Comfortable pregnancy bras: how to find the right size
As your baby grows, your body goes through many changes. Not only does your stomach grow, but your breasts change too. Often, tender and enlarged breasts are one of the first signs of pregnancy. Therefore, a comfortable and stretchy pregnancy bra, also known as a maternity bra, that provides enough support is essential for your pregnancy and breastfeeding needs. We will explain what characteristics a nursing bra should have, how to find the right size and answer important questions about maternity and nursing bras.
Bras during pregnancy: why is a good maternity bra so important?
During pregnancy your bra size can go up by a few sizes and your ribcage will expand as well. Your breasts will also get heavier. You will need the support of a good bra during your pregnancy to prevent or reduce neck and back pain. This is also the case even if you didn’t wear a bra before your pregnancy or only wore light bustiers. By wearing a maternity bra, you also protect your sensitive tissue and skin around the bust from unnecessary strain.
The right bra for pregnancy and nursing: what to look out for when buying a maternity or nursing bra
Maternity and nursing bras are made of particularly soft and stretchy materials to offer you maximum comfort. The addition of elastane ensures that the material is stretchy and can grow with you. When you buy your first maternity or nursing bra, you should look out for the following things:
Nursing bras should be made from skin-friendly and breathable materials (e.g., cotton)
Choose a bra with wide straps and a wide bra band. These give you reliable support and don’t dig into your skin.
Bras for pregnancy should have an adjustable size and have extra hooks for flexibility.
If you have tender breasts or plugged ducts, then go for a wireless style.
The ideal nursing bra has no seams that pinch or rub. This is particularly important if you want to sleep in your bra.
You must be able to open your nursing bra with one hand.
There should be enough space for nursing pads in your bra cups.
When is the right time to get a nursing bra?
As soon as you no longer feel comfortable in your regular bra, it is time to invest in a bra specially for your pregnancy. When exactly is this? This is different for every woman. Some women can wear their regular bras during the first weeks of their pregnancy without any problems or they simply swap their regular bra for a wireless one. On the other hand, for some women their breasts grow considerably early on, becoming tender and heavy, which means they need a pregnancy bra sooner.
By the end of the second trimester most women switch to a maternity bra made of soft and stretchy material. At this point, breast growth has more or less stabilised. The next new bra size is really only needed in the last few weeks of pregnancy or just after giving birth, as your breasts change again when milk production starts if you breastfeed your baby.
For this reason, we recommend having two different sets of maternity bras:
Maternity bras for the first and second trimester
Maternity bras for the last few weeks of pregnancy (from about the 36th week) and during lactation
Maternity bras and nursing bras: how to find the right size
To find the right size maternity or nursing bra, it is a good idea to take your current measurements and then take a look at a size chart. Some maternity bras are not labelled in bra sizes, but in normal dress sizes. In this case, you can use your T-shirt size to help you find the right size.
There are also some general pregnancy bra size rules that you can follow as a guide:
A maternity bra that you wear during pregnancy is usually one cup and a circumference size larger than your regular bra. If you normally wear a size 75 B, then you can try a size 80 C.
A maternity bra should fit comfortably in the smallest position. This allows it to grow along with you.
A nursing bra, on the other hand, should fit in the widest position. This allows you to adjust the setting to a smaller size once you have lost some weight after giving birth. There should also be enough space for nursing pads.
During the nursing period it can be helpful to try a sister size. This takes into account that your underbust measurement may decrease again, while your cup size remains larger than before pregnancy. If you wore a size 80 C during pregnancy, a 75 D could be the right size now.
In case the cup size still fits well but the bra band is too tight, a fastening extension can help.
FAQs: the right bra for your pregnancy and nursing needs
How do nursing bras work? Should I also wear a pregnancy bra at night? We will answer some of the most important questions about maternity and nursing bras below:
What is the difference between a maternity bra and a nursing bra?
Both types of bra are made of soft, stretchy materials which adapt optimally to the body of the mum-to-be. However, as the name suggests, a nursing bra also has a nursing function. The cups can be folded down discreetly for nursing. This is why a lot of women choose to wear a practical and comfortable nursing bra while they are pregnant.
Can I wear a regular bra during pregnancy?
If your bust does not grow too much during the first weeks of pregnancy, you can keep on wearing your regular bras for the time being. A wireless bra or a soft-cup style may be all you need. If and when you will need a maternity bra varies from woman to woman.
How do nursing bras work?
The cups on a nursing bra are usually attached to the bra straps with a small clip that can easily be opened with one hand when you are holding your baby in your other arm. You can then easily fold down the cup to nurse your baby at any time.
What is a nursing pad?
Nursing pads are pads for your bra that are made from an absorbent, breathable and skin-friendly material that can catch any leaking breast milk. Your skin stays dry and you can avoid getting moist patches on your clothes at the same time. They often come with adhesive strips that stop them from slipping out of place. This is especially useful at night. Nursing pads should be changed regularly, for example, after breastfeeding and if they feel wet.
You can get disposable or washable and reusable nursing pads.
Should I wear my nursing bra at night?
In some cases, it may be a good idea to wear your nursing bra at night, as it will gently support your sensitive breasts. In addition, in the first few weeks and months after giving birth your breasts may leak at night, which can be helped with nursing pads. Nursing bras that you would like to wear at night shouldn’t have any irritating seams or fasteners that can dig into your skin.
For some women however, it can be uncomfortable to sleep in a nursing bra, instead you could wear a soft nursing bustier or nursing top. It is always a good idea to listen to what your body is telling you.
What types of maternity bras and nursing bras are there?
There is a wide range of maternity bra styles and cuts to choose from.
Soft, unpadded maternity and nursing bras are perfect for everyday use.
Padded maternity bras gently sculpt the décolleté without feeling too tight.
Underwire nursing bras can offer extra support.
Wireless nursing bras are particularly comfortable and are a good choice for painful breasts or plugged ducts.
You can also choose between a sporty design or elegant styles with lace appliqué to suit your personal taste.
There are also suitable maternity and nursing bra styles for sporting activities. Wireless sports bras or nursing sports bras are the ideal companion for exercise during your pregnancy, postnatal classes and exercises with your baby.
Conclusion: finding the perfect bras for your pregnancy and your nursing needs
Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting time that brings a lot of changes. Maternity wear provides you with the comfort you need during this time and the perfect pregnancy and nursing bra can also help you feel comfortable. Therefore, look for a maternity bra made from soft, stretchy material with wide straps, plenty of support and no irritating seams or underwire.
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:
Cover photo: iStock.com/NataliaDeriabina
1. Image in text: iStock.com/mdphoto16
2. Image in text: C&A
3. Image in text: iStock.com/boggy22
4. Image in text: C&A
