Pregnancy has a funny way of making clothing that fit perfectly last Tuesday completely useless by Friday.
That’s inconvenient anywhere.
During a 12-hour nursing shift, it’s miserable.
Good maternity scrubs shouldn’t simply be regular scrubs in a larger size. They should accommodate a changing belly while still fitting properly through the shoulders, hips and legs.
The best maternity scrubs provide:
- A flexible belly or waistband
- Stretch throughout the pant
- Tops with extra room in front
- Enough length for a growing belly
- Useful pockets
- Breathable fabric
- Easy washing
- Enough adjustability to last through multiple stages of pregnancy
Here are the maternity scrubs we’d look at first.
Affiliate disclosure: Suitcases & Scrubs may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Shopping for maternity scrubs for nurses?
Quick Picks: Best Maternity Scrubs
| Pick | Best For |
|---|---|
| Cherokee WW Originals Ultra Maternity | Best overall value |
| FIGS Maternity Scrubs | Best premium |
| FIGS Zamora Maternity Joggers | Best maternity jogger |
| FIGS Kade Maternity Straight-Leg | Best traditional pant |
| Cherokee Maternity Straight-Leg Pant | Best affordable workhorse |
| Stretchy underscrub + maternity pant | Best budget strategy |
Our Overall Pick: Cherokee Maternity Scrubs
For most nurses, we’d start with Cherokee’s maternity collection.
Why?
Because maternity scrubs are temporary clothing.
You may wear your normal scrubs during early pregnancy, maternity scrubs for several months, and then transition again postpartum.
Paying premium prices for every set doesn’t always make sense.
Cherokee currently offers a maternity top, straight-leg maternity pant and matching set in its WW Originals Ultra collection.
The maternity pant uses a rib-knit waistband designed to adapt as the belly grows and includes cargo storage plus a back pocket and pen slot.
Even better, the current pant runs from XXS through 5XL.
Why we like it
- Reasonable price
- Stretchy waistband
- Straight-leg design
- Real work pockets
- Core scrub colors
- Sizes through 5XL
- Easy matching set
Best for: Nurses who want practical maternity scrubs without spending premium-brand money.
Shop: [Amazon affiliate link — Cherokee Maternity Scrubs]
1. Cherokee WW Originals Ultra Maternity — Best Overall Value
Cherokee’s maternity set is refreshingly straightforward.
The current maternity pants are designed with a rib-knit waistband that expands through pregnancy rather than relying on a standard scrub waistband and oversized drawstring.
The pants also have multiple pockets—which matters.
Maternity clothing manufacturers sometimes seem to think pregnancy eliminates the need to carry anything.
Nursing does not.
You may still need room for:
- Phone
- Pens
- Alcohol pads
- Notes
- Shears
- Small tools
The matching maternity top provides extra room without simply becoming an oversized rectangle.
Best for
- Hospital nurses
- Nursing students
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Nurses who need several sets
- Required uniform colors
Shop: [Amazon affiliate link — Cherokee Maternity Scrub Set]
2. FIGS Maternity Scrubs — Best Premium Pick
FIGS offers one of the most complete maternity scrub collections.
Instead of making one maternity pant and calling it a day, the current line includes:
- Catarina maternity top
- Rafaela maternity top
- Zamora maternity jogger
- Kade maternity straight-leg pant
- Ashland maternity scrub leggings
- Cary maternity underscrub
That’s unusually useful because pregnancy doesn’t suddenly make every nurse prefer the same pant style.
FIGS maternity pants use stretch waistbands intended to accommodate different stages of pregnancy, while its maternity tops provide additional room through looser shapes and pregnancy-friendly hems.
Why we like FIGS maternity scrubs
- Multiple silhouettes
- Joggers and straight-leg pants
- Dedicated maternity tops
- Stretch fabric
- Maternity underscrub option
- Coordinated colors
- More polished styling
The downside
Price.
A complete premium maternity scrub rotation can get expensive quickly.
For someone working three shifts a week, buying five premium sets may not be the best use of money.
We’d consider mixing premium favorites with cheaper backup sets.
Best for: Nurses who want modern styling and are willing to pay more for it.
Shop: [Amazon link if available / future direct affiliate opportunity]
3. FIGS Zamora Maternity Jogger — Best Maternity Jogger
If you already like jogger scrubs, pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to abandon them.
The maternity version of FIGS’ Zamora provides the familiar tapered leg and cuffed ankle combined with a pregnancy-friendly waistband.
Joggers have another small advantage during pregnancy:
There’s less loose fabric around your shoes.
As your center of gravity changes, avoiding pant hems that drag or catch becomes increasingly worthwhile.
Best for
- Sneaker wearers
- Nurses who already prefer joggers
- Fast-paced units
- Anyone who dislikes loose pant hems
Watch for
Late in pregnancy, some nurses prefer a looser leg than a tapered jogger.
Comfort wins.
If the calf or thigh feels restrictive, move to straight-leg maternity pants.
Shop: [Affiliate link — FIGS Zamora Maternity Jogger]
4. FIGS Kade Maternity Straight-Leg Pant — Best Traditional Fit
Not everybody wants joggers.
The maternity version of the Kade gives nurses a more traditional straight-leg scrub silhouette while still incorporating pregnancy-friendly waist construction.
This is the option we’d consider if you:
- Don’t like ankle cuffs
- Work somewhere with conservative uniform standards
- Prefer room through the lower leg
- Wear clogs
- Want something that looks like conventional scrub pants
Straight-leg pants may also remain comfortable longer if pregnancy causes swelling through the lower legs and ankles.
Shop: [Affiliate link — FIGS Kade Maternity Scrub Pant]
5. Stretch Maternity Scrub Tops — Don’t Just Size Up
It’s tempting to handle pregnancy by buying an ordinary scrub top two sizes larger.
That sometimes works early on.
Eventually it creates a strange fit:
The belly may finally have enough room, while the:
- Shoulders droop
- Neckline becomes too large
- Sleeves become baggy
- Pockets sit too low
- Back has excessive fabric
A maternity-specific top adds space where you actually need it.
Look for:
- Extra front length
- Side vents
- Pleats
- Stretch
- Curved hems
- Room through the belly without huge shoulders
The goal is accommodation, not simply size.
When Do You Need Maternity Scrubs?
There’s no specific week when everyone needs maternity clothes.
Some nurses switch early.
Others wear their regular stretch scrubs well into pregnancy.
It depends on:
- Your body
- Your pregnancy
- Scrub style
- Waistband design
- How fitted your normal scrubs are
- Personal comfort
Don’t buy an entire maternity wardrobe during the first trimester unless you have a reason to.
You won’t know exactly how your body or sizing needs will change.
A better strategy is usually to buy gradually.
How Many Maternity Scrubs Should You Buy?
For someone working three shifts per week, we’d probably build toward four maternity sets, not ten.
Something like:
- 2 favorite sets
- 1 affordable backup
- 1 extra set
Then add another only if laundry or scheduling makes it necessary.
Remember that maternity scrubs have a relatively short useful window compared with your regular uniforms.
Spend accordingly.
The Smartest Budget Strategy
You don’t necessarily need a complete matching maternity outfit every day.
Depending on your uniform requirements, you may be able to combine:
Regular stretchy scrub top + maternity pants
during part of pregnancy.
Later:
Maternity top + maternity pants
may become more comfortable.
And postpartum:
Maternity or stretchy pants + regular top
may work during the transition back.
Buying pieces that overlap across stages can save a surprising amount of money.
Over-the-Belly vs. Under-the-Belly Waistbands
Maternity pants generally solve the waist problem in a few different ways.
Over-the-belly
A stretchy panel extends upward over the belly.
Advantages
- Good coverage
- Less pressure underneath the belly
- Can feel secure
Disadvantages
- Warmer
- Some people dislike fabric over the abdomen
Under-the-belly
The waistband sits below the belly.
Advantages
- Cooler
- Less fabric
- Familiar pant feeling
Disadvantages
- May slide
- Can feel uncomfortable later in pregnancy
Stretch knit waistband
Many maternity scrubs use a wide flexible waist rather than a full maternity-jeans-style panel.
This can be a good compromise for healthcare workers because it’s flexible without adding excessive layers underneath the scrub top.
There isn’t one universally best choice.
The best waistband is the one you stop noticing.
What to Look for in Maternity Scrubs
Four-way stretch
Pregnancy changes more than belly size.
Your hips and overall proportions may change too.
Stretch gives your uniform more room to adapt.
Breathability
Pregnancy can make you feel warmer than usual.
Add a busy hospital unit and multiple clothing layers, and breathable fabric becomes especially valuable.
Adjustable waist
You want the same pants to work for more than three weeks.
Real pockets
You still have a job to do.
Don’t sacrifice functional storage simply because the pants are maternity clothing.
Easy washing
This is not the time for precious workwear requiring special treatment.
Enough front length
As the belly grows, an ordinary top can become noticeably shorter in front.
Pregnancy-specific tops compensate for that.
Can You Just Wear Larger Regular Scrubs?
Yes—for a while, in many cases.
But there’s a point where buying larger regular scrubs becomes inefficient.
Suppose your normal top fits your:
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Back
but doesn’t have enough room for your belly.
Going up two sizes fixes one problem by creating four new ones.
Maternity cuts are designed to add space more strategically.
What About Scrub Leggings?
FIGS currently includes a maternity scrub legging in its maternity collection.
These may appeal to nurses who strongly prefer fitted bottoms, but check your employer’s dress code.
Some facilities have rules regarding overly fitted pants.
Comfort and policy both matter.
Compression Socks During Pregnancy
Many nurses already wear compression socks for long shifts, and pregnancy can make swelling more noticeable.
However, pregnancy is a medical condition, and compression level isn’t something we’d choose for you in an affiliate shopping guide.
Ask your obstetric clinician what compression level—if any—is appropriate for your situation.
We’ll separately compare general compression socks for nurses elsewhere on Suitcases & Scrubs.
Shoes May Change Too
Don’t be surprised if the work shoes you’ve worn for years suddenly feel different.
Pregnancy can involve swelling and changes in foot comfort.
Before buying an expensive replacement pair, determine whether you need:
- More width
- More volume
- Different lacing
- More cushioning
- A roomier toe box
Our Best Shoes for Standing 12-Hour Shifts guide covers the broader footwear options.
Maternity Scrubs for Travel Nurses
Pregnancy during a travel assignment adds another issue:
Don’t overpack clothing that may not fit by the end of the contract.
For a 13-week assignment, your body may change significantly between arrival and departure.
Bring:
- Your current maternity scrubs
- At least one roomier option
- Stretch layers
- A flexible jacket
- Comfortable shoes
- More than one waistband style if possible
And make sure replacement scrubs can be shipped easily to wherever you’re staying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best maternity scrubs?
Cherokee is our value pick because its maternity collection combines practical features with reasonable pricing. FIGS is our premium pick because it currently offers multiple maternity pants, tops, an underscrub and scrub leggings.
Does Cherokee make maternity scrubs?
Yes. Cherokee currently offers a maternity scrub top, straight-leg maternity pant and matching set in its WW Originals Ultra collection.
Does FIGS make maternity scrubs?
Yes. FIGS currently sells maternity tops, Zamora maternity joggers, Kade straight-leg maternity pants, maternity scrub leggings and maternity underscrubs.
How many maternity scrub sets do I need?
For three shifts per week, around four sets is a reasonable starting point. You can add another if your laundry schedule requires it.
Can I wear regular scrubs while pregnant?
Many nurses continue wearing regular stretch scrubs during early pregnancy. Eventually a maternity waistband and maternity-cut top may provide better comfort and fit.
Should I buy maternity scrubs one size larger?
Not automatically. Start with the manufacturer’s maternity sizing chart. Maternity clothing is already designed to provide additional room where pregnancy changes your body.
When should I start wearing maternity scrubs?
Whenever your regular scrubs stop being comfortable. There isn’t a universal week.
Our Verdict
For a practical maternity wardrobe, we’d start with Cherokee.
It’s affordable enough to buy several sets, the current maternity pant accommodates a growing belly, it still provides useful pockets, and sizing extends through 5XL.
If you want a more premium scrub wardrobe, FIGS has the stronger selection of maternity silhouettes, especially because you can choose among joggers, straight-leg pants and leggings rather than being stuck with one maternity bottom.
Most importantly:
Don’t try to make uncomfortable scrubs last another month just because they’re technically still buttoned, tied or pulled on.
A 12-hour nursing shift is long enough without spending it fighting your waistband.
Ready to pick one?