Wearing Bra During Pregnancy: How to Choose the Right One?

Pregnancy is an important phase in a woman’s life. It necessitates a lot of changes in the lifestyle, some of which may make you very conscious and extra concerned about whatever you do. The changes you must bring about during pregnancy start with the food you consume, and go on to affect the way you sleeping and also the clothes you wear. Innerwear, often an article of clothing which one does not pay much attention to, also needs to be of a whole new type. Read on to learn what kind of bra is best suited for you when you are pregnant. Wearing the right bra during pregnancy will make all the difference.

Is It Safe to Wear Bra During Pregnancy?

It is completely safe to wear bras during pregnancy. However, you need to wear a different type of bra, which is more comfortable for this crucial time. Pregnancy bras or maternity bras are specially designed to provide comfort and support during pregnancy. Most mothers-to-be select nursing bras instead of maternity bras when they are shopping for maternity wear, as they can be used while breastfeeding the baby, too.

But should all mothers-to-be go for nursing bras? Not necessarily. You must go for comfort first. Read on to learn how to choose the right bra to wear during pregnancy.

What Is the Right Time to Buy a New Bra?

Here are the signs that it’s time to buy a new bra during pregnancy:

• Your breasts are spilling out over the bra’s cups.
• You notice marks on your skin from the bra’s band and straps after taking it off.
• The bra feels tight or constricting.
• You have difficulty breathing deeply, indicating that the bra may be too tight around your chest.
• You’re uncomfortable wearing bras with underwires.

Pregnancy affects every woman differently, so the timing and extent of breast growth vary. It’s a good time to consider buying good bras to wear during pregnancy once the initial period of rapid growth stabilizes.

Choosing the Right Bra to Wear During Pregnancy

Since the body is growing and changing constantly and rapidly during pregnancy, you may need a new bra sooner than you would think. But a common question is – What bra to wear when pregnant? You should keep measuring yourself as your pregnancy progresses. It is important to remember that your size may increase up to three cup sizes, and measuring frequently can help you buy one that fits well.

Mentioned below are a few important things to remember while choosing the right bras for pregnant ladies –

• Good Fitting: The bra you choose during pregnancy should fit well. It should neither be very tight nor very loose and should provide good support to your breasts. You should check for any marks on your skin after wearing the bra for a little while. Ideally, a bra that fits well will not leave unusual marks.
• Adjustable Straps: It should have straps which can be adjusted to ensure proper comfort and support to changing breast size.
• Hook in the Correct Position: The hook of the bra needs to be in the correct position. It should not be towards the upper back as it may be difficult to hook and unhook.
• Avoid Wired Bras: The bra should provide proper coverage since breasts are swollen and sensitive during pregnancy. They should not be hardwired or underwired. Wearing an underwired bra during this time does not cause any health problem for you or the baby, but the wire may hurt your already-sensitive breasts. Many women go on and opt for non-wired bras by the 2nd trimester.
• Right Fabric: You should make sure that the bra is made of a light breathable fabric (preferably cotton). Fabrics such as synthetics and lace should be completely avoided because they tend to cling on to the skin.
• Stretchable Bras: You should try to wear bras made from stretchable fabric which will be able to accommodate your growing breasts.
• Larger Cup Size: From the 2nd trimester, the pregnancy hormones make the breasts swell rapidly. At this time, you will need bras with larger cup sizes to give you both support and comfort.
• Wider Straps: During pregnancy, you should wear bras with wider straps as they are more stable and will ensure that the strap does not dig into your skin.
• Support Bras: Light bras are advisable during this phase as they provide support and keep the breasts firm.

So these are the best bras to wear during pregnancy. As per experts, it is not advisable to skip wearing a bra during pregnancy because the breasts will sag after the baby is delivered. Therefore, the bra chosen should be comfortable. If it is not, then it is probably not the right one.

You are probably thinking if it is just for support, why not wear regular bras? Let’s find out how maternity bras are different than regular bras.

How Maternity Bras Differ From Regular Bras?

Maternity bras are designed specifically for the unique needs of pregnant and nursing women. As the body changes during pregnancy, these bras offer features that provide extra comfort and flexibility. Here’s how maternity bras differ from regular bras:

1. Normal bras

Normal bras come in various styles and different comfort levels. A normal bra is designed for breasts that are comparatively less heavy and less sensitive. The fabrics used for normal bras tend to be more for fashion’s sake which might not be very comfortable. This is why a normal bra will not work very well during pregnancy.

2. Maternity Bras 

The design and fabric used to make maternity bras are chosen for superior support, extensive coverage, and added comfort for day-long usage, keeping in mind the bloated and sensitive nature of the breasts (1) .

During pregnancy, you will experience a swift increase in the growth of your breast, which stabilises by the 3^rd trimester. For some women, the breast size increases up to 3 cup sizes. Hence, it is recommended that you should start trying on your first maternity bra immediately after your normal bra starts to feel uneasy. Consider investing in a seamless bra for added comfort.

How to Measure Maternity and Nursing Bra Size?

Getting the right size for a maternity or nursing bra is essential for comfort and support during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While standard bra fitting principles still apply, some additional considerations ensure your bra adapts to your changing body. Here’s how to measure for a maternity or nursing bra:

1. Measure Your Band Size

To measure your band size, use a soft measuring tape and wrap it snugly around your ribcage, just below your breasts. Make sure it’s level around your back and across your chest. Note the measurement in inches and round to the nearest even number. This is your band size.

2. Measure Your Bust Size

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your breasts, typically across your nipples. Keep it straight and level without compressing your breasts. Note the measurement in inches.

3. Calculate Your Cup Size

To find your cup size, subtract your band size (from step 1) from your bust size (from step 2). The difference in inches determines your cup size:

• 1 inch = A cup
• 2 inches = B cup
• 3 inches = C cup
• 4 inches = D cup
• 5 inches = DD or E cup

  And so on

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For example:

• Band size: 38 inches
• Bust size: 41 inches

To get your cup size, subtract the band size from the bust size: 41 minus 38 equals 3 inches, indicating a C cup.

Thus, your bra size would be 38C.

4. Consider Flexibility and Adjustability

Since your body will change during pregnancy and nursing, choose bras with adjustable bands and straps. This allows for a better fit as your ribcage expands and your breasts grow. Look for bras with multiple hook-and-eye closures to increase or decrease the band size as needed.

Skipping the Bra at Night During Pregnancy

At times, women may not find wearing a bra comfortable during pregnancy. If skipping the bra has been on your mind, you should bear in mind that it is not recommended as your breasts may sag after delivery. However, you can skip wearing the bra during the night if you do not have a tendency to leak during pregnancy.

If you are keen on wearing one, you may find the tips given below useful.

Tips to Wear Bra During Pregnancy

Since the body undergoes huge changes (internally as well as externally) during this phase, you might not be able to keep up with the changes all the time. The right kind of bra will make you feel comfortable and ensure that it does not obstruct the changes happening in the body. Pregnant women may also experience breathlessness, and a tight bra can add to the discomfort. Hence, comfort and support should be given utmost importance while choosing the bra during pregnancy. Here are a few tips to remember:

• Avoid Wearing Bras At Home: While at home, you can try going without a bra, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy. This will make you feel more comfortable.
• Bra Extenders: Pregnancy might cause you to gain weight around the midriff. Hence, you should use bra extenders to extend the length of the bra. This ensures that the midriff area is not compressed.
• Maternity Bras: Once you reach the last trimester, you can start shopping for maternity bras. The maternity bra should fit well, so you should have the measurement done accurately with a measurement tape before buying one. A good maternity bra will have extra fabric layers for extra comfort and support. The top of the bra will be stretchy to accommodate the fluctuations in the size of the breast.
• Band Size: You need to measure the band size with the help of a measuring tape measure around your body to be able to purchase bras that have a well-fitting band.
• Cup size: For the cup size, measure the bust around the fullest part of the bust.
• The Signs of a Well-Fitted Bra: A well-fitted bra will provide complete coverage of the breasts with nothing bulging or spilling out. Do ask the salesperson to measure you before you decide on a size. Also, ask for a trial before buying.

FAQs

1. Can wearing a bra during pregnancy cause harm to my baby?

Wearing a bra during pregnancy does not harm your baby. The primary purpose of a bra is to support your breasts as they grow and change. However, it’s essential to ensure your bra is comfortable and not too tight, as this can cause discomfort and affect blood circulation. Choose bras that fit well and allow for flexibility as your body changes.

2. Should I avoid wearing underwire bras during pregnancy?

While many pregnant women prefer bras without underwires due to increased comfort, underwire bras are not inherently unsafe during pregnancy. If you opt for an underwire bra, ensure it fits properly without pressing against sensitive breast tissue. Some maternity bras come with flexible underwires designed to accommodate changes in breast size and shape.

3. How many new bras do I need during pregnancy?

When it comes to buying bras during pregnancy, the number of new bras you need during pregnancy depends on your comfort and how much your body changes. Bras for first trimester will possibly differ from those of the other two trimesters too. As a general guideline, having at least 3-4 maternity bras can be helpful—one to wear, one or two to rotate, and a spare for emergencies. Consider both everyday bras and specialized nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed.

4. Can I sleep in a bra while pregnant?

Sleeping in a bra during pregnancy is a personal choice. Some women find it more comfortable to wear a soft, supportive bra to bed, especially if they experience tenderness or discomfort from their changing breasts. If you choose to sleep in a bra, select a seamless, wireless style to avoid pressure points and promote better sleep quality.

This was all about bras for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when surging hormones and physical changes make everyday tasks challenging for the mother-to-be. Choosing the right pregnancy bra goes a long way in ensuring comfort at this time.

References/Resources:

1. Pregnancy Discomforts; Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pregnancy-pains

2. Caring for Yourself During Pregnancy & Beyond; UCSF Medical Center; https://obgyn.ucsf.edu/sites/obgyn.ucsf.edu/files/UCSF_PregGuidebook_June2017.pdf

3. Choosing a maternity bra; Australian Breastfeeding Association; https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/choosing-maternity-bra

4. Maternity bras and nursing bras: what you need to know; NCT; https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/worries-and-discomforts/common-discomforts/maternity-bras-and-nursing-bras-what-you-need-know

5. Alex. A, Bhandary. E, McGuire. K; Anatomy and Physiology of the Breast during Pregnancy and Lactation (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology); National Library of Medicine; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32816256/

6. Normal Breast Development and Changes; Johns Hopkins Medicine; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/normal-breast-development-and-changes

7. Breast Changes During Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/changes-in-your-body/breast-changes-during-pregnancy/

Also Read:

Must Have Maternity Outfits
What Clothes to Wear during Pregnancy
How to Choose Maternity Undergarments?
Things to Consider while Buying Maternity Clothes