During pregnancy, you'll want to update your gym clothes to match your changing body. Think leggings with enough bump room, supportive sports bras and casual throw-on looks that you'll get lots of wear out of postpartum, too.
When you're pregnant, there's no reason not to keep up your exercise regime if you have one. Exercise during pregnancy is perfectly safe and encouraged (of course - if you’re concerned, consult your doctor), though you may want to steer clear of ab exercises.
The best maternity gym clothes shortlist:
• The best bra: Nike Women's Medium-Support Padded Sports Bra
• The best for style: BOOHOO MATERNITY RIB OVER THE BUMP CYCLING SHORTS
• The best multipack: Seraphine Active Kit
• The best for on-the-go: Latched Leggings
We've rounded up the best smart and comfortable gym wear and maternity sports clothes, from sports bras to leggings and cycling shorts. Check them out below.
The best maternity sportswear:
The best bra
www.nike.com
Description
You can't go wrong with a Nike sports bra that will go with all your gym gear (and yes, your floral leggings included) This bra includes drop-down clips ideal for nursing. Sizes available from XS-2XL and can also be found in coral and grey.
Review: “This maternity bra was great. I’m currently still pregnant so I didn’t get to test the nursing side of it, but I love how this bra grows with you. The slider in the back makes adjustments easy and convenient. It was supportive in all my active needs. It is also very comfortable and not restricting. I will definitely be purchasing more.”
Pros
- Body-hugging
- Ideal for pumping and breastfeeding
Cons
- Some say that it runs small
The best for comfort
www.myprotein.com
Description
We love this bright seamless vest from MP which will flatter your growing bump. The soft lightweight fabric will keep you cool while you work out, perfect for mums-to-be experiencing hot flushes. You can also purchase this top in a range of colours from ice blue to white. Sizes available from XXS-XXL.
Pros
- Temperature regulating
- Super stretchy fabric
Cons
- Light colours may stain
The best for style
www.boohoo.com
Description
These oh-so-comfy maternity cycling shorts will give your bump lots of support throughout pregnancy - and doubles up as perfect postpartum loungewear, too. Sizes available from 8-16.
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple - goes with anything
Cons
- Only available in black
The best multipack
www.seraphine.com
Description
Get moving with the Seraphine Active Kit – perfect for pregnancy yoga, jogging, gym sessions and more. This two-piece set includes a racerback tank top which is secure, super-breathable and stylish and workout pants which offer a comfy seamless waistband which can be worn over the bump or folded down after birth. Sizes available from XS-L.
Pros
- Perfectly cut for a flexible fit
- Suitable for post-pregnancy
Cons
- Limited colour options
The best for keeping warm
www.seraphine.com
Description
Flattering and a great throw-on for every day. It has a lot of space for your growing belly and is ideal for low-intensity training. Sizes available from XS-XL and can also be found in light grey and true black.
Review: "This hoodie is super thin and soft. It fits true to size. I was looking for something for outside walks when it's still a bit cool and a thin hoodie for the summer with leggings. A little over halfway through my pregnancy with room to grow. I ordered the medium, in 5'5 and a size 8 pre-pregnancy."
Pros
- Practical side pockets
- Fleece finish
Cons
- Not suitable for dry cleaning
The best activewear
www.sweatybetty.com
Description
A cult favourite with gym-goers and for good reason too. The Ultra Run Sports Bra is designed for high-impact activities (running and jumping, we see you) and its compression technology means zero jiggle. We love the padded shoulder straps which provide extra comfort. Sizes are available from 32A through to 28F. There are a range of colours to choose from: black, white, navy, light blue, coral, yellow, purple, and pink. Review: "I bought this for weight and hit training. I was super happy to have it in white. I have used this while doing Pilates also. I actually just wear it sometimes when I am not training as it’s so comfy just for lazing around."
Pros
- Broad range of colours to choose from
- No thick padding
Cons
- Many sizes are out of stock
The best for stretching
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
Looking for ultra-comfy bottoms for prenatal yoga? Not only are these sports leggings stretchy and soft, but, best of all, they have POCKETS. These bottoms support you when practising yoga poses and fit to you as your belly grows. Sizes available from S-2XL.
Review: "Fantastic pants, very roomy where needed and so so soft"
Pros
- Plenty of sizes
- Comfortable high waist
Cons
- Only available in one colour
The best for on the go
latched.uk
Description
These new leggings from Latched are designed for workouts, but are comfy enough to wear around the house too. They're high-waisted, covering your bump comfortably. They don't go see-through and are squat-proof - no big knickers on display when you're doing yoga in these babies. Available in sizes from XS to XXL; they're good enough to keep wearing after baby arrives too.
Review: "I have just bought these at 29 weeks and I’m so happy with them, mega comfy and a perfect fit. I’m 5’2” and usually an 8/10 although I pile on weight during pregnancy and bought a size small."
Pros
- Light compression
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May feel a bit tight to begin with
Is exercise during pregnancy safe?
There are several myths around exercise during pregnancy and many women wrongly believe that it is unsafe. However, exercise is not dangerous for you or your baby as long as you do it safely and you listen to your body and know its limits. Exercise is actually recommended as it can be incredibly beneficial for mums-to-be.
Staying active during pregnancy can mean you are less likely to experience complications or issues in later pregnancy. The NHS recommends exercising throughout pregnancy to help you adapt to your changing shape and pregnancy weight gain.
To exercise safely, it is important not to overexert yourself. The NHS guidelines explain that 'As a general rule, you should be able to hold a conversation as you exercise. If you become breathless as you talk, then you're probably exercising too strenuously.
Aimee Jakes is the Shopping and Community Editor at Bauer Media where she works on fitness, fashion and beauty content across a number of titles such as Mother & Baby, heat, Closer and Grazia.