Best maternity nightwear to wear to the hospital or at home in 2024
If you’re planning to give birth in hospital, it’s essential to have comfy clothes for labour and after your baby’s arrival.
Whether you stay a day or more, you will need to get some rest at some point. This is why it’s recommended that you pack maternity nightwear in your hospital bag. Some women may also choose to give birth or spend some of their time in labour in a nightdress.
How is maternity nightwear different?
Maternity nightwear is different to regular pyjamas or nighties because the products take into account the changes your body is going through during and after pregnancy. NHS midwife Tessa van der Vord says for surgical births like a C-section you may want to wear a nightdress as it’s less likely to put pressure on or rub your incision. They are also easy to put on and off if you have a cannula or catheter in the 24 hours after giving birth.
Hospital wards can be quite that is light, breathable and stretchy. Natural fibres like cotton may be more suitable than synthetic ones. Van der Vord adds: “It's always handy to have nightwear that is either buttoned at the front or has an opening - especially if you are breastfeeding but also this can help facilitate skin-to-skin with your baby.”
