Staying active during pregnancy is incredibly important. This doesn’t mean you need to be out running three miles every morning, or even that you need to break a sweat. But keeping your body moving is healthy for any point in your life, and particularly during pregnancy. This might mean brisk neighborhood walks, squats in your living room, or streaming a prenatal yoga session.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, exercise during pregnancy can improve your posture and can even decrease some of the discomforts that come along with pregnancy, like backaches and fatigue. Additionally, by staying active during pregnancy, you are building up stamina that can help during labor and delivery (do those squats!).
But we get it, pregnancy can be uncomfortable. And that discomfort can be amplified during the hot and humid summer months. One thing you don’t need to add to the discomfort is poorly-fitting workout clothes. Sure, leggings stretch, and maybe you can squeeze into your pre-pregnancy workout clothes for a while. At a certain point, an upgrade to maternity workout gear is worth the investment.
Maternity-specific workout gear will keep your bump and your whole body feeling supported and comfortable.
If you’re apprehensive about spending more money on maternity clothes, remember that you’ll likely be hanging out in your maternity clothes in the weeks and possibly months after your baby arrives. So, you will get use out of these pieces.
Here are our favorite tops, bottoms, and sports bras that will keep you comfortable as you stay active during your pregnancy.
Maternity Workout Tops
Maternity UltraLite Rib-Knit Side-Shirred Tank Top
A basic tank that will grow with your belly, plus how fun is this bright poppy color?
Maternity Breathe T-Shirt
Breathe easy in this lightweight jersey top designed to fit an expanding bump comfortably.
Spacedye Slim Racerback Maternity Tank
This cute top from Beyond Yoga has comfortable leggings in the same color for a matching look.
All Tied Up Tank
A great tie-back option to accommodate a growing bump. It's worth splurging on as this tank will work during postpartum (it's great for breastfeeding), so you may be wearing this for months to come.
Women's Maternity Tank
Nike's recently launched maternity tank allows for extra space to grow throughout your pregnancy.
Maternity Breathe ON 2-in-1 Sports Bra Tank Top
Get extra support thanks to the built-in bra in this tank top.
Bottoms
Austin Shorts
These comfy shorts are made with a four-way stretch material, meaning these will work through all trimesters as well as postpartum.
Maternity Belly Support Girlshorts
If you're looking for a supportive short, these are the perfect pair. They are made with a moisture-wicking fabric that will keep you cool, whether you're wearing these for workouts or just on a super hot day.
Maternity Rio Shorts
Available in three fun colors! These shorts have side pockets, perfect for holding your phone or other essentials (like snacks!).
Maternity Crossover Panel Active Leggings
A pair of classic black activewear leggings perfect for any workout.
Maternity GapFit Full Panel Full Length Leggings in Sculpt Compression
Go a little edgy with this snakeskin design from Gap.
Moss Seamless Maternity Bike Short
This sustainable brand offers maternity leggings and bike shorts up to a size 6XL. Plus, you can get pretty colors (like the moss option pictured here) with a matching bra for a chic set.
Hayes Joggers
If you're ready to take a break from your leggings, grab a pair of maternity joggers. This pair features moisture management knit material to wick away sweat and is available in two lengths.
Maternity Sports Bras
Nila Bra
An amazingly versatile bra that will work during pregnancy and postpartum. A built-in antimicrobial liner will help to wick sweat and breast milk away and has clips designed to make breastfeeding easy.
High Support Maternity & Postpartum Sports Bra
This high support bra will serve you well during pregnancy and will be just as useful for nursing postpartum.
Go With the Flow Nursing Sports Bra
Another great option if you're planning to breastfeed. Get this bra now and get plenty of use for it during pregnancy and postpartum.
High-Support Underwire Plus Size Sports Bra
Available in tons of sizes, this supportive bra is made with molded cups and a compressive fit that will reduce bounce. The adjustable straps ensure you'll get a good and secure fit.
Accessories
Fly Away Tamer Headband
You'll want a good headband during pregnancy but also after as you tame postpartum hair issues. This one is a favorite for either time.
Head Wrap Bundle
Keep your hair out of your face with this fashionable hair wrap (good for during workouts or every day use!).
Simple Modern Water Bottle
This bottle will keep your drink cold for hours which is amazing if you're craving ice cold water (which can be common during pregnancy, especially in the summer).
Purifyyou 22oz Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve
Hydration during pregnancy is important, and even more so when you are active. This bottle has time and volume markings to keep you on track throughout the day.
Fitbit Inspire 2 HR Activity Tracker
Hit your step goal and stay consistently active throughout the day with the help of a Fitbit.
Apple Watch Series 3
If you're keeping an eye on heart rate and steps, an Apple Watch is the perfect accessory.
Yoga Mat
For at-home or in studio yoga classes, you'll want a good mat. We love this one for its bright pattern.
Gaiam Yoga Blocks Set
Prenatal yoga is so good for you and having the right props can allow you to get into certain poses with sufficient support. A pair of yoga blocks is great to have at home.
Hand Weights Set
During pregnancy you may choose to lighten up on weights and it's good to have a few options in the 2lb-10lb range.
