buying guides
How to choose maternity pads and pants
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Of all the maternity products you need to buy, maternity pads and pants are probably the least glamorous.
But after giving birth, it’s normal to bleed heavily for the first few days.
To keep the bleeding contained, you’ll need some heavy-duty sanitary protection, and regular towels are unlikely to cut it.
And while they’re far from sexy, disposable maternity pants are designed to keep your pad securely in place and can be thrown away after use, so you won’t need to worry about ruining your normal underwear.
What to spend
Maternity pads and disposable pants are inexpensive, and there’s not much variation in price.
A pack of around 10 pads costs around £2, and a pack of five disposable pants costs about the same.
Key features
Maternity pads are designed to be more absorbent than regular sanitary towels, with better coverage.
They are longer and thicker, and although they can look rather mattress-like, the thickness can actually be very comforting if you’re sore down below after giving birth – especially if you have stitches.
Adhesive strips will hold the pad in place in your underwear, and some have wings for extra security.
You can also buy pads infused with soothing oils such as aloe vera, which can be helpful for easing a bruised perineum.
Some mums-to-be can’t bear the thought of wearing paper knickers – even if it does mean you don’t have to wash them.
Once the initial heavy bleeding has worn off, it’s normal to continue to bleed lightly for up to six weeks after giving birth.
At this stage, you can switch to slimmer maternity towels. These are more like standard sanitary towels, but with extra length to prevent leaks.
Maternity pants are made of soft but strong disposable fabric and have some absorbency, although you’ll still need to wear a pad.
They’re generously cut so they hold your towel securely in place, and also so that they sit high on the waist and won’t aggravate a caesarean scar.
Maternity pants come in a range of sizes, and it’s worth trying a pair on before you pack your hospital bag to check that they fit. Some are individually wrapped so they’re more discreet to keep in your bag and take to the bathroom.
Need to know
Some mums-to-be can’t bear the thought of wearing paper knickers – even if it does mean you don’t have to wash them.
Many opt instead for buying cheap pairs of oversized ‘granny pants’ that they don’t mind ruining and throwing away.
These may also feel more comfortable than disposable pants. Top tip: buy dark colours!
While you’re in hospital, you’ll probably be provided with maternity towels, so don’t bother packing more than one packet in your hospital bag.
It’s well worth stocking up on a few packs in advance, though – you’ll need them when you get home, and they’ll also be useful if your waters break before you go into hospital.
Once your blood flow has slowed – usually a week or so after the birth – you may be able to switch from maternity pads to normal slim-line sanitary towels instead.
You should never use tampons for postnatal blood loss: as well as increasing the risk of infection, it makes it difficult to monitor how much blood you’re losing so you may not be aware of any potential problems.
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Checklist
- Maternity pads are designed to be especially absorbent, and are longer and thicker than regular sanitary towels.
- Maternity pants are good for the first few days after birth when your bleeding is heavy, so you don’t ruin your underwear.
- You’ll need a decent supply of pads to get you through the first days after delivery, but can then move on to normal sanitary towels.
