Maternity scrubs are one of the most underserved categories in Australian clinical workwear. Most healthcare workers find out what they need by trial and error — buying regular scrubs one size up, discovering they don't sit right, and spending the second trimester uncomfortable at work. The problem is never fabric quality. It's choosing the wrong waistband style for the wrong trimester, or not knowing which brands have invested in clinical maternity design versus simply adding a belly panel to a standard pant.

This guide covers the maternity scrub options available at Infectious Clothing in 2026 — the Wink W123 maternity range and Cherokee Workwear Originals Ultra maternity styles — compared by trimester, waistband type, fabric and clinical role. Whether you're planning ahead in your first trimester or mid-pregnancy and struggling with what you have, this is the complete reference for maternity scrubs that actually work across a clinical shift.

Quick Answer: Infectious Clothing stocks two maternity scrub ranges: the Wink W123 (4555 maternity v-neck top + 5455 maternity jogger pant — softest microfibre fabric, widest colour range, jogger-style leg) and Cherokee Workwear Originals Ultra (CK701A maternity mock wrap top + CK118A maternity straight-leg pant — 4-way stretch poly/spandex, straight leg universally accepted in public hospitals, available in Black, Navy and Royal). Both brands offer over-bump and under-bump options and run true to pre-pregnancy size. Sizes XS–3XL. Free shipping on orders over $250 Australia-wide.

Browse the full Maternity Scrubs collection — or see Wink W123 and Cherokee Scrubs for the complete ranges.

In this guide:

1. Over-bump vs under-bump — which waistband style and when

2. Which waistband for which trimester

3. Can I just size up in regular scrubs?

4. Wink W123 vs Cherokee Originals Ultra — the full comparison

5. Maternity scrub tops — what to look for

6. Best maternity scrubs by role

7. How to size maternity scrubs in Australia

8. FAQs

Over-bump vs under-bump — which waistband style and when

The waistband is the single most important decision when buying maternity scrub pants. Get it wrong and no amount of correct sizing will fix the comfort — the fit issue is structural, not dimensional. There are two main configurations in the maternity range at Infectious.

Over-bump panel

The clinical standard from mid-pregnancy onward

A wide, stretchy panel that extends up and over the bump — covering the abdomen from the hip to above the navel. The panel provides genuine abdominal support, prevents the pants from falling or rolling during a shift, and maintains full coverage when bending. Critical for clinical work from the second trimester onward where patient handling, bending and transfers are part of the role. Both Wink W123 and Cherokee Originals Ultra maternity pants are available in over-bump configuration.

Best for: second and third trimester, active clinical roles, frequent bending and patient transfers

Under-bump

Best for early pregnancy and postpartum transition

A standard or slightly lowered waistband that sits below the growing bump. Comfortable before the bump is prominent, and preferred by some healthcare workers who find a full panel constricting. The trade-off: as the bump grows, under-bump waistbands can dig in against the lower abdomen or roll down during physical tasks. Most healthcare workers transition to over-bump styles by mid-second trimester. Also a practical postpartum option — sits comfortably while returning to standard scrubs without pressure on a healing abdomen.

Best for: first trimester, smaller bump profiles, postpartum transition

Both styles available: Wink W123 and Cherokee Originals Ultra maternity pants are available in both over-bump and under-bump configurations at Infectious Clothing. If you're unsure which to start with, over-bump is the more versatile choice — it works across all three trimesters and into the postpartum period. Under-bump is most practical before the bump is prominent or during postpartum recovery.

Which waistband for which trimester

The right maternity scrub configuration changes as the pregnancy progresses. Here is a practical trimester-by-trimester guide.

Trimester	What's changing	Waistband recommendation	Practical note
First trimester Weeks 1–13	Bloating and waist thickening before a visible bump. Fatigue and abdominal sensitivity.	Under-bump or four-way stretch regular scrubs sized to hip. Order maternity pants now so they're ready from second trimester.	Most manage in regular stretch scrubs (Wink W123, Cherokee Infinity) at this stage — the four-way stretch accommodates early waist changes without needing a maternity-specific cut.
Early second trimester Weeks 14–20	Bump becomes visible. Regular waistbands begin to feel restrictive. Round ligament sensitivity.	Under-bump comfortable. Begin transitioning to over-bump panel by weeks 18–20.	The most common point at which regular scrubs become genuinely uncomfortable during a full clinical shift — the waistband digs in or rolls under the bump.
Late second trimester Weeks 20–28	Bump is prominent. Centre of gravity shifting. Lower back strain increasing.	Over-bump panel strongly recommended — provides abdominal support and prevents waistband drop during physical tasks.	Bending for patient care requires over-bump coverage for both comfort and clinical modesty.
Third trimester Weeks 28–40+	Maximum bump. Significant lower back load. Possible swelling in legs and feet.	Over-bump panel — full coverage, maximum support. Wink W123 microfibre is particularly comfortable as body temperature increases in late pregnancy.	A maternity scrub top becomes essential — standard tops ride up at the front and leave the panel exposed.

Can I just size up in regular scrubs?

It's the most common workaround — and it has real limits.

Where sizing up works

In four-way stretch fabrics — Wink W123 and Cherokee Infinity — sizing up one in regular scrubs can accommodate a growing bump reasonably well through the first trimester and into early second trimester. The stretch fabric expands without restricting, and the waistband sits more comfortably than a non-stretch alternative would.

Where it breaks down

By mid-second trimester, sized-up regular scrubs create three persistent problems: the waistband digs in or rolls down during a shift; excess fabric in the seat and thighs becomes baggy and impractical; and bending creates coverage gaps at the front. These are structural problems that only a purpose-built maternity waistband resolves — no amount of sizing up fixes them.

The verdict: Sizing up in regular stretch scrubs is workable to approximately weeks 16–20 for most healthcare workers. Beyond that, purpose-built maternity scrubs with an over-bump panel are the practical choice — and because you order your pre-pregnancy size, the cost difference is smaller than most people expect.

Wink W123 vs Cherokee Originals Ultra — the full comparison

Infectious Clothing stocks two maternity scrub ranges. Here is how they compare for clinical maternity wear.

Wink W123 Maternity — softest fabric, widest colour range, jogger leg

Fabric

100% microfibre polyester, four-way stretch. The softest clinical scrub fabric in the maternity range — moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and lightweight. Particularly comfortable during pregnancy when body temperature runs higher than usual. The same high-performance fabric as the standard W123 range.

Pant style

Jogger only (5455) — tapered from the knee to a gathered ankle cuff. Widely used in vet, dental, allied health and GP settings where a jogger is accepted. Available in both over-bump and under-bump waistband configurations. Confirm your facility policy before ordering for a public hospital ward.

Colour range

The widest colour range of the two maternity brands — Black, Caribbean, Ceil Blue, Hot Pink, Navy, Pewter, Royal, Wine and more. Matching tops (4555) and pants (5455) available in the same colourways for a fully coordinated set.

Sizing note

Order your pre-pregnancy size. The jogger tapers through the calf — if your calf measurement is wider than average, consider sizing up one. Available XS–3XL. Regular inseam only.

Cherokee Workwear Originals Ultra Maternity — straight leg, 4-way stretch, universally hospital-compliant

Fabric

Performance polyester-spandex blend, four-way stretch. Durable, colour-retentive, and built for repeated hospital-temperature laundering. Holds shape and colour across a full clinical roster of washing cycles — the consistent choice for hospital environments.

Pant style

Straight leg (CK118A) — a consistent width from hip to hem. The classic clinical cut accepted without question in every Australian hospital, aged care and theatre environment. The right choice for nurses working under strict uniform policies where jogger styles are not permitted.

Colour range

Black, Navy and Royal. A focused palette covering the most common public hospital requirements — navy for Registered Nurses, black for private and allied health environments. Matching tops (CK701A) and pants (CK118A) available in the same colourways.

Sizing note

Order your pre-pregnancy size. Four-way stretch accommodates most hip changes through pregnancy without requiring a size adjustment. Available XS–3XL. Regular inseam only. Call 1300 661 475 for sizing advice if unsure.

Side-by-side: Wink W123 vs Cherokee Originals Ultra maternity

	Wink W123 Maternity	Cherokee Originals Ultra Maternity
Fabric	100% microfibre polyester	Poly/spandex blend
Stretch	4-way ✓	4-way ✓
Pant style	Jogger (tapered + cuffed ankle)	Straight leg
Waistband options	Over-bump + under-bump	Over-bump + under-bump
Colours available	Black, Caribbean, Ceil Blue, Hot Pink, Navy, Pewter, Royal, Wine + more ✓	Black, Navy, Royal
Hospital policy	Confirm facility — jogger not permitted in all acute settings	Straight leg accepted universally ✓
Top style	V-neck with ruched side panels (4555)	Mock wrap top (CK701A)
Size range	XS–3XL	XS–3XL

Hospital policy note: NSW Health and Queensland Health public hospital policies generally require straight-leg scrub pants in acute clinical areas including wards, ED, ICU and theatre. If you work in a public hospital, confirm your facility's uniform policy before ordering the W123 jogger. The Cherokee Originals Ultra CK118A straight-leg pant is the safe choice for all acute public hospital environments.

Maternity scrub tops — what to look for

A regular scrub top worn during pregnancy will begin to lift at the front as the bump grows — exposing the panel of the maternity pant at the exact moment you bend toward a patient. From mid-second trimester onward, a purpose-built maternity scrub top is the right choice for clinical work.

Wink W123 Maternity Top — 4555

V-neck with ruched side panels and extended front length

The signature W123 v-neck cut with ruched side panels that expand with the bump and a longer front hem that maintains full coverage when bending. Retains the practical W123 pocket layout including chest pockets, pen slot and utility loops. Available in the widest colour range of the two maternity tops — Navy, Ceil Blue, Black, Wine, Hot Pink and more — for a coordinated match with the 5455 maternity jogger pant.

Cherokee Originals Ultra Maternity Top — CK701A

Mock wrap with extra length and 4-way stretch fabric

A flattering mock wrap cut in 4-way stretch fabric with extra front length and side ruching that accommodates the growing bump through every trimester. The mock wrap silhouette reads as professional in patient-facing environments — well suited to hospital wards, GP practices and dental settings. Available in Black, Navy and Royal for a coordinated match with the CK118A straight-leg pant.

Colour matching: For a coordinated maternity set, pair the W123 top (4555) with the W123 jogger pant (5455) in the same colourway, or the Cherokee CK701A top with the Cherokee CK118A straight-leg pant. Mixing brands is possible but colours are not guaranteed to be an exact match — Navy in W123 and Navy in Cherokee are not identical shades. Where your facility requires a specific colour, buying top and pant from the same brand gives the most consistent result.

Best maternity scrubs by role

Role	Key maternity requirements	Recommended
Hospital nurse / RN	Hospital colour compliance, straight-leg required in most public facilities, full coverage during patient transfers and bending	Cherokee Originals Ultra CK118A straight-leg (Navy) + CK701A mock wrap top
Midwife	Maximum mobility, full coverage during physical birth support. Eggplant is the standard midwife colour in most Australian public hospitals — confirm colour availability in maternity styles before ordering.	Call 1300 661 475 to confirm eggplant availability across maternity styles. Cherokee CK118A straight-leg if facility requires traditional cut.
Theatre / surgical nurse	Straight leg required. No external cords near sterile field. Smooth over-bump panel for fast changeover donning/doffing.	Cherokee Originals Ultra CK118A straight-leg — over-bump panel, no external drawstring, universally accepted in theatre
Vet nurse / veterinarian	Maximum mobility for animal restraint, microfibre wipes clean easily, comfort through a physical active role. Jogger broadly accepted in vet settings.	Wink W123 5455 maternity jogger — soft microfibre, tapered ankle stays clear during floor procedures
Dental professional	Hip flexibility for chair-side work, professional appearance, comfort over long seated periods. Jogger accepted in most dental settings.	Wink W123 5455 maternity jogger — four-way stretch accommodates chair-side posture through all trimesters
Physiotherapy / OT / allied health	Deep squats, floor work, patient demonstration. Full movement range essential. Breathability for an active role.	Wink W123 5455 maternity jogger — four-way stretch microfibre handles the full movement range and wicks well during active sessions
GP / community nursing	Professional appearance, all-day comfort, colour flexibility. Both styles accepted in most GP and community settings.	Either — W123 jogger for comfort-first preference, Cherokee CK118A for a traditional clinical look

How to size maternity scrubs in Australia

The single most common mistake when buying maternity scrubs is ordering up from a regular size. Here is how to get it right.

Order your pre-pregnancy size

Maternity scrubs are cut to accommodate the bump within the existing size — the additional room is built into the waistband panel and ruched side construction. Ordering up creates excess fabric in the seat, thighs and shoulders that cannot be corrected by any adjustment. Order what you wore before pregnancy.

When sizing up one makes sense

Two situations where going up one is the right call: if your hip measurement has increased significantly from your pre-pregnancy baseline in late second or third trimester; or if you're ordering the W123 jogger and your calf measurement is wider than average — the tapered jogger leg is more fitted than a straight-leg cut. Call 1300 661 475 if you're unsure.

Style-by-style sizing reference

Style	Size range	Fit note	Inseam
Wink W123 5455 maternity jogger pant	XS–3XL	Pre-pregnancy size. Size up if calf is wider than average — jogger tapers through the lower leg.	Regular only
Wink W123 4555 maternity v-neck top	XS–3XL	Pre-pregnancy size. Ruched sides and extra length accommodate the bump — shoulders fit correctly at pre-pregnancy size.	N/A
Cherokee CK118A maternity straight-leg pant	XS–3XL	Pre-pregnancy size. Four-way stretch accommodates hip changes for most without a size adjustment. Size up one if hip has increased significantly.	Regular only
Cherokee CK701A maternity mock wrap top	XS–3XL	Pre-pregnancy size. Mock wrap and stretch fabric size correctly at pre-pregnancy measurements.	N/A

Not sure on size? Call our team on 1300 661 475 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST) — we've been fitting maternity clinical workwear since 2001 and can advise based on your measurements and trimester. Visit our showroom at 3/15 Page Street, Kunda Park QLD 4556 if you're on the Sunshine Coast.

Frequently asked questions

► When should I start wearing maternity scrubs?

Most healthcare workers find regular scrubs become uncomfortable during clinical work somewhere between weeks 14 and 20 — when the bump becomes visible and regular waistbands begin to dig in or roll down. Buying maternity scrubs in the first trimester and having them ready from week 14–16 is the practical approach.

Under-bump styles suit early pregnancy. Over-bump panels become the more comfortable option from approximately week 18–20 onward and are strongly recommended for the third trimester.

► What maternity scrubs does Infectious Clothing stock?

Infectious Clothing stocks two maternity scrub ranges: Wink W123 — the 4555 maternity v-neck top and 5455 maternity jogger pant, available in a wide range of clinical colours including Navy, Ceil Blue, Black, Wine and more; and Cherokee Workwear Originals Ultra — the CK701A maternity mock wrap top and CK118A maternity straight-leg pant, available in Black, Navy and Royal.

Both brands offer over-bump and under-bump waistband configurations in sizes XS–3XL.

► What size should I order in maternity scrubs?

Order your pre-pregnancy size. The maternity cut provides the additional room at the bump — sizing up gives you excess fabric in the seat and shoulders that cannot be corrected.

The exception: if you're ordering the W123 jogger and your calf is wider than average, or if your hip measurement has increased significantly in late pregnancy, sizing up one is the right call. Call 1300 661 475 for personal sizing advice.

► Are jogger maternity scrub pants allowed in Australian hospitals?

It depends on your facility. NSW Health and Queensland Health public hospital guidelines generally require straight-leg scrub pants in clinical areas — including for pregnant staff. Confirm with your NUM before purchasing the W123 jogger for a public hospital ward, theatre or ED.

In private hospitals, GP practices, dental clinics, vet practices and allied health settings, jogger-style maternity scrubs are broadly accepted. The Cherokee CK118A straight-leg pant is the universally safe option if you're unsure.

► What is the difference between the W123 and Cherokee maternity styles?

The main differences are leg style and colour range. Wink W123 maternity comes in a jogger leg in a wide range of colours including navy, ceil blue, black, wine, hot pink and more. Cherokee Originals Ultra maternity comes in a straight leg in black, navy and royal only.

For public hospital nurses where a straight-leg pant is required, Cherokee is the right choice. For vet, dental, allied health, GP and private settings where a jogger is acceptable, the W123 is the more comfortable and versatile option for most wearers.

► Can I wear maternity scrubs after giving birth?

Yes — many healthcare workers continue wearing maternity scrubs for the first 4–8 weeks after returning to work, particularly under-bump styles which sit comfortably without pressure on a healing abdomen.

When ready to transition back, browse the full Women's Scrub Pants and Scrub Tops range across Cherokee, Dickies and Wink.

► Can maternity scrubs be embroidered?

Yes — Infectious Clothing offers in-house embroidery on maternity scrub tops. Chest placement is recommended for maternity styles rather than across stretch side panels. Turnaround is 5–7 business days. For clinic logo or bulk embroidery enquiries, visit the business orders page or call 1300 661 475.

► Where can I buy maternity scrubs in Australia?

Infectious Clothing Company stocks Wink W123 and Cherokee Originals Ultra maternity scrubs — available online at infectious.com.au with free shipping on orders over $250, or in person at our showroom at 3/15 Page Street, Kunda Park QLD 4556. Call 1300 661 475 for sizing assistance Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST.