How to Choose Maternity Scrubs? A Size, Waist, and Fabric Guide for Healthcare Professionals.
The uniform needs of healthcare workers during pregnancy can vary from person to person. Instead of simply choosing a larger size of an existing scrub set, a more accurate approach is to consider the top and bottom pieces individually, as well as waist and hip measurements, fabric stretch, and the specific working movements.
How to Choose Pregnancy Scrubs?
Short answer: When choosing maternity scrubs, consider changes in your bust, waist, hips, and upper body measurements individually, rather than simply increasing your current size. The top and pants can be chosen in different sizes; fabric stretch, the waistband of the pants, and movements during work such as sitting, bending, and walking should also be considered.
It's not accurate to give a single, universal size or fit recommendation when choosing maternity scrubs . The extent and distribution of changes in body measurements can vary from person to person.
Therefore, the size you use for your everyday clothes or your pre-pregnancy scrub size alone is not a sufficient reference. The product's own measurements and the actual movement of the scrub on your body are more meaningful.
You can review general sizing principles using the Scrubs Sizing Guide .
Is it enough to buy one size larger for scrubs during pregnancy?
Not always. Increasing one size might be temporarily sufficient for some users; however, the change in the body may not occur equally in the upper and lower regions. Therefore, instead of automatically increasing the entire set by one size, it might be more accurate to check the top and pants separately.
For example, while your current top might remain comfortable, your pants might feel tighter around the waist and hips sooner. Conversely, for another user, your chest and upper body measurements might change while your pants still fit.
"A bigger set" isn't the only way to accommodate the changing sizes during pregnancy. When necessary, evaluating the top and bottom pieces independently can reduce the need for unnecessarily loose or tight-fitting garments.
We explain in detail in our guide , "Can Scrubs Tops and Bottoms Be Separate Sizes?", why choosing tops and bottoms in different sizes is not an option .
What measurements should be checked when choosing pregnancy scrubs?
Instead of choosing a jersey based solely on weight or general size, checking upper and lower body measurements separately provides a more reliable starting point.
Chest Circumference
It helps to assess whether unnecessary tension is being created in the front and side sections of the upper jersey.
Body and Top Length
Check that the top of the jersey is long enough at the front and sides, and that it doesn't rise excessively when bending over.
Waist Circumference
The waistband of the trousers should not feel tight, restrictive, or constantly riding down.
Hips and Thighs
It is important that the fabric does not stretch excessively around the hips or upper thighs when sitting, standing, and walking.
You can find a detailed explanation of how body proportions affect scrub fit in our guide, "How to Choose Scrubs According to Body Type and Height?" .
How to Choose Maternity Scrub Pants?
When choosing maternity scrubs, pants can be one of the pieces that requires the most reconsideration for many users. However, simply choosing a wider waistband isn't the solution.
You can compare different Owlet jersey bottoms in the Scrubs Pants category.
What should a scrub top look like during pregnancy?
When choosing a top, you should consider not only chest width but also how the product fits along the torso and how much it rises during exercise.
A top that is too tight can constantly ride up when reaching forward or raising your arms. Conversely, choosing a top that is too large solely to create space in the abdominal area can result in the shoulders and arms being unnecessarily loose.
If you're looking for a single top instead of a team top, you can check out the Scrubs Jersey Tops collection.
Can Tunic Boy Scrubs be used during pregnancy?
Tunic-length tops can be considered by users who prefer a longer form-fitting top. However, being tunic-length doesn't automatically mean it's more suitable for pregnancy.
If the upper chest and shoulder fit isn't correct, simply making it longer won't solve the problem of working comfort. Similarly, a product that is unnecessarily long may cause excess fabric to bunch up while sitting or moving for some users.
Practical approach: Don't consider this tunic top simply because it's a "maternity style"; evaluate it based on its actual top length, bust size, shoulder cut, and whether it suits your daily activities.
Is Lycra fabric more suitable for maternity scrubs?
No single fabric is required. Stretchy fabric may be advantageous for some users in terms of accommodating changing body measurements and working movements; however, fabric stretch alone does not determine the correct size and fit for maternity scrubs.
Lycra, terry cotton, or other medical textile fabrics have different structures. A stretchy fabric may feel different during movement, while a firmer fabric may need to be chosen with the right fit.
| Criterion | Flexible Fabric | Less Flexible Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | It can more easily adapt to body movements. | Mold and movement allowance may be more critical. |
| Body | It does not automatically correct incorrect body image. | Measurement control is especially important. |
| Form appearance | You can create a different kind of report. | It can offer a more substantial appearance. |
| Vote | Fabric + size together | Fabric + pattern together |
You can compare fabric options in detail using the "Medical Apparel Fabric Selection Guide" .
Should maternity scrubs be tight or loose?
Maternity scrubs shouldn't be so tight as to restrict movement or everyday comfort. However, choosing the loosest possible fit isn't the solution either.
An oversized jersey can create uncontrolled looseness in the shoulder and arm structure, slippage at the waistband of the trousers, and changes in pocket position.
The goal is to find a balanced fit between a form that is too tight and too loose, one that doesn't require constant adjustments during movement.
For more detailed information on choosing a larger size range, please refer to our guide , "How to Choose Plus Size Scrubs?" .
Which is more comfortable during pregnancy: a V-neck or a mandarin collar?
Neckline choice shouldn't be determined solely by pregnancy. The comfort of a V-neck, mandarin collar, or other neckline types depends on the bust and shoulder cut of the garment, the use of zippers, and the wearer's personal preference.
Especially when bust size changes, the comfort of the front of the top can become more important than the collar name.
To compare collar designs, you can check out our guide: V-Neck Scrubs vs. Mandarin Collar Scrubs?
What to wear under maternity scrubs?
The need for layers under the uniform varies depending on the season, the temperature of the clinical environment, the collar style, and institutional regulations. During pregnancy, it may be more practical to choose a structure that is suitable for the work environment and does not restrict movement, instead of unnecessarily thick layers.
Using multiple layers of clothing, especially in hot working environments, may not be comfortable for every user.
We covered layering in detail in our guide , "What to Wear Under Scrubs?" .
How to Choose Pregnancy Scrubs for Hot Weather?
When choosing maternity scrubs during hot weather, it's advisable to avoid unnecessarily thick fabrics, overly tight fits, and excessive layers for better user comfort.
However, it's impossible to guarantee that any uniform will "absolutely not cause sweating." The temperature of the training environment, the intensity of movement, the fabric, the number of layers, and individual factors all play a role.
For seasonal choices, you can use our guide , "What Should Summer Scrubs Be Like?" .
When should existing scrubs be replaced with a different size?
Even if the uniform is still new and in good condition, if it no longer fits correctly during training, a size change may be necessary.
These signs don't necessarily mean the product is worn out; they may simply indicate that the current size or fit may no longer suit you.
Is it necessary to replace the entire team during pregnancy?
No. If the problem is only in the waist and hip area of the pants, the top may still fit. Similarly, if the pants are comfortable but the chest or upper body has changed, it may be possible to replace only the top piece.
This approach can create a more flexible wardrobe, especially in cases where upper and lower body changes don't occur at the same rate.
At Owlet Medical, you can browse Scrubs Jersey Tops and Scrubs Pants separately.
How to Use Pregnancy Scrubs Test?
It's not enough to assess the uniform simply by standing in front of a mirror. Trying out basic movements that a healthcare worker typically makes during their workday provides a more realistic pattern assessment.
| Test | What should you do? | What to Check? |
|---|---|---|
| Living | Sit in the chair as normal. | Pressure or strain on the waist and hips. |
| Get up | Get up from a sitting position. | Whether the trousers were pulled down |
| Bending | Lean forward in a controlled manner. | The superior rises excessively |
| Arm movement | Raise your arms forward and upward. | Chest, shoulder and back stretch |
| Walk | Take a few normal, quick steps. | The pants restrict leg movement. |
Mistakes Made When Choosing Pregnancy Scrubs
- Automatically buy a suit one or two sizes larger.
- Thinking that the top and bottom pieces have to be the same size
- When buying trousers, only look at the waist measurement.
- Not checking hip and thigh measurements.
- Thinking that the wrong size jersey will fit simply because it's flexible.
- Not checking the actual size of the top jersey.
- Assuming that a looser-than-necessary jersey will always be more comfortable.
- Avoid trying on the jersey while sitting or bending over.
- Failing to take into account the season and the temperature of the working environment.
- Changing models without checking the organization's color or uniform standard.
Pregnancy Scrubs Buying Checklist
Redesign your uniform according to your changing measurements.
Don't stick to just one size; compare top and pant options, fabric types, and your workout habits to create the perfect scrubs combination for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Scrubs
How to choose maternity scrubs?
When choosing maternity scrubs, bust, waist, hip, and upper body measurements should be considered separately. The top and pants can be chosen in different sizes; fabric stretch and movement patterns should also be taken into account.
Should scrubs be bought one size larger during pregnancy?
Automatically ordering a size larger isn't right for everyone. Since upper and lower body measurements vary, each item should be evaluated according to individual measurements.
Can the top and bottom scrubs be different sizes during pregnancy?
Yes. If your bust and upper body measurements correspond to different waist and hip measurements, the top and pants can be used in different sizes.
Should you choose lycra fabric for maternity scrubs?
Lycra fabric may be advantageous for some users due to its elasticity; however, fabric type alone is not sufficient when choosing maternity scrubs. The correct size, fit, and product measurements should also be checked.
Are tunic-length scrubs better during pregnancy?
Tunic-length scrubs may be suitable for those who prefer a longer top, but they aren't automatically more comfortable for everyone. Chest, shoulder, top length, and freedom of movement should all be considered together.
What should the waist size of maternity scrub pants be?
The waistband of the trousers should not create uncomfortable pressure during work, should not constantly slip down, and should maintain its shape during sitting and standing movements.
When should existing scrubs be changed during pregnancy?
If the jersey puts excessive strain on the chest, waist, or hips, is uncomfortable while sitting, or requires constant adjustment during daily activities, a different size or fit should be considered.
Do I need to replace my entire scrub set during pregnancy?
No. If the problem is only with the trousers, only the bottom can be replaced; if the problem is only with the top, only the top can be replaced. The color and fabric compatibility of the parts should also be checked.
Should maternity scrubs be tight or loose?
The jersey should not be so tight as to restrict movement or daily use, nor so loose as to require constant alterations. A balanced fit and correct size should be prioritized.
What scrubs should pregnant healthcare workers choose for summer?
In hot environments, fabric thickness, jersey size, and the number of layers used should be considered together. No fabric can be guaranteed to be "absolutely breathable" for all users.