"Working your tail off is hard enough while pregnant – no need to tolerate uncomfortable scrubs!  Many nurses think that since scrubs are somewhat forgiving, they can just size up during their pregnancy.  That would be wrong." - Karen Stockdale 

Please do NOT do this!

 I remember my first pregnancy, working 3-11 shift on a BUSY cardiac floor.  As soon as we wheeled a patient out, the room was being stat-cleaned and another patient was rolling in from the ED.  You know the drill.  I thought that I could just tie the drawstring a little different, and hike those too-big scrubs someone gave me up over my belly.  Nothing like your entire nursing unit getting a great view of your cotton granny panties as you waddle down the hall with your arms full of linens. Yep, my pants fell down.  At change of shift. It was mortifying!

Why you should invest in some maternity scrubs:

• You deserve to not feel any weirder in your body than you already do.
• You want to keep your pants on.
• You want to be “cute” pregnant not “oh-you-poor-thing” pregnant.
• If you are going to spend that many hours at work, you need clothes that fit.
• While your belly gets bigger, the other parts of you probably won’t – so you will have a gaping top and huge scarecrow scrub legs if you just size up a few. 
• You are going to buy a million cute baby outfits – so buy yourself some too.

Times are a-changing, and most scrub brands (see my post on the Top Ten here) make scrubs that support you throughout your pregnancy.  There are also some great tips from fellow nurses that can make work life easier during this time – check out allnurses.com and ScrubsMag for some inspiration (and empathy).    

Best features of maternity scrubs:

• Elastic panels that adjust to your growing belly.  Some are mid-rise, and some are empire waist.  Try some on to figure out what you like.
• Adjustable tops – most either have stretchy side panels or they wrap and tie in the back to allow for growth.
• Soft fabrics that are lightweight.  Believe me, you are gonna be hot.  And itchy.  You need this. 
• Lots of pockets – you need to get all of the things, and take them down the hall.  No multiple trips for you.  You are prepared.
• Cute colors and patterns – you are not stuck with sheep and teddy bears anymore (unless you like that).  Sophisticated colors and trims are here to stay.

Other Options to Consider:

Not a wrap-top type of lady?  Some nurses prefer to wear maternity scrub pants with a T-shirt like maternity top and a jacket or button-up top.  This does give more options for pockets and mixing and matching. 

Not technically part of the uniform – but should be - compression socks.  Girl – you do NOT want varicose veins, and these socks can help control swelling at the end of pregnancy.  They come in cute patterns, too. Plus there is that whole feeling of taking them off at the end of the day……

So, what to expect when your expecting?  Maternity scrubs!  You will not regret it – and your coworkers might thank you too!