Being pregnant is such a beautiful time, with you experiencing a lot of changes, physically and mentally! While wonderful, you’ll need to make some changes to stay comfortable, such as your bras. During pregnancy, breasts will become bigger and more sensitive, and your old bra won’t do much good.

That’s where a proper maternity bra comes along, with many types to choose from depending on your needs. But how can you choose the right bra you want and need to stay comfortable and supported? Read on as I show you different tips to choose a suitable bra for you!

mom child baby

How to Choose the Right Bra During Pregnancy 

Breast enlargement is a common symptom during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations, weight gain, milk production, and expanding rib cage can cause it. You’ll know it’s time to purchase a new bra if your breasts spill over the bra cups, there are indentations when removing the bra, or if it feels tight and uncomfortable. 

To select the right bra, make sure that you look into these factors:

  1. Type of Bra

There are different kinds of bras you can wear during pregnancy, such as:

  • Regular bras are made for breasts that aren’t too heavy or sensitive, having a single layer of fabric, inferior underwires, and various designs. It’s best to avoid these bras when you have heavier and tender breasts.
  • Maternity bras are specifically designed to support growing breasts, made with soft cotton lining, wider straps, bands with more hooks and eyes, as well as more layers of fabric.
  • Nursing bras are made with heavier busts and reinforced lower cups with supportive straps, wider and double-layered backs and bands, as well as better cup coverage. These are best for women who leak milk during pregnancy, or post-pregnancy.
  • Sleep bras give you gentle support as you sleep and feel as if you weren’t wearing one. It’s made for women who have tender breasts that hurt when pressed against their beds.
  • Maternity sports bras are available for pregnant women who workout or practice yoga, offering extra support and preventing friction as you move. 
  1. Size 

Here are ways to measure your breasts correctly to get the right bra size:

  1. Measure your band size by wearing a comfortable bra and having a straight yet relaxed position. Wrap measuring tape around your chest where your bra band sits, counting to the next even number.
  2. Measure your bust size by wrapping your measuring tape around your breast, at its tips, rounding up to the nearest number.
  3. Now, calculate the cup size according to your chosen bra brand and country size standards. There are helpful charts you can refer to online to find out your official cup size.
  4. Signs of Well-Fitting Bras 

When you’re trying your bra on, here are the signs to know you chose correctly:

  • Your breasts are inside its cups completely
  • There aren’t wrinkles or bumps in its cups
  • The bra’s middle section is flat
  • The ribband of your bra is below your shoulder blades
  • If you use underwire bras, it doesn’t touch the breast tissue and lies flatly on your chest

Tips to Wear Your Bra 

Now that you know how to choose the right bra, here are some tips to follow for better comfort and support around your chest:

  • I recommend that you skip wearing bras at night, especially when you’re sleeping, but you can wear your best sleeping bra. However, if you do leak during pregnancy, you may need a night bra. For women who don’t, you won’t need to spend on night bras made for pregnancy. 
  • Avoid wearing bras while at home, especially when you’re on your last trimester. This keeps you more comfortable.
  • You might gain weight on your midriff area, so if your bra begins to feel tight, then use bra extenders, which ensures that your midriff isn’t in too much pressure. 
  • It’s best to avoid wearing underwire bras, as they may alter your blood flow, affecting milk production. 

Wrapping It Up

As you progress in your pregnancy, you’ll need to adjust to the physical changes, with the right clothing to help you out. Whether you need sports bras for maternity or for casual use, you can find the right one as long as you learn about the different factors to consider! Next up, it’s time to learn about what else you need to invest in to stay healthy and happy throughout the nine months.

I hope my article on how to choose the perfect bra for pregnancy helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and start looking for a supportive bra for you today.

Do you have any questions or want to share your tips on choosing the right maternity bra? Then share your comments below, all your thoughts are much appreciated.