Many pregnant women don't realize that their choice of underwear could be affecting their baby's development. Traditional maternity underwear often features tight elastic bands that cut across the lower abdomen and hips—precisely where vital blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby.
"I had no idea my underwear choice mattered," says Melissa, a first-time mom from Denver. "I was focused on my prenatal vitamins and eating right, not thinking about how my undergarments might be restricting blood flow."
Medical experts are increasingly concerned about this overlooked aspect of maternal health.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, OB-GYN and maternal health specialist, explains: "Restricted blood flow caused by tight-fitting underwear can potentially reduce oxygen delivery to the placenta. While your body works hard to prioritize your baby's needs, why create unnecessary obstacles to optimal circulation?"