Not every pregnant woman chooses to wear a maternity bra. There are other 
clothing options including nursing tank tops which certainly do the job and also double as outwear and sleepwear. Maternity singlets with built in bra supports are great options for women who have smaller breasts.
If you are looking to buy a maternity bra here are some important factors to consider.
Professionally fitted: One of the first things you should do is get your maternity bra professionally fitted. A well fitted bra, possibly even one with a flexible wire option, will ensure maximum comfort and will not dig into your breasts. Restrictions can cause pain and potential issues whilst breastfeeding too.
If you choose to go bra shopping alone make sure you select a bra that:
Does not:
- ride up at the back
- squash or flatten your breasts
- have straps that dig into your shoulders
- feel firm and tight
Does:
- feel comfortable
- allow easy opening and closing clips for breastfeeding
- suit your budget
The look: Not all maternity bras are ugly. Women are very fortunate these days to have a beautiful range of lingerie options. When choosing a bra, make sure you love the feel, the color and most of all you need to be happy.
Ideal bras for each trimester
As you pregnancy progresses you will soon notice that your bra size will change too. You may need to buy a couple of different sizes as your cup changes.
From 0-3 months
During the first trimester, look for a bra that has stretchy fabric and if possible move from a regular to a maternity bra even at this stage. Of course boob tubes and camisoles with a bra shelf are also great options.
From 3-6 months
During the second trimester the size of a woman’s breasts don’t change that much but the body shape can change which puts added pressure on the band size. Luckily there are plenty of bra extensions for two and three hook bras. This allows you to continue to wear the same cup size but release the pressure that the strap is causing. Again if you have chosen a more stretchy fabric bra from the start, this may continue to be a suitable support.
From 6-9 months
During the third trimester, and into the period after birth, each woman will experience different changes. The speed at which milk comes in, whether or not you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed and even your own genetic makeup will mean the maternity/nursing bra size you need may change significantly.
If you do need to purchase a much larger size now, you’ll find that it will last at least the next few months and well into your breastfeeding.
Can I buy my maternity bras online?
Yes, absolutely you can. As mentioned earlier, having a maternity bra professionally fitted is an important step. After that, you know then exactly what cup and band size suits you and then your online shopping will be that much easier. Don’t forget too that like all other clothing, there can be a signifiant variation in sizes amongst different brand, cuts and designs.
