Beautiful You: Comfy bra is a must during pregnancy

Choosing any bra, much less a maternity bra, can be a puzzling experience. But during pregnancy, as your breasts enlarge, chances are you'll be in the market for something new. Many women end up buying the wrong size bra, so try to get an appointment with a trained bra fitter if you can. If you're on your own, there is a method to measuring yourself that will help you select one that fits properly. And as the birth approaches, you'll need to start thinking about nursing bras as well.

When should you buy a maternity bra?

You should buy a maternity bra as soon as your regular bra isn't comfortable. For some women this can be the first weeks of pregnancy. Other women don't need to replace their regular bra until later.

Why do you need a maternity bra?

Your breasts are growing and changing shape in order to gear up for breastfeeding. A maternity bra is constructed to fit and support your maternity shape better than a regular bra. Maternity bras have wider straps for extra support and more material in the cups for extra coverage. There will be several rows of hooks or fasteners in the back to allow for rib cage growth during your pregnancy. Buy a maternity bra that fits on the tightest hook. This way it's more likely to last the length of your pregnancy, as your chest expands with the growth of your baby.

How do you measure yourself?

If you can't find a professional fitter to help you, you can measure yourself while wearing your best-fitting bra. Bra sizes include band size (the number) and cup size (the letter). First, measure under your bustline and add five inches to this measurement. Then, measure across the fullest part of your breasts. The difference between these measurements will give you your bra size. If, for example, your first measurement is 34 (29 + 5) and the second measurement is 36, you would take a 36 B. Each difference equals a cup size. (1 = A, 2 = B, 3 = C, 4 = D, 5 = DD, etc.) If you're already measuring 42 or more, you don't need to add the five inches; just begin with the measurement itself for the band size.

Remember that all women are different and that all manufacturers don't size garments, especially bras, the same way. So, you may wear a 36 DD in one brand but not in another. It's okay to wear an underwire during pregnancy, but you should never feel it poking through.

Don't try to increase band size to compensate for too shallow a cup size. The band needs to be snug around the bustline, but not uncomfortable. Neither should you bulge out of the bra at the underarms.

What about nursing bras?

Wait until you're in the last weeks of pregnancy to buy a nursing bra, since you can't really tell what size you'll need until your milk comes in. By waiting, you're more likely to get the right size.

A nursing bra has flaps in front that fasten with either hooks or Velcro to make it easy to nurse. It's important to have a nursing bra that fits. If it's too tight it could be uncomfortable and impair milk flow.

Date last reviewed: October 2002.

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