Women undergo many changes during pregnancy, both physically and emotionally. One of the most noticeable changes during this time is an increase in breast size. Thanks to the growth and development of milk-producing cells. A pregnant woman’s breast size is likely to increase by one to three cups sizes during pregnancy. Increasing pregnancy hormones, weight gain, and expanding rib cage also have something to do with this. Therefore, finding the right bras to wear during pregnancy is a challenge. However, it is important to wear a bra that fits properly and supports the changing breasts.
It is not only the breasts that grow larger during pregnancy, but they also become more sensitive. That is why expecting mothers need the best bra during pregnancy. If you consider that around eight out of 10 women wear the wrong bra whether pregnant or not, you can see the issue clearly. Wondering how to size up a bra during pregnancy? You are on the right page.
What Kind Of Bra Should I Wear During Pregnancy?
Though there are a few hacks to dress during pregnancy without maternity clothes but one must ensure that you are wearing a comfortable bra during pregnancy. Each woman’s body changes differently as she goes through her pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential that you wear bras and tank tops that will adapt to your changing body shape and provide a comfortable fit.
A nursing bra or maternity bra during pregnancy offers an excellent option for pregnant women who are trying to find a bra that fits their growing breasts well. Wider shoulder straps are a sign of a good maternity bra. Furthermore, it should have adjustable back fastenings and support panels to accommodate changes in the bust. A nursing bra, thus, can be easily adjusted to fit your changing bra size as you navigate your way through pregnancy and nursing.
Wear a bra that lifts and supports the growing breasts. Do not wear wired bras during pregnancy. Wearing bras that dig into your shoulders during pregnancy is also discouraged. It indicates that the cup size is too small for your breasts. Bras with back bands that keep riding up should never be worn. When the straps of the bra fall over the shoulder, it indicates an improper fit, and therefore, is not recommended to wear during pregnancy.
Related Reading: 21 Breastfeeding Tips For First Time Mothers
Tips To Choose The Right Bra During Pregnancy
With all the discomfort and pain that comes with pregnancy, having an ill-fitting bra is the last thing you need. This can be avoided by wearing a bra that has the right fit, supports your breasts adequately, and, above all, is not too tight or too loose. It gives shape to your breasts. Therefore, only a bra with the right fit gives the right shape to your breasts. Wearing the right bra not only makes you feel comfortable, but also confident. Even when you are at home or at work, you should not feel self-conscious about your wrongly shaped breasts.
Here are a few tips to choose the right bra during pregnancy.
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- Avoid Wired Bras: Since your breasts will be swollen and more sensitive during pregnancy, a corded bra is not recommended. Underwired or hardwired bras are not recommended during pregnancy. You or the baby will not be harmed by wearing an underwired bra during this time, but the wires may aggravate your already-sensitive breasts. By the second trimester, plenty of women switch to wire-free bras. They don’t want the wire poking into the breasts or resting on top of them
- Choose a bra with a larger cup size: Pregnancy hormones cause breasts to swell rapidly after the second trimester. To provide you with both comfort and support, you need bras with larger cup sizes. When the breasts bulge out of the side of the bra or when the top of the cup digs into the breasts, choose a larger cup size. However, be careful not to select a cup size that is too big as it can cause folds in the cup, which is also uncomfortable
- Make sure it nicely fits you: When pregnant, you should wear a bra that fits well. A good bra must provide good support for your breasts and shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. After wearing the bra for a little while, check your skin for any marks. Marks indicate a poorly fitting bra. Good fitting bras shouldn’t leave any marks on the skin
- Buy bras with wide straps: Bras with wide straps can provide support for the breasts, relieve shoulder pain, and prevent strap slipping. It is recommended to wear bras with wide straps while pregnant, as they are more stable and will prevent the strap from digging into your skin
- Invest in bras with a full cup and adjustable straps: A full cup offers maximum coverage to the breasts.At the same time, adjustable straps ensure proper comfort and support for changing breast size. Furthermore, adjustable straps stay in place even when you stretch your arms or upper body
- Position of the bra hook: The bra hook must be positioned correctly. Hooking and unhooking may be difficult if it is on the upper back
- Making sure that your bra is made of the right fabric: The bra should be made of a breathable, light fabric (such as cotton). Because synthetics and lace tend to cling to the skin, bras with these fabrics should be avoided entirely during pregnancy
- Stretchable Bras: Choose a bra made from stretchable fabric that can accommodate your growing breasts. You should wear a light bra during this phase since they provide support and keep the breasts firm
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Must-Have Bras In Your Wardrobe During Pregnancy
The majority of pregnant women prefer bras that offer more coverage and comfort. The following types of bras are essentials for a pregnant woman’s wardrobe
Pregnancy bra
There needs to be a pregnancy bra that can also be worn as an everyday bra. If you are pregnant, make sure that your wardrobe contains some best pregnancy bras that don’t have underwires. Ideally, it should be made from a soft fabric that feels good against delicate breasts. Furthermore, it should be stretchy yet supportive. Ensure that you always adjust the bra to the loosest setting so that it can be tightened as it stretches.
Sleep Bra
Pregnant women can have problems sleeping when their tender breasts press against the bed. Choosing the right maternity sleep bra will give you gentle support while you sleep, almost like it is not there. In order to maximise breast comfort, sleep bras are designed without hooks or clips. When lying down at night, your breasts fall towards your armpits. Sleep bras are designed to support breast movements while sleeping.
Sports Bra
A maternity sports bra is an excellent choice if you plan to exercise, hit the gym, or do yoga while you are pregnant. A maternity sports bra provides adequate support without causing friction when you move. A maternity sports bra during pregnancy also provides extra back support.
The Dual-Use Maternity and Nursing Bra
As you reach the end of your pregnancy, you may notice your cleavage is getting bigger and bigger. That is because your breasts are getting ready to produce milk. It is therefore advisable to invest in a dual-use maternity and nursing bra during this time. While nursing bras are very similar to maternity bras, they are equipped with special straps and drop clips so that they stay in place while nursing.
Related Reading: Sore And Cracked Nipples- 15 Indian Home Remedies
Conclusion
Knowing what characteristics to look for when buying a good-fitting bra will help you make the right decision. Pregnancy has different physiological effects for different women. While some women may notice their breasts grow throughout pregnancy, others may see it in the first trimester and last trimester. Pregnant women typically begin to experience changes in breast size around the third month of pregnancy or about 12 weeks after conception. Therefore, it would be wise to start investing in maternity bras after this point.
FAQS
Pregnant women are advised not to skip wearing a bra. Sagging breasts after childbirth is more likely to occur if you don’t wear a bra during pregnancy.
In the event that you do not have leaky breasts during pregnancy, however, you can skip wearing the bra at night.
Normal bras are designed to fit ordinary breasts, which are less heavy and less sensitive than pregnancy breasts. Normal bras are normally made of fabrics that are mostly used for fashion’s sake, opposed to being very comfortable.
Due to the extra sensitivity of pregnancy breasts, a normal bra won’t work very well. This is why a normal bra cannot be worn during pregnancy.
Ideally, the breasts should be completely contained in the cups of a bra when it fits properly. There should be no wrinkles or bumps in the cup. Also, breast tissue won’t spill from the top, sides, and bottom of the cups. The middle part of the bra, between the breasts, should be flat.
In the event there is an underwire, it should not touch your breast tissue, and it should lie flat on the chest. A ribband of the bra will be positioned below the shoulder blades.
Wearing underwire bras when pregnant is not advisable. In pregnancy, wearing underwire bras poses a risk of disrupting blood flow that could negatively affect milk production.
The wired bra also increases the risk of clogged ducts or mastitis. It is advisable to avoid underwire bras while pregnant, even though there is no scientific support for it.
The midriff might increase in size during pregnancy. If you need to use your old bra during pregnancy’s first few days, then a bra extender can be of great help to you. As the rib cage expands over the third trimester, you might either want to wear a back extender with your bra or go for a new bra.
In any case, you need to make sure the midriff isn’t compressed. It is an inconvenience for moms-to-be to purchase pregnancy bras and then outgrow them so quickly.
When compared to buying new bras, using bra extenders is more economical.
It is not uncommon for women to leak colostrum, the first milk of pregnancy, as early as 28 weeks of pregnancy. If this is the case, as the pregnancy progresses, there might be more leaks.
During pregnancy, if you have leaky breasts, nursing pads may be necessary. They can be tucked into your bra to provide protection.