Congratulations mama, you’re pregnant. Now with a bun in the oven, your body is going through a tremendous amount of change. Along with your rapidly expanding waistline, your breasts are also changing in shape and size. While most women consider this a happy problem, finding the right bra while pregnant can prove to be a true challenge.
Read here for more information on:
- Can you wear a normal bra while pregnant?
- Bra for pregnant women
- Benefits of not wearing a bra during pregnancy
Can you wear a normal bra while pregnant?
Why is finding the right bra while pregnant such a challenge? Firstly, as your pregnancy progresses, your bra cup size will change, more than once. Towards the final trimester and even after giving birth, your breasts are likely to be larger than they’ve ever been.
So what’s the problem? Isn’t it as simple as buying a bigger-sized bra? While that is an option, most gynecologists, midwives, and lactation consultants don’t suggest you do so.
And that’s because your breasts will get larger and constantly engorged soon after giving birth. But after some time, when your baby’s feeding schedule regulates, and you start establishing a mature milk supply, the size of your breasts will stabilize.
If your bra is too tight, it's a good idea to get properly measured for a bra when you're pregnant rather than continuing to suffer in your old bras for as long as possible. Depending on how much growth you've noticed, you might want to do this in the first trimester.
Wide-strapped bras support your bust and distribute their weight across your shoulders. It's tempting to tighten straps to lift your developing breasts, but they're obviously too tight if they're leaving imprints on your shoulders.
You won't have to give up your underwired bras while pregnant if the wire doesn't peek through and the bra still fits. Some women choose non-wired bras because they are more comfortable.
Nursing bras are the perfect solution for they save you the headache of finding the right bra while pregnant. Nursing bras are easily adjustable and can suit your changing bra size throughout your pregnancy and nursing journey.
Buying bras during pregnancy: Nursing Bras Vs Regular Bras
You’d be surprised to know that many women, moms included, don’t really know what’s the deal with buying bras during pregnancy - especially nursing bras. Many of them are also under the misconception that nursing bras are hideous and unfashionable.
That might have been the case in the past but nursing bras of today are just as sexy, feminine, and appealing as regular bras albeit designed with comfort and accessibility as the top priority.
Here are the main differences between bras for pregnant women: nursing bras vs regular bras:
- Nursing bras have more hooks to alter the band size
- There are more hooks (top and bottom) for additional support
- Bands are wider to support and lift your breasts that are full and heavy with milk
- Most nursing bras are made out of cotton as they dry quickly and ensure your nipples are dry for nursing
Apart from these, nursing bras also come with clasps for easy access to the breasts. One of the most sought-after designs has clasps at the top of the fabric.
This enables you to fold the fabric down toward your armpit. Other designs allow you to move the fabric around the breast and pop it forward.
Underwire bras are not recommended during nursing for tight-fitting underwire bras can push into the breast tissue and this may cause clogged milk ducts.
If you must get an underwire bra, get a good quality nursing one.
How to find the right fit?
One of the hardest parts of finding the right bra during pregnancy is getting the right fit. In fact, 80% of women are wearing the wrong size!
Finding the right size is not just about looking good, there’s an important reason for it. If the bra size is too small, it will lay on top of the breast tissue and strain it. This can lead to plugged ducts.
Here’s how you get the band measurements:
- Put on a non-padded bra that fits you well
- Wrap the measuring tape around your rib cage, right under the bustline
- This will determine your band size, eg: 36 inches
- If you are in-between sizes, either round the measurement up or down, depending on whether you want a snug or more relaxed fit
For the cup measurement, get the measuring tape around the fullest part of your breast. Make sure you don’t measure too loose or too tight.
To save yourself the trouble, simply head to any lingerie store and ask the staff to assist you. Most often, they will be able to provide you with accurate measurements.
It’s best not to order it online until you are sure of the size. If you do order online, get it from a website that offers full money back guarantee or return policies.
READ MORE:
Spider veins on breasts: Why they are more prominent during pregnancy
Pregnancy brain fog: What causes it and how to cope with it?
Important to know during pregnancy: Can perfume cause miscarriage?
The correct way to put on a nursing bra for a pregnant woman
Now that you’re done finding the right bra during pregnancy, it’s time to put it on and feel fantastic! Yes, you read that right. You need to know how to put it in the right way.
Bend over slightly and lift your breasts into the cups. As you stand, glide your breasts into the cups, one at a time. Here's a visual guide:
Things to consider in buying bras during pregnancy
1. Style
Bulky nursing and maternity bras aren't necessary. Looking for trendy maternity lingerie that is both stylish and comfy is worthwhile.
With all of the changes and discomforts of painful, itchy veiny boobs, larger, darker areola, and leaky nipples, you may want to treat yourself to a stylish bra. To make you feel even more special, many stores sell matching maternity clothes.
2. Material
Because some women sweat more than others beneath or between their breasts, breathable bra fabrics are an excellent choice. Natural fiber materials, such as cotton and silk, are more breathable and keep you cooler than synthetic fabrics, such as polyester.
Washing your nursing bra
You’ve gone through all the trouble of finding the right bra while pregnant. Do make sure that you take good care of it so that you don’t have to keep buying new ones. Mind you, good nursing bras don’t come cheap!
You want to ensure that you maintain the elasticity of the bra. The best way to do this is to handwash your nursing bra and leave it to dry. Do not put it in the washing machine or dryer.
There you go moms, a quick and easy guide to finding the right bra while pregnant. You really don’t want to ignore this. Caring for your breasts is important and also helps to reduce the likeliness of them sagging.
Benefits of not wearing a bra during pregnancy
Every woman is different, and her pregnancy will have its own set of changes. Bras that provide support can assist to prevent stretch marks. However, they can be inconvenient and restrictive. It is ultimately up to you whether or not to wear a bra while pregnant.
While it is not compulsory by law to wear a bra while pregnant, many women find it more comfortable. Maternity bras are elastic and comfortable, providing much-needed breast support for expectant women.
In the long run, this will improve your comfort by preventing shoulder and back problems. In the long run, wearing a bra while pregnant reduces the tension on your breast ligaments, preventing premature breast drooping.
It's also important to think about whether you should sleep in a bra when pregnant. If you have large breasts or wake up with hurting muscles, consider wearing a sleep bra to bed.
Wearing bras while pregnant is extremely safe. Because their breasts may get larger and more sensitive during pregnancy, many women discover that they need to wear a bra more than ever before.
Bras do not cause issues for the vast majority of pregnant women, but they do cause pain for a few. If this is the case, make sure you're using a bra that's designed to accommodate breast changes during pregnancy and fits comfortably.
Pregnancy bras, often known as maternity bras, are specially made for pregnant women to give comfort and support. Most expectant mothers choose nursing bras over maternity bras while shopping for pregnancy clothing because they can be worn while breastfeeding the baby.
Bra for pregnant women when sleeping
Sleeping without a bra is very common among pregnant women. Without the added inconvenience of wearing a bra, we have enough difficulties sleeping. If you have large or pendulous breasts, or if you've always worn a bra to bed, it's absolutely fine to do so throughout pregnancy.
Braless during pregnancy
Going braless during pregnancy has two benefits: increased comfort and less breast pain. Going braless also allows your breasts to adjust size naturally as your body changes throughout pregnancy.
It is not necessary to wear a bra throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Late in pregnancy, when your breasts are at their fullest, wearing a bra maintains your posture, prevents back and shoulder discomfort, and keeps your breasts from sagging later.
Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore
Updates by Margaux Dolores