You're used to buying non-maternity underwear of course, and may have your preferences about style, fabric, color, and more. But maternity underwear is a unique category, and there are some differences. Here's what you'll want to look for when you shop for maternity underwear.

I recommend Happy Mama. The quality is fine - easily lasted me a pregnancy and a bit afterwards.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Ellpellwood) Our verdict

Whatever your preference and whatever your size, bear in mind maternity clothes have been specially designed with the growing pregnant body in mind, so if you're finding your pre-pregnancy wardrobe a little snug, it's well worth investing in some, even if it's just a few staple pieces. What are the best clothes to wear when pregnant? However, the world of maternity wear has come on in leaps and bounds since the days of unflattering tent-dresses, and we're confident our guide has something for everyone, whether your preference is soft, stretchy leggings, on-trend maternity jeans or sophisticated work-wear. Is 12 weeks too early for maternity clothes? Happy Mama offer a huge range of non-frumpy dresses for all styles - from bump-hugging bodycon to flattering drapes, on-trend midi dress and shorter skater styles. Most can be used for breastfeeding as well.

Christine and other moms also appreciated the crossover waistband: no elastic to cut into you. "The style was a lot more comfortable for me than high-waisted underwear," says Christine, who also liked that the underwear provided full rear coverage. And it doesn't hurt that these underwear are nice looking, with trendy colors and patterns as well as designs with lace at the waist, a pretty, feminine detail. Similar to your favorite maternity jeans, there are a few different styles of maternity underwear to choose from: It depends on how often you want to do laundry. A minimum of seven pairs is a good idea if you want to do a weekly wash, but since pregnant women may have more vaginal discharge and may experience urinary incontinence, you may want to get more so you're covered in case you need to change more than once a day. These are awesome, have worn them since 20 weeks, now 35 weeks."(Recommended by Mumsnet user PetaO) Our verdict Motherhood Maternity is a brand that knows how to make maternity garments, and these underwear are no exception. Made of a cotton knit with a little spandex, this underwear is soft, breathable, and has just enough stretch to grow with you for nine months. The fold-over waistband lets you choose the most comfortable way to wear them through your pregnancy: Wear them over your bump for a smooth line and light belly support, or fold them down for an under-the-bump fit.This underwear has it all: super-soft material, full bottom coverage, and a cleverly designed waistband that will sit under your bump easily. We particularly love that the crossover fabric at the waist opens up as your belly gets bigger to give you space where you need it. The Kindred Bravely Under The Bump underwear has been a lifesaver this time around. I didn’t even know about maternity underwear with my last pregnancy and just suffered through the discomfort." Full of fuss-free t-shirts, jumpers, dresses and trousers that are comfortable to wear, Dorothy Perkins is the perfect place to put together a no-nonsense wardrobe to perfectly complement your other bump-friendly items. I bought the spandex/no show undies from Victoria’s Secret/Pink. They have a lot of stretch and are super comfy. Maybe not ideal for PP (I wear thongs) but definitely good for getting to that point!" When it comes to maternity clothes, ASOS DESIGN has it all, including multi-buy basics, workwear and formal occasion wear, plus just about everything in between. Reviewers praise the quality of the material and how well their clothes fit too.

The Happy Mama clothes are an absolute bargain too and their pieces appear a lot more expensive than they actually are. We love it when that happens. Maternity underwear has moved on from what it used to be, thankfully, so you can still feel attractive. Motherhood Maternity fold over undies are my go to now and will probably stay that way postpartum." We recommend a Tencel Modal™ fabric as it's soft, breathable, and you simply won't find anything better! I recently bought a few pairs of these maternity fold-over panties from Motherhood Maternity, and they are absolutely magical."Massive M&S full briefs! I remember sending my mum out to get some as my normal short style ones were agony to wear. My scar was quiet uncomfortable and itchy for a while, I think I wore them for about a year afterwards!"(Recommended by Mumsnet user LouLou198) Size: Maternity underwear is made to accommodate a changing body. You can generally buy your regular size, or perhaps go up just one size. You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area. The crotch of these undies is made of 100 percent cotton for more breathability and absorbency, while the rest of the fabric is 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex for a cool, light undergarment that molds itself to your shape. Christine Mattheis, Group VP, Content & Brand Solutions at BabyCenter, says the cotton fabric was "durable, breathable, and comfortable."

Maternity clothes can split opinion - some say they aren't necessarily, others have a wardrobe full. It's worth noting that maternity clothes have been specially designed with the changing pregnancy body in mind, and therefore will be able to accommodate a growing bump more comfortably than regular clothes. Women who were at a healthy weight before their pregnancy should expect to gain anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds during a singleton pregnancy (1). And most won’t gain much weight during their first trimester of pregnancy — only about 2 to 4 pounds. After that, you are likely to gain about a pound a week. If you love striking prints and fun colours, finding maternity wear to reflect your style can be something of a challenge. Whilst we love a few pastel shades or a Breton stripe, sometimes it’s nice to stand out from the crowd and wear something a little different, and that's where Frugi comes in. To find out more about your body during pregnancy and after the birth, read our week-by-week guide to your body during pregnancy, and our articles about your body after birth, what happens to your breasts after birth? and bleeding after birth.

6. Best leak-proof maternity pants: Sainsbury's Love Luna Lady Leaks Black Maternity Pants

Nothing will give you a better sense of whether something is worth buying than an honest, unbiased review from a real parent. That’s why our first port of call is always the Mumsnet forums where we trawl the Talk boards to find out what our Mumsnetters are recommending. Expert opinions My experience with these lace maternity thongs has been quite positive. The durable lace material stretches comfortably to fit my changing body, and the seamless design keeps me feeling stylish and confident in my favorite outfits. I appreciate the flattering v-shaped waistband and the fact that they're made in the USA with low-impact dyes, ensuring they're safe for me to wear. While the support may not be as strong as some other options, the overall comfort and style make these thongs a great addition to my maternity wardrobe. When to Start Wearing Maternity Underwear Style: Like regular underwear, maternity undies come in briefs, bikinis, boyshorts, and thongs, amongst other styles. Maternity underwear is one of those pregnancy items you don't think you need. But once you experience the comfort it provides, you'll be thankful for this little luxury. How we chose the best maternity underwear Fit: Maternity underwear should have a method of stretching to cover your belly as it grows, or an under-the-bump waistband that expands without allowing the undies to sag. Use your personal preference to decide between under- or over-the-bump or mid-belly styles, any will work.