The Importance Of Bra Fitting During And After Pregnancy

As your body adjusts to pregnancy it is important to make sure you’re wearing the correct bra, helping you stay comfortable as your breasts continue to change shape and size through each trimester. Keeping them supported is essential for preventing your ligaments and breast tissue from over-stretching; following our guidelines will give you an idea of what to consider for the best possible support.

We recommend that you get fitted at the following stages during your pregnancy:

• 12 – 14 weeks

• Every 6 weeks from your first measure

• 36 – 39 weeks

When it comes to maternity and nursing bras, there really are endless styles for you to try. Since every woman’s body and pregnancy is different, we suggest exploring all the options available to you, so you can feel which fit is best for your body. Good bras will be made of Cotton, feel soft and be seam-free for extra comfort. Insomnia can be a side-effect of pregnancy for many, so it’s important that you buy a pull-on bra for sleeping in too, which should help you avoid any discomfort you’d get from hooks and eyes.

From weeks 29 – 40 of pregnancy, the average woman’s sizing increases by two underbands and four cup sizes. The under-band is an important part to consider when buying a maternity and nursing bra as this will be supporting the weight of your breasts as they grow – it needs to be a good balance of closely fitted and not too tight.

If you are planning on nursing your baby, remember to get fitted for your nursing bras as close as possible to your due date (36 – 39 weeks). During your fitting you should allow space for the increase in cup size and nursing inserts which will be essential for collecting leaking milk.

Essential styles you’ll need include:

• Maternity bras – allow room to grow without compromising on support.

• Nursing bras – to make nursing quick & easy. Make sure to check the fastenings are on the loosest fitting, this will allow the underband to be tightened as your rib cage retracts.

• Sleep/ lounge bras – created for ultimate comfort, usually seam free and non-wired styles.

Having 2 of each style should be enough, and as a final tip, you could also consider purchasing bra extenders to prolong the use of existing bras.