During pregnancy, your breasts go through a lot of changes. “Many people have a noticeable increase in size of their breasts during pregnancy, not just in cup size but even expansion of the chest, and an increased band size as well,” says Joyce Gottesfeld, MD, an OB/GYN with Kaiser Permanente in Colorado.
That can make your usual bras not fit as well as they used to. Since tight bras can put too much pressure on your breasts, making them sore or even plugging ducts, you’ll probably want to get a few maternity bras.
Maternity Bras vs. Nursing Bras
A maternity bra isn’t the same as a nursing bra. Let’s break down the difference.
Maternity bras are for you to wear when you’re expecting. They simply offer more support for your growing and changing breasts. For instance, they might have extra clasps in the back to fit your torso more snugly. Maternity bra straps are usually more padded for comfort. And the cups may be more flexible than what you’re used to. That helps them better adjust to your breast changes in the months ahead.
Nursing bras, or what are sometimes called breastfeeding bras, offer all the comfort of maternity bras but also have removable, or drop-down, flaps. This lets you easily nurse your baby without pulling down your strap or taking off your entire bra. If you’re planning to nurse, you might start shopping for a nursing bra near the end of your pregnancy. That gives you time to start wearing it to get used to how it works.
There’s a lot more to say about nursing bras, but here’s what else you should know about maternity bras.
What Are the Best Bras for Pregnancy?
So, where do you find a maternity bra? Mainstream retail stores may have a few, but shopping at a maternity store is likely your best bet. Not only do these speciality stores have more styles to choose from, but also the people who work there are usually trained to help you find the perfect fit.
If you can, buy more than one maternity bra. That way, you’ll always have one clean and ready to go bra. Generally speaking, you want to wash a bra after you wear it two to three times — more often if you get really sweaty.
Supportive bras for pregnancy
When you’re getting fitted for the perfect size maternity bra, look for:
Room to grow. Ideally, you’ll be able to hook your bra on the tightest setting when you first get it. That way, you’ll have room to grow over the next few months.
Good support. This may help lower your chances of getting stretch marks.
A comfortable fit. The straps should lay flat against your skin, without any gap. The cups in front should look smooth. Your breasts should fit comfortably inside them, without spilling over the sides.
When a maternity bra fits well, you can actually lower the pressure on your neck and back. You could even see an improvement in your posture.
If you’re trying to be mindful of costs, look for maternity bras that can be used as nursing bras later.
Are wire-free bras better during pregnancy?
Some experts warn against wearing a wired bra in your early months of pregnancy. That’s because these rigid bras could rub against your growing milk ducts, clogging them or making mastitis (inflammation or infection in your breast) more likely.
If you really prefer a more structured bra, look for one made with softer, more flexible wire. Make sure it fits properly. The wire in each cup should sit flat against your skin. You shouldn’t see any gaps or red marks from where it’s digging into your skin or feel any pinching.
Breathable fabrics for maternity bras to prevent irritation
Synthetic (man-made) fabrics such as polyester or nylon are more likely to trap heat next to your skin. This can make you itch and sweat and irritate your breasts. Instead, choose a maternity bra made with a natural material such as cotton or silk. They’ll let more air reach your skin.
Best maternity bras for larger breasts
Look for good cup support, not just bigger, thicker straps. Your straps are an important part of your maternity and nursing bras, but don’t rely on them to hold up your breasts on their own.
Best maternity bras for the first trimester of pregnancy
Your breasts can start to change as early as six weeks into your pregnancy. Your rib cage will also start to expand to make room for your baby. As soon as your current bra starts to feel tight, it’s time to look for a more comfortable maternity bra. Get measured to ensure that your new bra fits well — and keep in mind that you might need to get remeasured in a few months.
How Does a Bra for Pregnancy Help?
A well-fitting maternity bra:
- Supports your breasts
- Takes extra pressure off your back and neck
- Can help align your skeletal system
- Protects your skin and nipples from getting irritated
It could also help you feel better about your changing body. Maternity bras definitely don’t have to be dull.
How Do Breasts Change During Pregnancy?
When you’re expecting, your hormone levels go through major changes to prepare for your baby. As a result, you may notice:
- Your nipples and breasts feel sore or tender
- Your nipples become more sensitive
- Your breasts become fuller and rounder
- Your nipples and areolas (the area around your nipples) change color or size
- Your Montgomery's glands (the tiny bumps on your areola that keep your nipple moist) also become bigger
A proper maternity bra can help ease some of these feelings. With the right bra, you can even sleep in it if comfortable.
By the time you’re four months pregnant, your breasts are ready to make milk. Around this time, you might start to notice very small amounts of fluid leaking from your breasts. This is called colostrum.
“Colostrum is the first form of breast milk and is like ‘liquid gold.’ It is dense with nutrients and antibodies to help baby fight infection in those first days after birth,” says Gottesfeld.
It’s rare to leak any colostrum before your baby arrives, but if this does happen, try slipping breast pads (also called nursing pads) into your bra. These thin disposable or washable pads are made to absorb any leaks.
In your third trimester, your nipples and breasts will get larger. This is due to your milk-producing glands (lobules) getting bigger. It’s common to notice more tenderness or a feeling of fullness in your breasts during this time. A well-fitting maternity bra can make you more comfortable — you might even choose to sleep in it.
When to Change Bras During Pregnancy
Everyone is different. Your bra size will be affected by how fast your breasts grow and when your rib cage starts widening to make room for your baby.
Your breasts may change a lot from the first trimester through the postpartum stage, so “finding a bra that is comfortable for each stage is important,” says Melissa Dennis, MD, MHA, FACOG, Chief Medical Officer at Partum Health, which offers maternal care. “If you’re someone whose breasts change sizes significantly, one bra might not make it all the way through your pregnancy journey, but hold onto them, because you might need them again later on.”
Common issues with maternity bras and how to fix them
You’ll need to go for a bigger band size (the number on the label) or cup size (the letter that comes after the number) if you notice:
- Bulging (your breasts don’t fit into your bra cups)
- Straps that pinch or dig into your skin
- Space between your bra and your skin
You’ll probably need to size down if you notice a gap (a gap of fabric inside or between your cups).
If your breasts are uncomfortable even after you get a better-fitting bra for maternity and nursing, talk to your doctor. Let them know right away if you have breast discharge or changes to your nipples or the skin on your breasts.
What Kind of Bras Should You Wear During Pregnancy?
As your body keeps changing throughout your pregnancy, you might need a few different styles of maternity bras.
During the day
Look for a maternity bra that gives you good support without digging into your skin. If it’s early in your pregnancy and your breasts haven’t yet gone through a growth spurt, you may also be able to get away with wearing a sports bra. Just make sure it’s sized right.
At night
Try out sleep bras if you need some added support at night. Sleep maternity bras are softer, lighter bras. If you don’t like sleeping in a bra, try sleeping in a tank top or cropped t-shirt. Remember not to wear anything too tight. Cotton is a good fabric that’s both light and breathable.
Takeaways
Tender, swollen breasts are one of the first signs of pregnancy. They’re an important way your body helps prepare for your baby. A maternity bra can help you stay comfortable and prevent issues such as itchy skin, sore nipples, and blocked milk ducts. Getting your breasts measured by an expert will help ensure your new bra fits well.
Maternity Bras FAQs
When should you start to wear maternity bras?
There’s no exact time for it. But once your usual bra starts to pinch or feel too tight, it’s time to go shopping.
How many bra sizes to go up when pregnant?
Everyone is different, but you might go up an entire cup size or more. You could also notice that your back gets broader because your rib cage naturally expands during pregnancy.
How to know what size maternity bra to buy
If you can, go to a store that offers a professional fitting. Some department stores, as well as stores that specialize in maternity wear or underwear, offer this for free. The first trimester is usually a good time to go. But your breasts will likely change a lot during pregnancy, so expect to get fitted for a new maternity bra more than once.
