If you’re planning to give birth in hospital, it’s essential to have comfy clothes for labour and after your baby’s arrival.
Whether you stay a day or more, you will need to get some rest at some point. This is why it’s recommended that you pack maternity nightwear in your hospital bag. Some women may also choose to give birth or spend some of their time in labour in a nightdress.
How is maternity nightwear different?
Maternity nightwear is different to regular pyjamas or nighties because the products take into account the changes your body is going through during and after pregnancy. NHS midwife Tessa van der Vord says for surgical births like a C-section you may want to wear a nightdress as it’s less likely to put pressure on or rub your incision. They are also easy to put on and off if you have a cannula or catheter in the 24 hours after giving birth.
Hospital wards can be quite hot places and van der Vord says it’s also common to sweat more post-natally so you will want to choose maternity nightwear that is light, breathable and stretchy. Natural fibres like cotton may be more suitable than synthetic ones. Van der Vord adds: “It's always handy to have nightwear that is either buttoned at the front or has an opening - especially if you are breastfeeding but also this can help facilitate skin-to-skin with your baby.”
The womb takes time to return to its pre-pregnant size so it’s worth choosing pyjama bottoms with an elasticated waist that you can easily pull up and down. Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, can be heavy in the first few days and you will need to wear a maternity pad 24 hours a day. Choosing pyjamas that can accommodate this alongside big pants is also important.
Your breasts will also change in the first few days as breast milk comes in, so choose a nightie or pyjama top in a larger size than normal, or make sure it is made from stretchy fabric so you’re comfortable. Hospital wards are busy places; if you want to cover up when going to and from the toilet or shower you might want to also pack a dressing gown.
One thing it is worth remembering when choosing hospital maternity nightwear is that you will be bleeding heavily and also possibly experiencing leaking from your breasts. Save your best pyjamas or nightie for when you’re at home and your body has settled down a bit. And remember, dark colours hide stains better than light.
Best maternity nightwear for hospital at a glance
- Best for overall: Seraphine Maternity Hospital Bag Birthing Gown - £39, Seraphine
- Best for summer due dates: Bravissimo Fern Maternity Nightdress - £26, Bravissimo
- Best if you like pretty embroidery: Ticking Stripe Maternity & Nursing Nightdress - £36, JoJo Maman Bebe
- Best for C-section recovery: H&M Before and After Pyjamas - £39.99, H&M
- Best for a variety of colours: Amazon Essentials Women’s Piped Nighty - £19, Amazon
- Best for splashing out: Seraphine Ultra-Soft Maternity and Nursing Loungewear Set - £55, Seraphine
- Best for people on a budget: Mamalicious Mira Star Jersey Night Dress - £14, Very
- Best if you like organic materials: Lindex MOM Nightdress - £24.99, Lindex
- Best for breastfeeding: Next Black Maternity Nursing Nightie Slip - £31, Next
- Best for softness: New Look Pale Blue Revere Trouser Pyjama Set - £27.99, New Look
When you get home
Having a newborn baby is the most wonderful experience but the fourth trimester (the 12 weeks immediately after giving birth) can also be a time of ups and downs. The pressure on women to be ‘out and about’ soon after giving birth can feel quite overwhelming. The most important thing is that you look after yourself and your child. Staying at home, in bed in comfy pyjamas, is more than acceptable.
See our top picks of maternity nightwear for taking to the hospital below
Seraphine Maternity Hospital Bag Birthing Gown
Best for: overall comfort
This gown has been specifically designed with childbirth and the hours after in mind. It comes with side openings for foetal monitoring straps and has popper access at the back for an epidural to be carried out. It is made from 100 per cent cotton and loose-fitting and soft. The gown also has discreet pockets which are handy for putting your phone or other items in if you’re walking around the hospital. The gown also has poppers down the front which help skin-to-skin and feeding.
Buy now £39.00, Seraphine
Bravissimo Fern Maternity Nightdress
Best for: Summer due dates
This is another option suitable for mothers expecting babies in warmer months and who don’t want to melt on the ward. It is made from a super soft jersey fabric which will stretch comfortably over your bump and breasts. It has nursing clips and drop-down cups which will make those first hours and days of feeding easier, if you choose to breastfeed. It comes in a range of band and cup sizes ranging from 30 to 40 and E to J.
Buy now £26.00, Bravissimo
JoJo Maman Ticking Stripe Maternity & Nursing Nightdress
Best for: people who like pretty embroidery
This attractive nightdress is ideal for spring or summer arrivals. It’s made from a light 100 per cent cotton which will keep you comfortable if you’re experiencing postpartum sweats. The nightdress has adjustable straps, slits for breastfeeding and is roomy enough to accommodate your stomach pre and post-baby. It also has cutwork embroidered detail at the hem which is a pretty addition.
Choose from pink or blue ticking stripes and the product comes in sizes S, M or L.
Buy now £36.00, JoJo Maman Bebe
H&M Before and After Pyjamas
Best for: C section recovery
These stylish navy pyjamas are comfortable to wear while also maintaining your modesty on a hospital ward. The buttons will make it easy to do skin-to-skin with your baby and also feed them. The elasticated bottoms are perfect for anyone who has had a C-section and doesn’t want to irritate the incision. They’ll be easy to pull on and off while you’re recovering and the top is also roomy enough to accommodate a nursing bra underneath.
Buy now £37.99, H&M
Amazon Essentials Women’s Piped Nighty
Best for: variety of colours
This is a simple and relaxed nightdress at a great price which would be perfect for labour and recovering in hospital afterwards. It will be comfortable for sleeping in and cuddling your new baby and comes in a range of colours, including dusty blue, forest green, black, grey and red. The jersey material is soft and breathable and you will be grateful for the buttons when feeding your baby.
Buy now £19.00, Amazon
Seraphine Ultra-Soft Maternity and Nursing Loungewear Set
Best for: splashing out
Packing these in your hospital bag will give you the treat you deserve once your baby has been born. They are made from a soft and stretchy jersey which will be exactly what you want next to your skin after labour. The top has easy access for feeding and is loose fitting, yet stylist. The trousers have a drawstring waist to accommodate your changing body and are c section friendly. This set would be a lovely gift for a friend if they’re having a baby shower. The only issue is that they may prefer to save them until they get home again!
Buy now £55.00, Seraphine
Mamalicious Maternity Mira Star Nightdress
Best for: small budgets
This is a sweet night dress which comes at a great price point, offering full coverage while creating easy access for feeding thanks to popper fastenings. The material is 100 per cent cotton which will be kind to your skin and breathable, so will keep you cool. The nightdress is available from size XS (size 6) to XL (size 14/16).
Buy now £14.00, Very
Lindex MOM Nightdress
Best for: organic materials
A simple nightdress which will be comfy to wear either in bed in hospital or while wandering around the ward or your room stretching your legs. The V-neck and buttons make it easy to feed and the loose material will not rub or aggravate any sore areas. The dress comes in a dusty pink colour or light grey melange and is available in sizes XS up to XXL. Crafted from organic cotton.
Buy now £24.99, Lindex
Next Black Maternity Nursing Nightie Slip
Best for: breastfeeding
This is a simple but chic nightie which is comfortable to wear and can be worn well after the birth. The dress has adjustable straps and clips to make night feeds easier. It is made from viscose which should keep you cool but the quality of this item is perhaps not as high as others on this list.
Buy now £31.00, Next
New Look Maternity Pale Blue Revere Trouser Pyjama Set
Best for: softness
New Look often produces the goods when it comes to maternity wear. These attractive blue pyjamas will keep you cool and comfortable as you rest in hospital. The short sleeves are useful for blood pressure checks after giving birth and will also keep your body cool if raging hormones make you overheat. This is another set of pyjamas with buttons for easy feeding and an elasticated waist to limit pressure on your stomach.
Buy now £27.99, New Look
Verdict
The Seraphine cotton birthing gown gets our Best vote. It is made from soft organic cotton and is perfect for both labouring in and wearing while recovering. The discreet openings and poppers mean you can retain your modesty and stay warm and comfortable while giving birth and on the postnatal ward. It is a practical colour but also looks stylish and comes in at a reasonable price.
