5 Best Maternity Scrubs of 2023: Buying Guide and Reviews

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best maternity scrubs

With so many options out there on the market today, it can be hard to find the best maternity scrubs.

That’s why we have put together a list of our favorite scrubs for soon to be mommies.

Using this article, we hope you are able to find the perfect scrubs to help you meet the demands of your workday while feeling comfortable and confident.

Best Maternity Scrubs of 2023: Quick Look

Have a look at our favorite gear recommendations:

Note: Please remember that the information presented in this article is based on personal experience, and is in no way intended to be medical advice. Specific questions regarding pregnancy should be directed to your doctor.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Maternity Scrubs

If you are wondering whether the investment is worth it, when you should consider to start purchasing, or even how you begin looking for a pair of maternity scrubs, we’ve got you covered.

We aim to answer all of those questions and more with our buying guide.  After reading, you should feel well prepared to make the right purchases for yourself.

Why Buy Maternity Scrubs?

We feel like the answer is pretty simple: women’s maternity scrub tops and bottoms were designed specifically to get you through your pregnancy with the function and comfort you need.

It’s no secret that bodies can change drastically throughout pregnancy, and even for a considerable period after baby is born.

Having a uniform that is designed to accommodate those changes can allow you to continue the unrestricted range of motion you need at work while feeling confident that your clothes are comfortable and flattering.

Find the Perfect Fit: From Head to Toe

Maternity Tops

Women’s maternity scrub tops should grow with you and your baby, so you will see a lot of similar design features throughout the most popular brands.

You will want to consider everything from the neckline to the length of the scrub top, and knowing the purpose of the design feature will help you pick the best option for yourself.

The neckline of a garment is a common way to express personal style, and on non-maternity scrubs you will see a variety of neckline cuts. While this can be true for women’s maternity scrub tops, often you will find that the best tops utilize a V neck – literally cut in the shape of a “V.”

This is beneficial because it allows your chest room to grow. Starting as early as 4-6 weeks, increased blood flow due to rising hormone levels can cause noticeable changes to breast tissue, including sensitivity and growth.

Some women see changes as much as a full cup size or two, so having a neckline that comfortably expands with you will be important.

It also frames your face. Maternity scrubs these days are meant to be just as fashionable as they are functional, and a V neckline is a flattering cut for many body types.

The body of maternity tops are, arguably, the most important part of your work uniform while pregnant. The wrong fabric or cut can render a maternity top useless, so knowing what to look for is important.

Many tops will include a wrap or mock wrap style – where the fabric wraps from one side of the body to the other, and is usually secured in place with an outer tie or elastic banding under the chest.

This is obviously beneficial because the adjustable tie will allow for room to grow as baby grows.

While many may not see significant change in the first few months, bellies often begin to “show” around the third or fourth month of pregnancy due to the growing uterus.

Unless you’re in the market for petite maternity scrubs, extra length is another feature of lots of popular maternity tops, and you can expect to see a lot of advertising for “tunic length.”

As your belly grows out, the extra fabric will fall higher, making it seem less “tunic length” and more regular length, which is a bonus if you don’t want to spend your days worrying about pulling your top down over your pants repeatedly.

Maternity Bottoms

The best maternity pants, in our opinion, are the ones that look and function equal to – or better than – regular scrub pants.

You will find lots of great options that provide the function you need while also keeping you and baby comfortable during your long shifts.

The waistline that you find most comfortable in your pair of maternity pants will be, largely, a matter of personal preference. There are some key things to consider as you are deciding which pants you prefer.

Nearly all maternity pants on the market will include a soft and stretchy panel that starts right around your hip bones and extends up to cover your growing belly, and for good reason.

Once you’re out of the first trimester, weight gain can start to speed up and averages an increase of about one to two pounds per week (if you started in a normal BMI range pre-pregnancy).

Most people find the key to an effective belly panel to be the overall comfort and quality of the stretchy panel, and the placement of where the elastic sits on your belly.

If the panel is of poor quality, it may not keep its intended shape a require constant adjusting to keep from falling down, while if the elastic is too tight or hits too low on your belly you could find yourself feeling restricted and quite uncomfortable all day.

The leg of your maternity pants can become very important as your pregnancy progresses.

It is commonly known that storing fat during pregnancy is important for the baby’s health. But did you know that 15-30 percent of that fat is stored in the thighs?

Having a leg cut that accommodates such a change can vastly improve the pant’s function and comfort for you throughout the day.

You may find that you prefer a relaxed fit, with legs cut in a more straight line from the waist to the knee of the pant, that allow space around your thigh to grow. Relaxed fits usually include a straight cut, boot cut, or slight flair from the knee to the floor that are intended to fit over a shoe.

There are many women, though, who wish to continue wearing a more slim fit pant. And it’s possible! If you find a pair of slim fit maternity scrubs you like, just be sure to check the fabric content to ensure they allow enough stretch to accommodate your expected weight gain.

Extra Things to Consider When Buying Maternity Scrubs

Fabric Choice

A lot of women experience hot flashes during pregnancy – more than one-third of them, in fact! Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially during the second and third trimesters, can leave you feeling particularly flushed in the head, neck, and chest areas.

To help, you can look for scrubs with moisture wicking fabrics that are designed to pull the sweat away from your body, scrubs with a good blend of extra breathable material like cotton, or for scrubs with a slightly looser fit to allow more air flow around your body.

Also, there are a number of things that can cause stomach pain and sensitivity as your baby grows, and many of them are not generally cause for concern. To help ease the discomfort, consider avoiding fabrics that feel itchy and avoiding fits that are overly tight or require too much elastic cinching or tight ties to keep their shape

Layering

Layering your uniform is another way to help you control your temperature during the day. You could consider starting the day with a scrub jacket that can be removed as soon as you start to feel flushed.

A benefit of getting a scrub jacket is that it can be used when you aren’t pregnant as well! If you’re comfortable wearing the jacket undone during your pregnancy, you can find something in your pre-pregnancy size that can be worn after baby arrives as well.

Final Tips

Check Sizing Chart

Sizing charts can be your best friend when shopping online. Look for the manufacturer’s sizing suggestions and consider how it compares to your pre-pregnancy sizing.

Read Reviews

As you consider user reviews, remember that maternity scrubs and their effectiveness/comfort can be very subjective. What works well for one woman during her pregnancy may not be a good option for you. Spend some time researching (with buying guides like this one), and consider what will be most important to you when investing in maternity scrubs.

Look for Free Returns

Look for online retailers that offer free returns. If you’re unsure of the size you will need, order a couple to try at home and return what doesn’t fit.

In-store Purchases

If you are able to try scrubs on in a maternity store, ask an associate if they have a “prosthetic tummy” to help you picture your needs as your pregnancy progresses. It may seem like a silly request, but maternity stores specialize in this for a reason! Don’t be afraid to ask!

Buy as Needed

Buying items as you need them rather than buying everything as soon as you find out you’re pregnant can save you money. You may find you need less maternity-specific items than you think.

Be Confident

Most importantly, dress your bump confidently! Don’t feel like you have to hide under boxy cuts or overly-large maternity scrubs. Find a fit you like and rock those nine months at work!

The Best Maternity Scrubs for Women of 2023 Reviews

You have enough on your plate during pregnancy without having to spend hours searching for the perfect maternity scrubs. Whether you’re looking for tall maternity pants, cheap maternity scrubs, or the all-around best maternity scrubs, we’ve done some homework for you.

The scrub selections we’ve made provide a good blend of function and comfort, and can help keep you performing the way you’re used to while you’re on the job.

Best Maternity Scrub Tops

Our #1 Pick Overall

Cherokee Workwear Core Stretch Maternity V-Neck

PROS: Solid fabric blend holds up well to frequent use, four large patch pockets, and v-neck, empire waist, and side stretch panels for flattering fit and excellent function

CONS: Limited color selection

If you’re looking for simple style that delivers big on function, the Cherokee Workwear Core Stretch Maternity V-Neck Scrub Top is an excellent choice. Blending cotton, polyester, and spandex, the top is soft, stretchy, and will hold it’s shape through multiple wears and washes.The empire waist with adjustable drawstring really helps you get the most out of this top, allowing you to purchase early in your pregnancy with plenty of room for your belly to grow in to without looking baggy or ill-fitting.

The v-neck is a flattering cut that gives a little breathability and allows room for your chest to grow as well.

In addition to being stylishly simple, this scrub top provides plenty of function. With four large patch pockets and side-stretch panels that run from the hem to the armpit, you will be able to move freely during your day carrying all of the things you need most while on the job.

While it doesn’t come in the wide color range as some non-maternity selections, it is offered in 6 standard colors and sizes XS-3XL, making it a solid option for many body types and work places. Keep in mind the company suggests buying your pre-pregnancy size as they adjust accordingly for pregnancy.

VIEW AT AMAZON


Wonderwink Maternity Mock Wrap Scrub Top

PROS: Long length of top helps avoid tugging to adjust throughout the day, offered in 19 color, four pockets for plenty of storage, available in plus sizing

CONS: Plus sizes not offered in as many colors

There is a lot to like about this top. The v-neck and mock wrap offer obvious benefits during pregnancy (the adjustable drawstring at an empire waist allow ample room to grow), but this scrub top also delivers on function with things like multiple pockets (two large patch pockets, a cell phone pocket, and a pen pocket).

The maternity knit side panels offer extra comfort to keep you moving freely, and the center of the back panel measures 29 ¼ inches so that you don’t have to worry about tugging and adjusting the top all day.

The top is offered in a pretty wide color selection, with 19 options total, and ample sizing from XS-3XL. As a bonus, we found Wonderwink offered this in a plus size maternity scrubs option, though with fewer color options than the standard sizing.

VIEW AT AMAZON

VIEW AT SCRUBS AND BEYOND


Best Maternity Scrub Pants

Our Pick

Cherokee Workwear Core Stretch Maternity Knit-Waist Pull On Scrub Pant

PROS: Cotton/Polyester/Spandex blend is comfortable to wear around the belly for long hours, sectional cargo and two patch pockets provide storage without weighing pants down

CONS: Color selection is limited, not offered in petite or tall sizes, cargo pocket ideal for right handed people

Cherokee has really put effort in to making reliable medical uniforms without breaking the bank, and this pair of maternity scrub pants are no different. The knit waist belly panel comes with an elastic top that stretches without losing shape over the life of the garment, and doesn’t overly constrict the belly area.

The pants offer a sectional cargo pocket on the right leg, and two back patch pockets. While some may worry about this being too little storage, we actually appreciated that they offered enough pockets without risking weighing the pants down by adding more pockets in the front (remember that the belly panel can only hold so much weight without needing to be constantly readjusted). The moderate flare leg is roomy enough for your body to grow in to a little during pregnancy, without looking too wide or unprofessionally baggy.

These maternity scrub pants are available in seven colors and sizes XS-3XL; so, while not the range as many non-maternity scrub pants, they will be a solid choice for many body styles during pregnancy.

VIEW AT AMAZON

VIEW AT SCRUBS AND BEYOND


Med Couture Women’s Knit-Waist Maternity Scrub Pant

PROS: Polyester/Spandex blend is sporty and functional, offered in regular and petite length, cargo pocket is on the left leg

CONS: Only offered in four colors, minimal storage with one cargo pocket

The polyester/spandex blend of these maternity scrub pants make them look a little more sporty and cool than your average scrubs. On top of that, the fabric performs well during the day and will hold up to the wear and tear needed from maternity items.

One note, though, do your best to keep the fabric away from velcro or other scratchy items – they could easily snag or be otherwise ruined.

The leg is a very subtle bootcut with side vents at the ankle to help them lay nicely over shoes, which is a nice change from a lot of maternity options that offer a more wide or flared leg. While the pants provide minimal pockets, a single cargo with a welt pocket detail, it is unique because it is offered on the left leg.

You may notice while wearing these that the belly knit panel may not come up as high as some other options, but it is a solid choice if you’re looking for a panel without a sewn-in elastic band.

If you’re looking for maternity scrub pants, petite sizing can be hard to find. That’s why we especially appreciate that these pants by Med Couture are offered in regular and petite length with inseams at 30.5 and 28.5 inches, respectively.

VIEW AT AMAZON


Cherokee Women’s Tall Maternity Knit-Waist Pull On Pant

PROS: 34 inch inseam, cargo pocket is ideal for left-handed people, lower price

CONS: Limited to four color selections

It can be difficult enough finding the length you need on scrub pants if you’re a woman over 5’8, but trying to find tall maternity scrub pants is nearly impossible.

We like that Cherokee offers these pants in a 34 inch inseam, so there’s no need to worry about it leaving you with that high-water look, and the moderate flare will lay nicely over shoes. The belly knit panel isn’t as long as a lot of other styles offer, and most will likely find it lays somewhere around the middle of the belly.

If you find this to be uncomfortable, we found that this wears well as a fold-over style, similar to a pair of yoga pants. The pants come with two pockets – one cargo on the left leg, and one back pocket on the right side. While this may not be the storage you’re used to, it can be an advantage in maternity scrub pants because it doesn’t allow the pants to be weighed down and needing constant readjustment throughout the day.

The polyester/cotton blend is sturdy and will hold up to lots of washing and wears during your pregnancy. If you find the pants come out of the dryer a little wrinkled, you may need to factor in some time to iron with medium heat to keep them looking more professional.

It’s also nice that Cherokee brand keeps the sizing in line with your pre-pregnancy size, so you shouldn’t need to wonder whether to size up or down for the maternity pants (though you can always verify using their sizing chart).

VIEW AT AMAZON

VIEW AT SCRUBS AND BEYOND


Conclusion

Being a healthcare professional is demanding, and being a pregnant healthcare professional adds another level of complexity to the job. Finding maternity scrubs that perform the way you need them to shouldn’t be one of the complex issues you have to worry about.

We feel like Cherokee brand really delivers for maternity scrub needs. Their Workwear Core Stretch Maternity V-Neck Top and Knit-Waist Pull On Scrub Pant provide a good mix of the things you need most from your uniform.

The sizing is fairly broad and will suitably fit most body types, the fabric blend keeps the intended shape without losing stretch through the more rigorous washing and wears it will face throughout your pregnancy, and the details included (like an over-the-tummy belly panel on the pants and empire drawstring waist on the top) will really grow with you during those nine months.

Overall, it’s important to remember that everyone’s preferences for the best maternity scrubs will vary widely, and it will really come down to what you find most comfortable as your body grows. Spend some time researching the options available, and you will find some good options for what you need.

What do you think are the best maternity scrubs on the market today? Did you find a brand or style that worked well for you that we didn’t mention? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

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Written By

Stephanie Corrales

Stephanie Corrales is the Founder and Managing Editor here at HeyScrubs. As a former director of a career college for entry-level medical professionals, she offers valuable insights to aspiring healthcare professionals. In her free time she loves spending time with her husband and two children.
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