After giving birth, you will likely experience some heavy bleeding, and while adding super-absorbent pads to your maternity underwear can be useful during this time, you may find it more comfortable to wear some disposable maternity briefs instead. They are particularly beneficial during the first couple of weeks postpartum, as well as during pregnancy.
Gone are the days of wearing extra-bulky pads and “granny pants”. There are many styles to try that can help you to feel more comfortable and confident during this incredible but overwhelming time (including high-waisted and low-rise options). Some even have pretty patterns and look very similar to regular underwear.
Depending on your flow, many brands offer a wide selection of absorbency ratings, just like period pants. You may need to wee more during pregnancy too, especially when the baby's head starts pressing down on your bladder when you're close to your due date, so it's worth stocking up on them before your little one is here.
The best disposable maternity briefs 2023 shortlist:
•Best for travelling: Emma Jane Assorted Color Disposable Maternity Briefs
•Best for a C-section: NUK Disposable Maternity Briefs
•Best for comfort: Always Discreet Boutique Incontinence Pants
•Best for no leaks: Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear
•Best for portability: Boots Maternity Disposable Briefs
•Best for odour prevention: Tena Pants Super - Large
If you're unsure about what type to go for, we've compiled a list of some of the very best disposable maternity underwear; check them out below.
The best disposable maternity briefs
Best for travelling
Description
A brilliant baby bag essential, this pack from Emma Jane comes with 7 pairs of pants, each in different colours, so you can match them to the outfit you're wearing. They're individually wrapped too, which makes them perfect for travelling.
This reviewer said: "Just gave birth and these were amazing. Just dispose of these as well as the pads and it’s one less thing to worry about washing. They are super soft and comfortable and felt good to wear. I’ll purchase these again if I ever need to travel. They were amazing!"
Pros
- Hygienically wrapped
- Pastel colours
Cons
- Some users report that they're quite big
Best for a C-section
Description
If you've got a C-section delivery booked in, it's worth investing in a pack of NUK Disposable Maternity Briefs. They sit on top of your skin without compressing your stomach and the mesh is nice and soft, so it shouldn't rub on your stitches.
One reviewer said: "In terms of style.. I can't put 5 stars.. we're not stylish with it! But very comfortable, washable.. was very useful after a caesarean section because it does not rub on the scar."
Pros
- Washable material
- Doesn't compress
Cons
- One-size doesn't fit all
Best for comfort
Description
A more discreet option like these from Always is perfect for those days that you're heading out or want to feel more confident as they get rid of the VPL that other disposable pants may give you. They're not specifically for pregnancy, but they work just as well.
A reviewer said: "I used mine for after having both babies, they are super absorbent, leaked once although I accidentally put it on the wrong way (1st time using and was obviously bleeding heavily) they are also extremely comfortable... highly recommend."
Pros
- Double-leak guard
- Odour locking
Cons
- Runs small so may need to size up
Best for no leaks
Description
Made from a combination of spandex and microfibre, this mesh-free disposable maternity underwear from Frida Mom is super stretchy and great for wearing when you're running errands.
A reviewer said: "I used these for about 6 weeks after giving birth. At first alongside maternity pads, then with normal pads. They are very comfortable and takes away the hassle of washing a lot of underwear/ worrying about leaking."
Pros
- Highly supportive
- Extremely flexible
Cons
- Some say that the material could be softer
Best for portability
www.boots.com
Description
Suitable for maternity and postnatal usage, these briefs have plenty of room to catch and prevent those potential leaks. If your flow is particularly heavy, you can always add a pad to them, just in case.
One reviewer said: "Last year I had to go into hospital to have a abdominal hysterectomy. These were great value for money and very strong. The way they are packaged is great, nice and small so didn't take up much space - You could even put them in your handbag just in case, as a spare pair if you are sadly, like I was, a sufferer of heavy periods and get caught short and have a leak onto your underwear."
Pros
- Spacious design
- Packaging is compact
Cons
- Sizing may be off
Best for odour prevention
www.boots.com
Description
Tena have given these disposable pants a special dual absorption zone which can hold a large amount of urine and other bodily fluids. They fit closely tpo the body, giving you that much-needed comfort.
One reviewer said: "Very comfortable and absorbent great for a long journey or a day out were you don't know were there are toilets and easily removed also compact to fit in your bag to take a change."
Pros
- Odour neutraliser
- Material is breathable
Cons
- Quite bulky
What to look for when purchasing disposable maternity briefs
Fit
Comfort is key, particularly during the first few months after welcoming your baby, so you'll want to select a fit that feels right for your body. Some options are like briefs whilst others are shorts. Depending on what type of labour you had, you may prefer to choose a low rise or high-waisted option.
Absorbency
Your flow may vary, but finding an absorbency to suit your needs is important. Don't forget to double-check the packaging; some disposable pants are made from mesh (so you'll need to add your own absorbent maternity pads), while others are made from absorbent materials.
Size
We recommend buying the same size as you would wear for your regular underwear, although most disposable maternity briefs are elasticated and super-stretchy, with plenty of give.
Why do you need disposable briefs after giving birth?
You don't have to wear disposable briefs after labour, but it's worth having some in your bag just in case, as it can be time-consuming to scrub away stains in underwear. They are particularly useful if you are spending a few days and nights in the hospital and won't have access to a washing machine.
How to dispose of maternity briefs
Whatever you do, do not try to flush your maternity briefs down the toilet as they could get stuck and cause a blockage. Instead, wrap them in a sanitary bag and put them into your regular household waste or a sanitary bin if you're in a public toilet.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.