Pregnancy is a great swirl of changes, not only emotional, but also physical. One of the initial spheres to change? Your breasts. Mothers-to-be can notice an increase in the size of their breasts, an enlargement of their rib cage, and the discomfort that usually accompanies this change. It is a natural thing but it can also transform your old bras into torture.
Why You Need a Special Bra During Pregnancy
Whenever you are pregnant, your breasts may increase by one or two cup sizes (or more). The tissues are made more sensitive and your rib cage gets enlarged to accommodate your growing baby. But unfortunately, your normal bras just are not made to suit this.
The special pregnancy bra is made to offer support, breathability, and comfort with flexibility and adjust to the changing body. And the reason to change to one is as follows:
Simply put, a maternity or nursing bra does not only feel better, a maternity or nursing bra can also make you stay healthier, more comfortable and more confident as your body develops.
What to Look for in the Best Bra During Pregnancy
Comfort, flexibility and support are the main features of the best pregnancy bras. Regardless of whether you are in the first trimester or whether you are about to deliver, you should seek to find the following basic features:
Soft, Breathable Material.
Select light and plush materials such as cotton, bamboo, or moisture-wicking mixes. These will assist in reducing irritation particularly when the skin is more sensitive. The ones with rigid underwires and piercing ribs are to be avoided.
Excellent Support
With the increase in weight of your breasts, you will need wide straps and a solid underband that will hold the weight of the breasts but not squeeze into your skin. Most mums like natural lifts of reinforced cup or band wireless type designs.
Adjustability
The rib cage and the bust will grow in size. Search bras that have adjustable closures with more than one hook and eye as well as stretchable fabric to fit these changes. Straps that can be adjusted are also important to a good fit during pregnancy.
Pumping Nursing Compatibility.
A dual-purpose bra is a good investment to make early on in case you intend to breastfeed or pump in the future. They usually have clip-down cups or integrated holes which allow pumping and nursing to be hands free and comfortable.
The Momcozy Hands-Free Pumping Bra is one of the top hands-free pumping bra picks, it is soft, supportive and fits most wearable pumps.
Breathability and Hygiene
Women who are pregnant tend to sweat more. Search to find bras with moisture-wicking linings and removable pads in order to be able to wash or air them out.
Types of Pregnancy Bras: Maternity, Nursing, and Pumping
Not every pregnancy bra is similar in nature. A certain style may be more appropriate to you than another style depending on your needs or you may need to have a few choices as your pregnancy advances.
Maternity Bra
A maternity bra is a comfortable and flexible product to be used during pregnancy. It is normally lightweight, and has additional stretch and broad straps to wear daily. It is ideal for moms-to-be when they need the support before they begin lactation.
Nursing Bra
A nursing bra also allows one to breastfeed more comfortably after delivery and during pregnancy. The cups on these bras are unclipped or fold down to allow easy access to the breast to nurse, and normally they are made of stretchy materials to accommodate the changing size of the breast.
Pumping or Hands-Free Bra
In case you want to express milk, then you can use a pumping bra with special holes or layers to hold the breast pump flanges firmly. The design leaves your hands free hence you can multi-task or rest during pumping.
Best: Moms that intend to pump frequently, at home or on the run.
A high number of brands are currently selling 3-in-1 bras which are maternity, nursing and pumping bras – the best to use in terms of convenience and value.
How to Find the Right Size and Fit
It is not the period to squeeze in a smaller cup size or make do with your old bras at the time of pregnancy. The issue of fitting into comfort and support lies with the right fit. The following is the way to measure yourself at home:
Measure your band size.
It is a soft tape measure that you have to wrap around. Round to the nearest even number.
Measure your bust size.
Measure around the fullest part of your breasts making the measurement straight but not so tight.
Calculate your cup size.
Take away your band measure against your bust measure. Every inch is equivalent to one cup (1″ = A, 2″ = B, 3″ = C, etc.).
Test the fit.
The band must be able to be perfectly flat and tight around your rib cage– not bouncing.
It is natural that your bra size might change several times when you are pregnant. To make sure that a best fit is achieved, measure after a few months.
Care Tips to Make Your Pregnancy Bra Last Longer
You are likely to be wearing your favorite maternity bra almost every day, hence good care will maintain its shape and save you money. Follow these simple steps:
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Switch 2-3 bras and allow the elastic to rest in between.
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Wash by hand or put in a mesh laundry bag in a gentle cycle to avoid damaging delicate material.
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Wash with gentle detergent and do not use bleach or cloth softener which destroys the elasticity.
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Pin hooks in place prior to washing to avoid snatching.
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Dry clean only – dry cleaners may destroy the fabric and make it shrink.
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Keep them lying or suspended to maintain the shape of the cups.
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Check fit regularly: When your band becomes loose or when the cups become tight, then it is time to tighten or to size up.
A high quality maternity or a nursing bra will last much longer than pregnancy, even after labor and subsequent pregnancies with proper care.
Conclusion
The finest bra during pregnancy does not only help on your bust, it helps on your wellbeing. The correct bra can become a massive difference in the comfort, position, and self-confidence of the body as it changes.
Image Credit: Kei Scampa
