Maternity Scrubs Set Buying Guide for Pregnant Healthcare Workers

Imagine this, you’re finishing  a long shift eight months pregnant, ankles are swollen, waistband is digging into your belly every time you sit down, and you are counting down the hours until you can change. As two physician moms who have gone through pregnancies working full time, we realized that regular scrubs weren’t cutting it and that is how Vervee was made. Regular scrubs weren’t built for a changing body, and figuring out what actually works before you’ve spent money on the wrong set can feel like one more thing on a long list so that is why we made this guide

This guide covers what a maternity scrub set is, what to look for before you buy, and how to avoid the mistakes that leave health care workers uncomfortable by their second trimester.

Key Takeaways 

1. Work is hard enough. Your scrubs shouldn’t make it harder.

2. Comfort is more than convenience, it’s about supporting your body. 

3. Choose maternity scrubs designed for the way your body actually changes, not just bigger scrubs. Simply sizing up often creates a poor fit. 

4. There’s no “right” week to switch. Every pregnancy is different. Your comfort, not the calendar, should determine when you transition to maternity scrubs.

5. Think beyond pregnancy. Invest in pieces that support you through pregnancy, postpartum, and pumping. 

6. Healthcare professionals deserve clothing designed for healthcare workers.

What is a Maternity Scrub Set?

A maternity scrub set is a top and bottom designed specifically for a pregnant body, usually including a stretch panel or belly band at the waist, extra room through the belly and bust, and fabric with more give than standard scrubs. Unlike regular scrubs sized up for extra room, maternity scrub sets are built to move with a growing belly through all three trimesters. The best ones also anticipate what comes next: postpartum recovery and, for many, breastfeeding or pumping while at work.

How Pregnancy Changes a Long Shift

Anyone who has worked a full shift while pregnant knows the job doesn’t suddenly become easier because you’re growing a baby. Patients still need you. Twelve-hour shifts don’t get shorter. Call lights keep going off. And your body is quietly working overtime beneath your scrubs. 

Swelling is one of the most common complaints, especially by the third trimester and in roles that require you to stand for hours at a stretch. A tight waistband only adds pressure where you already feel it most. Overheating is another common challenge. Pregnancy naturally raises your body temperature, and heavy, non-breathable fabric can quickly turn an already demanding shift into an uncomfortable one.

There’s also the mechanical side, the movements you don’t think about until they become difficult: bending to hang an IV bag, reaching across a patient’s bed, lifting supplies, squatting, charting, or simply sitting down without fabric digging into your growing belly. These aren't just inconveniences. They’re part of the physical reality of working in healthcare while pregnant. CDC - Pregnancy and work accommodations.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) notes that prolonged standing, repetitive/heavy lifting, and awkward working positions during pregnancy can increase certain risks depending on your individual circumstances. The American of Obstetricians Gynecologists (ACOG) has long recommended discussing workplace accommodations, such as more frequent breaks or modified duties, with your healthcare provider as your pregnancy progresses.  If your role involves regular lifting or prolonged standing, it’s worth taking to your OB or midwife about what’s reasonable for your specific pregnancy.

No pair of scrubs can eliminate the demands of your shift.

But the right maternity scrubs can eliminate one unnecessary source of discomfort, allowing you to move, breathe, and focus on caring for your patients more freely instead of constantly adjusting your waistband (Scrubs Collection).

What to Look for in a Maternity Scrub Set

Not all Maternity scrub sets are built the same. The little details and key features can be the difference between constantly adjusting your scrubs and forgetting about them altogether, so pay close attention to 4-way stretch fabric and breathable materials when you’re comparing options. Here's what actually matters when you’re evaluating one, and the right details also help maintain a polished look expected in healthcare settings.

Belly Support

Every pregnant body is different, and so is what feels comfortable.

 

Some maternity scrub pants have a full belly band that sits under or over the belly; others use a stretch panel with no band at all, and stretchy side panels can help accommodate a growing bump. Belly bands built into the scrubs can help distribute pressure during long standing shifts, and supportive designs can distribute weight more evenly to reduce strain on the body, but comfort is individual – some love the support, others find it too warm. What feels good at 18 weeks may feel completely different at 32.

Our belly band scrub pants have the option to roll over the band to act as more belly support earlier on in pregnancy (maybe it doesn’t go over your belly) or to a belly that continues to grow and needs to be supported. Our belly band fabric is the same as the pants so what does that mean? It means no digging at your belly when you sit down! 

Breathable, Stretch Fabric

Look for moisture-wicking, four-way stretch and stretchy fabric that won’t cling or overheat under constant movement, while staying gentle on the skin and helping reduce irritation; soft, breathable fabrics are the goal. Pregnancy already raises your body temperature, so cotton blends or technical performance fabrics help regulate temperature during long shifts, and breathable moisture-wicking material can help manage that increase. Four-way stretch is especially useful for physically demanding jobs.

Room Where Your Body is Actually Changing

Most people think about the belly.

But pregnancy changes much more than that. Better maternity scrub tops are designed to adapt from early pregnancy through postpartum if needed.

Your ribcage expands. Your bust grows. Your shoulders and back work differently as your center of gravity shifts.  A scrub top that’s roomy at the waist but tight across the chest or underarms probably won't feel comfortable by the end of your shift, especially when moving, so a fit that adapts throughout pregnancy preserves functionality and comfort as your body changes.

Some of Vervee scrub tops have a zipper made for extra room and space. You can open the sides if you want more room for your growing belly. Regardless, our fabric is made for you to be able to stretch. Not to mention, this feature was made to make breast feeding and/or pumping much more easy.

Rise and Length in Maternity Scrub Pants

The wrong waistband can become something you think about all day. Too low and it slips every time you bend over. Too high and it can feel restrictive as your belly grows.

A comfortable mid-to-high rise that stays in place, and inseam options for petite or tall healthcare workers, often makes a bigger difference than people expect. 

So, rise and length matter more than you think.

Maternity Scrub Set vs Sizing Up in Regular Scrubs

Almost everyone tries sizing up first.

It makes sense. Early in pregnancy, buying larger regular scrubs feels like the easier option. For a while, it usually works. Until it doesn’t.

Sizing up adds extra fabric everywhere – your shoulders, hips, and legs, but not necessarily where you need it most. Before long, you’re wearing scrubs that feel oversized everywhere except across your growing belly.

That is where true maternity scrubs are different. They’re designed around the way a pregnant body actually changes, making long shifts feel noticeably more comfortable.

If you're only a few weeks into pregnancy, sizing up can absolutely bridge the gap. But as your body changes and long shifts become more physically demanding, maternity-specific scrubs often provide the comfort and support that make a noticeable difference.

When to Start Wearing Maternity Scrubs

There’s no magic week, sorry. 

Some people switch around 12-14 weeks because bloating alone makes their regular scrubs uncomfortable.  Others stay in their normal scrubs until closer to 20 weeks or beyond. Good maternity scrubs are designed to fit from the first trimester through postpartum if needed. The calendar matters a lot less than your body. 

If you're constantly pulling at your waistband, untying that drawstring on your pants when charting, or counting the minutes until you can change after work, that’s usually your sign.

Vervee gives women the option to have it both ways. We have nonbelly band scrub pants that can be worn before pregnancy, first trimester, and sometimes into the second trimester. Some women actually prefer our stretchy nonbelly band pants late second trimester and beyond to sit right under their bump and that is okay too! Others buy the belly band pants and fold it over to provide extra support for their growing bump. Possibilities are endless, you are ultimately in control of your comfort and what works for you.

How Many Maternity Scrub Sets Do You Need?

The number varies by personal preference, some women like a fresh pair of scrubs for each shift and others are fine washing scrubs more frequently in between their shifts, there is no “correct” number. You want just the right amount that gives you laundry flexibility, room for unexpected spills, and the reality that life doesn’t always happen on schedule.

Many people build their collection gradually, starting with a couple of pregnancy scrub sets early on and adding more as time goes on.

Fit and Sizing Tips

One of the biggest surprises? 

Most people don’t need to size up in true maternity scrubs. For Vervee scrubs, many women stick to their pre pregnancy size.

Because the stretch and belly support are already built into the design, your pre-pregnancy size is often the best fit. Sizing up can actually leave you with extra fabric through the shoulders, hips, and legs while offering little additional comfort. If you're unsure, Vervee's sizing guide and Find Your Fit page can help you choose the right size with confidence.

Caring for Your Maternity Scrubs

A little extra care helps your scrubs last well beyond pregnancy.

Wash stretch fabrics in cold water, avoid high heat whenever possible, and turn garments inside out before washing. Durable fabrics also retain their shape better after frequent washing, which helps preserve both the fabric and the stretch that keeps your maternity scrubs comfortable throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few patterns come up again and again:

• Buying one size larger instead of choosing true maternity scrubs; true maternity scrub pants usually have soft stretch panels or elastic waistbands for comfort.

• Waiting until your regular scrubs become unbearable before buying any.

• Choosing colors or prints before considering fabric, stretch, and practical details like functional pockets that stay accessible over a bump.

• Not planning for after birth – scrubs that adapt to postpartum and breastfeeding save buying a second wardrobe.

Beyond Pregnancy: Postpartum, Pumping, & Everyday Wear

One thing many people don’t expect is that comfort still matters after delivery.

Your body is healing. You may be recovering from a C-section, managing abdominal tenderness, or returning to work while breastfeeding or pumping between patients.

Those needs don’t disappear the day your baby is born. That’s why thoughtful scrub design matters beyond pregnancy.

As two working physician moms, we created these scrubs because we understood these realities first hand and we wanted to do something about it.  Maternity scrub sets include a patent-pending invisible side zipper designed for discreet nursing and pumping access as well as a belly band that adapts throughout pregnancy. These zippers were placed in the scrub top design so healthcare professionals don’t have to completely change just to pump between patients. Now you have the freedom to pump anywhere in maternity scrubs.

Because the same pieces transition from pregnancy to postpartum and everyday wear, they’re designed to support your body through every stage instead of just one. 

Final Thoughts

Working in healthcare while pregnant asks a lot of your body. 

The right maternity scrub set won’t make your shift shorter or your feet ache less after ten-to-twelve hours.

But it can remove one unnecessary source of discomfort. 

And sometimes, when you’re caring for everyone else all day long, that’s exactly what you need.

If you're ready to look at maternity scrub sets designed by people who've actually worn them through pregnancy, postpartum, and pumping at work, explore Vervee's pregnancy and maternity collection.

FAQ

When should I start wearing maternity scrubs?

There isn't one "right" week to make the switch.

Some healthcare workers reach for maternity scrubs around 12–14 weeks because bloating alone makes regular scrubs uncomfortable. Others don't need them until closer to 20 weeks or beyond.

Instead of watching the calendar, pay attention to your body. If you're adjusting your waistband all shift or counting down until you can change clothes, it's probably time.

Can I just size up in regular scrubs instead of buying maternity scrub sets?

You absolutely can, especially during the early weeks of pregnancy.

But as your belly grows, you'll probably notice that sizing up creates extra fabric everywhere except where you actually need it. That's why maternity scrub sets tend to feel much more comfortable during long shifts, they're designed for the way a pregnant body changes, not simply made bigger.

Are maternity scrubs worth the investment?

For many healthcare workers, yes.

When you're working long shifts, even small improvements in comfort can make a noticeable difference by the end of the day. Many maternity scrubs are also designed to transition into postpartum and breastfeeding, making them useful long after pregnancy.

What should I wear while pumping at work?

One of Vervee’s standout features is its hidden side zipper design, created specifically to make breastfeeding and pumping easier.

The easier it is to pump without changing your outfit or having to take your entire top off, the easier it is for you and to get back to your patients when time is limited.

Can postpartum scrub work during pregnancy?

Often, yes.

Many adaptive postpartum scrubs are designed with stretch panels or flexible construction that also accommodates late pregnancy. Choosing pieces that work across pregnancy, postpartum, and pumping can save you from buying multiple wardrobes. Pump anywhere.

Do maternity scrubs run true to size?

Every brand fits a little differently, but many healthcare workers find their pre-pregnancy size still works well in true maternity scrubs because the extra room is already built into the design.

When in doubt, check the brand's sizing guide and look for real customer photos to see how the scrubs fit on different body types.