8. You Want Support Without Giving Up on Style
When shopping, look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like modal, bamboo, or organic cotton with a hint of elastane to ensure a four-way stretch and stay cool and hygienic.
If you want to stay comfortable without compromising on style, you can choose maternity panties that are designed to give you both.
Prefer something nice and elegant? The Mom Store's Sky Blue Maternity Over-Belly High-Waist Lace Panties offer the same bump-friendly support with delicate lace detailing, making it a beautiful option for moms who want comfort, coverage, and a touch of style throughout pregnancy.
Mom tip: Do not buy a 10-pack of one style early on. Buy a two-pack of under-the-bump and over-the-bump to see what your body prefers.
What Features Should You Look for in Maternity Panties?
Choose maternity panties with the right fabric and design to stay comfortable through pregnancy and beyond. Look for:
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Soft, breathable fabrics
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Stretchable waistband
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Over-belly or under-bump design
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Full rear coverage
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Cotton gusset
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Seam-minimizing construction
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy brings constant changes, and even small comfort upgrades can make a noticeable difference in your day-to-day routine. If you're dealing with rolling waistbands, tight elastics, skin irritation, or frequent adjustments, switching to maternity panties can help you feel more supported and comfortable as your bump grows.
The best part? You don't have to choose between comfort and style. Whether you prefer full over-belly coverage, adjustable support, elegant lace details, or extra-coverage boyshorts, The Mom Store offers maternity underwear designed to adapt to your changing body through every trimester.
Ready to upgrade your everyday comfort? Explore The Mom Store's maternity panties collection and find the style that feels right for you and your growing bump.
Every pregnancy is different. If you experience persistent discomfort, unusual swelling, itching, or skin irritation, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
