Maternity pads vs regular pads: what is the difference

Maternity pads vs regular pads: what is the difference

Maternity pads are made for the bleeding that follows birth, and they are often longer, thicker and more absorbent than regular period pads. Bladder leak pads are different again. Length, thickness, back coverage and how a pad stays in place are the things you can compare on a product page, and this guide explains each so you can plan a mix for the first weeks.

What makes a pad a maternity pad

A pad sold as maternity is designed for use after birth. Compared with a regular pad, it often has more length, more absorbent material and more coverage. There is no single standard, so compare the numbers and pictures in each listing rather than trusting the name.

Three kinds of pad share the shelf and are easy to mix up. Period pads are made for menstrual flow, maternity pads for bleeding after birth and bladder leak pads for urine leaks. The listing should say which one you are looking at.

Length and back coverage

Length is the easiest difference to see. A longer pad with a wider back covers more of the area that matters when you are lying down. Check the length in centimetres or inches if the listing gives it, and make sure the pad fits inside the gusset of your underwear without folding over at either end.

Listings describe length in words as well as numbers. Two examples in our catalogue are the Poise Pads for Women, Maximum Absorbency, Long, 84 Count and the Poise Overnight Incontinence Pads for Women, Extra-Coverage, 36 Count, which use Long and Extra-Coverage in their titles. Both sit in our incontinence range, so they show how length is labelled rather than what a maternity pad is.

Thickness and absorbency

A thicker pad is more noticeable under clothing and a thinner one less so. Thickness and absorbency are not the same thing, though, so read the stated level instead of judging by how a pad looks. Words such as moderate or maximum mean what each brand decides they mean, so they are most useful for comparing pads within one brand.

One example of how a listing states these details is the Always Discreet Incontinence Pads for Women, Moderate, Regular Length, 108 Count. Its title gives the absorbency, the length and the count, and the word Incontinence tells you what it is made for.

Wings, adhesive and staying in place

Many pads have an adhesive strip on the underside that sticks to your underwear. Pads with wings have flaps that fold around the sides of the underwear and stick to its outer surface.

  • Centre the pad in the gusset before you press the adhesive down.
  • Smooth the adhesive flat so there are no folds.
  • Stand, sit and bend once to see whether the pad shifts.
  • If it moves, look at the pad width, the wings or the fit of your underwear.

If you are sensitive to fragrance or adhesives, check whether the listing says the pad is scented, and ask your pharmacist about skin concerns.

Where bladder leak pads fit in

Bladder leak pads are designed for urine, which is thin and can arrive in a quick burst, so their top layer and core are set up to take liquid in fast. Period pads are designed around menstrual flow, which is thicker and released more gradually. That is why a pad made for one job may not perform the same way in another, even when the packs look alike, and our guide to period pads vs bladder leak pads goes through the design differences.

If you notice bladder leaks after birth, mention them to your care provider, who can tell you what is expected and what support exists. Check each pad's page to see what it is designed for, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure which type suits your situation.

Planning a mix for the first weeks

Here is one way to plan, not a prescription:

  • A pack of longer, higher-coverage pads for nights and the first days at home.
  • A pack of regular-length pads for daytime.
  • A pack of thinner pads for days when you need less.
  • A pack of bladder leak pads if you notice leaks.

To estimate how many pads to buy, multiply the number of changes you expect in a day by the number of days you want covered. Six changes a day over a week comes to 42 pads, and four a day comes to 28. Both numbers are only there to show the arithmetic, so use your own routine to set the real figure.

Buying several small packs lets you test shapes before you commit to a large one. Browse the full Incontinence Products collection for pads, underwear and related items.

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Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.

Flow that worries you is a question for your care provider

The absorbency level on a pack describes the pad, not your body. A pad that fills faster than you expected cannot tell you whether to buy a longer one or to call someone, and that is a question for your midwife, doctor or nurse. Before the birth, ask them what to expect and what they want you to report.

If the amount worries you at any point, or it changes suddenly, contact your care provider or your local health line promptly.

Common questions

Can I use a regular pad instead of a maternity pad?

That depends on the pad and on what you need. Compare length, thickness and coverage on the page, and ask your midwife or nurse what they suggest.

How often should I change my pad?

Follow the directions on the pack, and change a pad when it is wet or soiled. Wash your hands after you change. Your care provider can tell you what to expect for your situation.

Do I need a different pad at night?

A longer pad with more back coverage is one option for lying down, as the length section explains. Check each pack to see what the pad is designed for.

Can I flush a used pad?

No. Wrap it and put it in the garbage, and check the pack for directions.

If you would like help choosing a pad or a mix of pads, write to us through our contact page with the lengths and types you are comparing.