The Best Maternity Leggings, Reviewed by Moms-to-Be
In a nutshell:
Based on advice from experts, a survey of almost 200 women in The Bump Community and our editorial team’s firsthand experience, we chose the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Love the Bump Midi Maternity Leggings as the overall best maternity leggings due to their flattering fit, versatility and premium fabric.
The athleisure trend continues to reign supreme in the fashion world, much to the delight of moms-to-be everywhere. The ongoing need for comfy yet cute clothing has made stretchy maternity leggings (that are still super-chic) more accessible than ever. They’re a must-have item for moms-to-be who like to work up a sweat—but they’re not just for the gym. Pregnancy leggings are the ideal work-from-home uniform and a great alternative to maternity jeans on days when you need a little extra stretch. Rachel Welch—a prenatal and postnatal fitness expert and the founder of Revolution Motherhood—recommends looking for maternity leggings that strike the perfect balance between comfort, functionality and style. “You’ll want something that can grow with you through your pregnancy so you don’t have to buy for each trimester,” she advises moms-to-be.
Ready to find the best maternity leggings for your needs? Here, browse our favorite styles that have earned praise from experts, our editorial team and members of The Bump community. Then, check out our top tips to find the perfect pair in no time.
We get it—creating a pregnancy wardrobe that’s equal parts stylish and functional isn’t always a breeze. To streamline your shopping experience, we browsed tons of maternity leggings from leading maternity brands and trusted online retailers so you don’t have to. Here are the steps that we took to create this roundup:
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We received input from members of our editorial team who shared their experience wearing some of these maternity leggings during their own pregnancies.
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We consulted with an ob-gyn and a prenatal exercise expert to better understand what features you should look for as you shop and wear maternity leggings.
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We reached out to The Bump community, surveying almost 200 expectant or new mothers, and asked their recommendations and experiences with specific pregnancy leggings.
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We considered several factors when researching which leggings to include. These included (but weren’t limited to!) fit, bump support, value, material, sizing options, durability, quality and, of course, style.
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We read user reviews to understand how these designs worked for real moms-to-be and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best maternity leggings
- Also available with pockets
- Exceptionally soft, durable fabric
- Built-in UV protection
- Adjustable, foldover waist
- Runs small, some reviewers suggest sizing up
- High price point
If you’re looking for a pair of maternity leggings you can rely on whether you’re at a barre class, running errands or lounging at home, check out this style by Beyond Yoga. The pregnancy leggings are made from buttery soft performance fabric that’s durable enough to work out in. “I love Beyond Yoga—soft fabric with the right support for movement,” says Welch.
Count on the pair to wick moisture away to keep you cool and offer a four-way stretch to keep you comfy. You’ll also appreciate the fit; the midi length hits just above the ankles, and the over-belly waistband can be adjusted to meet your changing needs from the first to the fourth trimester. “The leggings can be worn above the bump or below, giving you options, and the panel always hugged my bump but never constricted, even as I got bigger later in pregnancy,” says Ashlee Neuman, content director of The Bump and mom of two. Members of The Bump community that responded to our survey agree with this, telling us that they’re big fans of the high-quality material, exceptional softness and how the flattering fit holds its shape well. Out of our survey respondents, 6 percent wore Beyond Yoga leggings throughout their pregnancies.
You can choose from cool core colors and vibrant seasonal hues—as well as a variety of sizing options—capri and long styles offer alternative inseam lengths for moms-to-be of all heights. Neuman spoke to this, saying that “as a petite person, I appreciated that Beyond Yoga leggings come in varying lengths, so I didn't have to worry about the bottoms bunching awkwardly.” The final verdict? Due to their flattering fit, versatility and premium fabric, these are the best maternity leggings overall.
Sizing: XXS to XL | Material: 87% polyester/13% elastane | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry | Color options: 7
"These leggings combine performance with ultimate comfort. I practically lived in my Beyond Yoga leggings throughout my pregnancy, whether I was at the gym or yoga studio, running errands or lounging around the house." – Ashlee, mother of two
"I love how comfortable these leggings are! The pockets are great for my phone or keys. I love the bright, beautiful colors. They look great and flatter my bump and butt." – Haley, expectant mother
Best maternity leggings with pockets
- Ultra-high, adjustable waist panel
- Offers light compression
- Also available without pockets
- Some don’t like where the seams are located
Looking for the best pair of maternity leggings with pockets? You can’t go wrong with this classic style from Kindred Bravely. The pair features a stretchy, over-the-bump panel that’s ultra-high (read: it will reach up to your bust!). Don’t need all that extra coverage? No problem—just fold the waist over for a more relaxed style. In fact, 5 percent of moms-to-be in The Bump community had experience with these maternity leggings and loved that they were super-soft but held their shape well, even as their bumps grew. Best of all, this style is complete with two side pockets that are deep enough to hold your cell phone, keys and other everyday essentials. We’re obsessed!
Sizing: S to 1X | Material: 87% polyester/13% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Color options: 2
“I liked that these leggings grew with my bump, while retaining their support and shape. Plus: pockets!” – Julie, mother of one
"These fit well and don’t shrink too much with washing. They're also stretchy and soft but keep their shape, and have options with and without pockets." – Rachel, expectant mother
Best affordable maternity leggings
- Comfortable, supportive fit, according to The Bump community
- Affordable price point
- May stretch over time, according to The Bump community
Since you’re only going to wear your maternity clothes for a finite amount of time, you may not want to blow your budget on basic pieces that cost a pretty penny. Luckily, Old Navy offers a wide variety of affordable active apparel for pregnancy—including these full-panel leggings. They’re made from a soft-washed jersey that’s ideal for light exercise or casual wear. Moreover, they feature a stretchy, high waistband to offer your growing bump support. Out of our survey respondents, a whopping 22 percent told us they opted for Old Navy maternity leggings throughout their pregnancies. When speaking of this particular style, they appreciated the comfortable, supportive fit and value above all. Pro tip: Old Navy regularly holds seasonal sales, so you may be able to score these cotton maternity leggings for even less!
Sizing: XS to XXL | Material: 96% cotton/4% spandex | Care instructions: N/A | Color options: 5
"I liked how these were comfortable, flattering, supportive for working out and good quality for price." – Lucy, mother of one
"I really love how they hold me in around the belly and will feel so nice postpartum as well. Hold up well in the wash and good stretch." – Amanda, expectant mother
Best maternity leather leggings
- Can be dressed up or down
- High-waisted stretch panel
- Belt loops
- Only one color option
Searching for a pair that looks more like pants that you can wear out and about? Look no further than these maternity leather leggings from Seraphine—our go-to brand when it comes to all categories of pregnancy clothing. They’re made from a blend of viscose, nylon and elastane, offering the luxe, timeless look of leather that’s vegan-friendly. Even though they’re super chic, they’re still made with plenty of stretch. The soft belly panel will grow with you and is complete with a high-waisted back to keep you covered. Plus, they even have belt loops so you can easily accessorize. Headed on a night out, to a special occasion or a board meeting? Simply throw on these and one of Seraphine’s fashion-forward maternity tops for a winning outfit that’s supportive and stylish.
Sizing: US 2 to US 16 | Material: 78% viscose/19% nylon/3% elastane (leggings); 92% viscose/8% elastane (waist panel) | Care instructions: Machine wash cold | Color options: 1
"Seraphine was one of my top go-to brands for maternity clothes. It offers the trifecta: Chic styles, high-quality materials and reasonable prices." – Ashlee, mother of two
Best pregnancy-to-postpartum leggings
- Stretchy, seamless, sweat-wicking fabric
- Versatile style for pregnancy and postpartum
- Inclusive sizing options and inseam lengths
- May pill
- Some suggest sizing up
- High price point
Okay, so this next pair isn’t technically made for pregnancy—but Lululemon’s Align pants are too good to leave off the list. These maternity leggings are some of the softest in the game, thanks to the brand’s weightless, signature Nulu fabric. The high-rise cut has enough stretch to cover and support your baby bump without feeling restrictive, and there’s even a hidden pocket in the waistband that fits a card or key. Even better, they can be worn throughout pregnancy, the postpartum period and beyond. “They are really high-quality and last a long time—I’m still wearing them a couple of years later—and they stretch with you in pregnancy to accommodate your bump,” says Natalie Gontcharova, senior lifecycle editor at The Bump and mother of one. Members of The Bump community who responded to our survey echoed this, highly praising the seamless, buttery soft feel and how the style grew with their bump. Out of our survey respondents, 6 percent said they opted for this brand while pregnant. All in all, these maternity leggings will not disappoint!
Sizing: 0 to 20 | Material: 81% nylon/19% lycra elastane | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Color options: 17
"The lululemon Align High-Rise are one versatile pair of leggings! They were great for motivating me to do yoga later in pregnancy, when I’d often rather lay on the couch." – Natalie, mother of one
"Buttery soft, super stretchy and comfortable. I was able to wear my regular size throughout my whole pregnancy and in postpartum." – Samantha, mother of one
Best maternity workout leggings
- Easy to wash and dry fast, according to The Bump community
- Made from sustainable materials
- Inclusive sizing options
- Material percentages may vary; check label for actual content
When it comes to choosing the best maternity workout leggings, there are a few extra factors to consider. You’ll want to look for a pair that’s soft, stretchy and adjustable (just like any other pregnancy leggings, as Welch recommends), while also being super durable and moisture-wicking to withstand sweaty workouts. “You’re carrying more fluid in your body overall, so when you move, your muscles don’t want to be too restricted but need to be able to swell a little with the exercise, which means choosing supportive leggings that aren’t too tight,” explains Welch.
Enter: The Nike One Women's High-Waisted Maternity Leggings. Each pair is made from zonal fabric designed to grow with you at every stage. The light, breathable material will keep you comfy from your bump to your ankles—and the waistband can be folded down whenever you want a relaxed, under-the-belly style. Our survey respondents were fans of this option because of the comfy, customizable fit and value. Better yet, you’ll also appreciate the comprehensive sizing options that Nike offers, which range from petite to plus-size and tall maternity leggings.
Sizing: XXS Short to 3XL Tall | Material: 78% polyester/22% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash | Color options: 2
"The fit was great as I was able to wear the one size for all of my pregnancy. I bought two pairs of leggings in different colors and two of the bike shorts. They were all staple items of my pregnancy." – Amanda, expectant mother
"The style is so cute!" – Alexis, mother of one
Best fleece-lined maternity leggings
- Thermal, fleece lining for added warmth
- Stretchy fit for pregnancy and postpartum
- Only one color option
A pair of cozy fleece-lined maternity leggings is a must-have for any winter pregnancy wardrobe—you never know when you’ll need to brave icy weather, after all. We’re fans of this option from Seraphine, which is thermal lined with a fleecy fabric to keep you toasty as you go about your day. The versatile fit has been thoughtfully designed to be pregnancy- and postpartum-friendly, thanks to its soft, stretchy waistband. Pair these maternity leggings with the matching thermal maternity and nursing top for a super warm outfit that you’ll never want to take off when the weather turns cold.
Sizing: XS to XL | Material: 95% viscose/5% elastane | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, dry flat | Color options: 1
"Everything I bought from Seraphine fit beautifully, felt comfortable and never showed any wear or tear, even after multiple pregnancies! You really can't go wrong." – Ashlee, mother of two
Best plus-size maternity leggings
- Holds its shape well, according to reviewers
- Super-stretchy yet supportive
- Only one color option
You may be familiar with Knix’s leakproof underwear, but did you know they also make pregnancy leggings? Now you do! These plus-size maternity leggings have been thoughtfully designed with your changing body in mind and feature a tummy panel that allows for extra space, so you can depend on them for every stage. The high-waisted, seamless style is made from a super-stretchy fabric that will move with you, whether you’re walking, exercising or just hanging out. Even better, each pair is complete with a wide waistband and a reinforced lower back for added support. What’s not to love?
Sizing: S to XXXL | Material: 90% polyamide/10% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, line dry | Color options: 1
Best maternity compression leggings
- Thick, gently compressive material
- Adjustable waistband
- Offers support while breastfeeding
- Some say the seams are uncomfortable
- Inseam length varies by size
If you’re looking for a pair with a bit more support, opt for maternity compression leggings. Check out this style from Belly Bandit, for instance—a brand that 5 percent of our survey respondents said they turned to for the best maternity leggings. Members of The Bump community were big fans of how thick the material was—praising each pair’s quality and durability. These maternity leggings offer gentle compression and are made with a built-in belly panel that’s ribbed for added support. They can be worn over or under your bump—but whichever style you choose, count on them to offer smooth coverage thanks to the easily adjustable waistband, a feature that Welch suggests looking for as you browse. Better yet, you can even wear these pregnancy leggings during the fourth trimester—just roll them up for high-waisted support as you breastfeed.
Sizing: S to XL | Material: N/A | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry | Color options: 3
“The thick material made them very comfortable!” – Eleanor, mother of one
"They offer good sizes and good support." – Ruby, expectant mother
Best cotton maternity leggings
- Adjustable waistband
- Versatile design
- Reasonably priced, according to The Bump community
- 28” inseam may not suit petite women
Cotton maternity leggings are a classic for a reason. They’re breathable, stretchy and soft, making them a versatile option to wear for light exercise, relaxing or working through your daily to-do list. If you’re after a pair that checks all of those boxes (and then some), you can’t go wrong with this option from Motherhood Maternity. In fact, 16 percent of our survey respondents told us they were fans of this brand’s maternity leggings. Members of The Bump community praised their quality and durability, ability to grow with a bump and how easy they were to care for. Other aspects you’ll appreciate include the full-length style and the adjustable belly panel that can be pulled up or rolled down, depending on your desired fit.
Sizing: XS to XL | Material: 87% cotton/13% spandex (legging fabric); 84% nylon/16% spandex (secret fit belly) | Care instructions: Machine wash | Color options: 2
"They wash well, fit nicely and they aren’t too hot or too thin." – Andrea, expectant mother
Best maternity flare leggings
- Stretchy, buttery soft fabric
- Hidden back waistband
- Flared style
- Some suggest sizing up
- High price point
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pair of maternity flare leggings, you can’t go wrong with Lululemon’s best-selling Groove Flared Pants. While they aren’t technically maternity wear, the supportive super-high-rise fit will effortlessly accommodate your growing bump. Whether you’re headed to a prenatal yoga class, headed to the grocery store or having a reset day at home, this pair will have your back. The best part? These high-quality maternity leggings will last you well into postpartum life as well. Members from The Bump community love how soft and stretchy Lululemon’s offerings are—and these flares are no exception. Choose from a rainbow of cool colors, from graphite grey and dark olive to espresso brown and classic black.
Sizing: 0 to 20 | Material: 81%nylon/19% lycra elastane | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Color options: 8
“I liked their ability to grow with my bump.” – Lucy, expectant mother
Best maternity capri leggings
- Oeko-Tex certified material
- Soft, moisture-wicking fabric
- Easy to care for, according to The Bump community
- Slightly shiny, according to The Bump community
- Only one color option
- High price point
Prefer cropped styles? Then these maternity capri leggings are a must-have. “I can wear these leggings anytime,” Anna, mother of one and a survey respondent told us, and we wholeheartedly agree! The versatile design is made from a luxe bamboo blend that’s moisture-wicking to keep you cool and comfy—but that’s not all. The material is also c-section friendly, so you can count on them not to rub while still offering a soft, sculpting fit. Speaking to their value, Anna told us she thought they were worth the price, commenting that “they’re quality maternity leggings that will last me another round of pregnancy.” Welch agrees, saying “HATCH features some nice pieces as well if you’re looking for higher-end maternity wear.”
Sizing: XS to XL | Material: 80% bamboo/20% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low | Color options: 1
"They are very soft and comfortable and they've held up through numerous washer cycles." – Anna, mother of one
Best petite maternity leggings
- Worth the price, according to The Bump community
- Inclusive sizing options
- Not totally opaque
- Non-compressive material
Storq is one of the best places to pick up maternity basics in every size—including petite options for your pregnancy wardrobe. Crafted from a silky soft spandex-jersey blend, they feature a stretchy panel to ensure a great fit as your bump grows. Wear the panel over or under the belly, and revel in the fact that Storq’s leggings have few exposed seams, which can help cut down on that annoying pregnancy itchiness. One possible downside is that this pair is not totally opaque on everyone, meaning you may want to wear them with layers for added coverage.
Sizing: P to 4X | Material: 92% modal/8% spandex | Care instructions: Hand or machine wash cold, lay flat to dry | Color options: 2
"Super soft, actually long enough, and still fit sans maternity belly." – Linda, mother of one
Best under-belly maternity leggings
- Also available in a cropped length
- Crossover under-bump waistband
- Affordable price point
- Thin material, according to some reviewers
Under-belly maternity leggings offer an alternative style for moms-to-be. With this convenient multipack, you’ll receive two pairs of pregnancy leggings made from an ultra-comfy cotton-spandex blend. The best part? They feature a genius crossover waistband that’s lower in the front. That way, they’ll sit comfortably under your bump while ensuring they don’t slip down in the back as you move throughout the day. 16 percent of our survey respondents were fans of Motherhood Maternity’s leggings during their pregnancies, citing their style, comfort and quality as reasons they loved the brand.
Sizing: S to XL | Material: 96% cotton/4% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash | Color options: 2
"I appreciated the quality after multiple wears and washes. They maintained shape and did not slide down." – Brittany, mother of one
"They were super comfortable and could be used throughout pregnancy." – Aubrey, mother of one
Feeling overwhelmed when you google “best maternity leggings”, or scroll through your favorite maternity brand’s activewear section? We hear you. Below, find expert-approved features you should keep an eye out for as you browse:
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Soft materials. First things first, Welch suggests looking for softness. “You’re going to want something that feels soothing and soft on your skin as you make your way through the trimesters, but that also looks and feels attractive,” she explains. Plus, Welch continues, dressing well to feel your best during pregnancy can boost your mental and emotional health—especially, if you’re finding it difficult to accept your changing body.
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Breathability. In addition to comfort, you’ll want fabrics that are breathable—especially if you’re planning to exercise in your maternity leggings. “In pregnancy, our blood glucose value is higher and also we may sweat more which results in a perfect combination for a yeast infection to occur,” explains Christine Greves, MD, FACOG, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando. “Therefore, it’s important to make sure that we try not to aggravate things further and wear properly fitted clothes that allow breathing,” she continues.
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Adjustable designs. If you’re on the hunt for a pair that will last you throughout all three trimesters (and possibly beyond!), opt for adjustable designs. “Look for something with a high waist that can be folded down in the beginning and then pulled up over your belly as you move into the second and third trimester,” Welch advises.
Is it safe to wear normal leggings rather than maternity leggings?
In short, yes, it is safe for expectant women to wear “normal” leggings—but, these styles probably won’t work as well for later stages of pregnancy. After the first trimester, “the uterus is outside of the pelvis,” explains Greves. As a result, this change in your body “could either make the waistband fall down or squeeze the abdomen too much making it uncomfortable” to wear non-maternity leggings, she explains.
While the answer to this question is largely subjective, we’ve compiled the following advice to help you find your perfect pair. As you shop, keep your lifestyle in mind. If you’re looking for options that can be incorporated into your work wardrobe, consider maternity jeggings or a classic black pair. Gym bunnies should keep an eye out for supportive workout leggings made from moisture-wicking fabric. Want a pair that does it all? No sweat—there are plenty of high-performance maternity leggings that are super-stylish to boot! No matter where you plan on wearing them, the best pregnancy leggings are made from breathable materials with plenty of stretch to accommodate your growing bump.
The bottom line? According to our research, the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Love the Bump Midi Maternity Leggings are the overall best maternity leggings for most expectant moms.
Before you invest in a pair of maternity leggings, think about your comfort needs and preferences. There are two main types of pregnancy leggings on the market:
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Under-the-bump maternity leggings: These maternity leggings are low-waisted and rest just under your baby bump. The style typically has a super stretchy waistband that offers moms-to-be gentle support. Under-the-belly maternity leggings are a good option earlier on in pregnancy when your belly isn’t big enough to fill out an over-the-bump style.
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Over-the-bump maternity leggings: This style has a built-in panel that’ll stretch to accommodate your growing belly. Over-the-bump maternity leggings are super-versatile, as the belly panel can be folded down during early pregnancy (and postpartum) or pulled up for maximum support in the final trimester.
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Maternity compression leggings. These styles offer added support—often in the belly and the back—for moms-to-be and new moms alike. Maternity compression leggings “may help reduce swelling, but if they’re not comfortable, don’t feel obligated to wear” them, says Greves.
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Non-maternity leggings: When shopping for pregnancy leggings, don’t feel limited to the maternity section! Thanks to their stretchy, soft, breathable nature, non-maternity leggings are also a great choice for expectant moms—especially if you’re looking for styles that are durable and versatile enough to last you beyond the third (and even fourth) trimester. However, just keep in mind that they may not be as bump-friendly as maternity-specific designs towards the end of your pregnancy.
Not sure where to start your search? Many athleisure brands now offer maternity-friendly styles. Here are our top four favorite places to buy the best pregnancy leggings:
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Beyond Yoga: Beyond Yoga offers a great range of pregnancy-friendly leggings, tops and shorts, all of which come in the brand’s signature Spacedye fabric is moisture-wicking and super-soft with four-way stretch and UV protection. What’s more, we love that Beyond Yoga also has a nursing-friendly collection for the fourth trimester and beyond.
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Seraphine: Whether you’re searching for comfy cotton maternity leggings, super-stretchy jeggings, workout apparel or even postpartum leggings, Seraphine has got you covered. No matter what style you choose, you can count on them to look chic while providing all-day comfort.
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Old Navy: On the hunt for budget-friendly maternity leggings? Old Navy has your back when it comes to everyday basics. The affordable retailer offers a wide selection of styles, including pairs with adjustable waists, fleece-lined maternity leggings, multi-packs and stretchy wide-leg designs. Plus, almost every option comes in a variety of colors and prints, so you can find pregnancy leggings that align with your individual style.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Emma has researched an array of topics, from top-rated prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. With over a three-year career in digital media, she aims to create engaging, helpful articles that inform new and seasoned parents.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Rachel Welch is a certified health and wellness coach and founder of Revolution Motherhood, a doctor-recommended fitness method that integrates yoga, pilates, barre and pelvic physical therapy.
Christine Greves, MD, FACOG, is an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando. She received her medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine.
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
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