What bra to wear during pregnancy. Bras for pregnant and nursing mothers. How to choose a prenatal bra

One of the important points that an expectant mother should pay attention to is the correct choice of a high-quality bra for the period of pregnancy. Due to the increase in breast size and possibility, this item of clothing must meet special requirements, so it must be purchased in stores specializing in the sale of products of this type.

A good maternity bra must meet several requirements:

• provide reliable breast support;
• evenly distribute the load on the shoulders and spine;
• do not injure the delicate skin of the mammary glands;
• have adjustable fasteners and provide the maximum level of comfort for its owner.

information

Before purchasing this item of clothing, you should familiarize yourself with its main characteristics and choose the most suitable product that matches the individual characteristics of the female figure and the stage of pregnancy.

Types of bras

All maternity bras can be divided into three main types:

• Support bras
  , the main task of which is to provide reliable support for the breasts, prevent, protect muscles and skin from excessive strain. Reliable support is provided thanks to the presence of wide straps made of strong, but at the same time soft material. The volume of the cups should correspond to the size of the mammary glands to prevent squeezing or changing the shape of the breasts.
• Sleeping bras
  are designed to maintain breast shape and support during the night. Normally, a woman is advised to remove her bra at night to relieve the breasts from compression, but during pregnancy, the mammary glands need support even at night, since the skin can stretch unnecessarily without additional support.
• Maternity tops
  are an alternative bra option. Recommended for use both during the day and at night. Provide reliable support for the breasts and maintain their shape. Very comfortable for everyday use, especially for women with small breasts.

important

When choosing the shape of the product, you should take into account the size of the mammary glands and the duration of pregnancy. For example, women with a zero or first size are recommended to wear special tops, and if they have a second, third or fourth size, it is mandatory to purchase a support bra of the appropriate size.

When to buy a maternity bra

During the entire period of waiting for the baby, it may be necessary to purchase different models of bras two or three times.

• The first purchase should be made immediately after establishing the fact of pregnancy
  , because already at this time the breasts increase in size, so the previous product becomes tight. At this time, you need to choose a product that should be freely fastened to the very first hook from the inside (which is farthest from the edge of the bra). In this case, with a gradual increase in breast size, it can subsequently be fastened with the middle one, and then with the outermost fastener - thus, the bra can be used for a long period.
• In the middle of the baby's gestation period
  (approximately), it may be necessary to purchase a larger size product. In this case, you should be guided by your feelings: you should buy a new item of clothing when the previous one becomes a little tight, but you should not delay the moment of purchase, since wearing a bra that is too small has a negative effect on breast health.
• In the last weeks of pregnancy,
  you should purchase a product in advance, the size of which matches the shape of the breast or is even a little loose, because immediately after the birth of the baby, the mother is unlikely to have the opportunity to visit a lingerie store and purchase a nursing bra.

important

It is necessary to purchase not one, but two or three bras for each stage of pregnancy in order to be able to wash them often. These items of clothing should be changed two to three times a week, because during the period of pregnancy the hygienic requirements for underwear increase.

Let's understand the features

During pregnancy, a woman's breasts undergo a necessary transformation, increasing in size, becoming heavier and more sensitive to external influences.

Did you know? Before childbirth, the mammary glands gain weight up to 700 g.

In order to minimize the occurrence of unpleasant sensations, prevent the appearance of stretch marks, prevent circulatory disorders, and not provoke the appearance of lactostasis or lack of lactation in the future, you should take a responsible approach to choosing a prenatal bra.

Before purchasing such an important wardrobe item for a pregnant woman, it is worth studying its main characteristics and understanding whether this product corresponds to the characteristics of a woman’s figure and the period of her “interesting position”.

Before purchasing the bra you like, make sure that all the requirements for this type of underwear meet:

• Only cotton and linen fabrics should be used so that the skin on the mammary glands can “breathe” and irritation or cracks do not appear on the nipples and alveoli.
• The cups should be elastic in order to support the breasts as gently as possible and so that as they increase, they can stretch slightly to fit the size. Of course, you will have to buy several maternity bras for the entire period of pregnancy in order to maintain comfortable conditions for the reconstructing mammary glands.
• Such bra models should not have wires or foam pads. They only create additional pressure, which can negatively affect breast health.
• The straps, back and side bands of the prenatal bra are made in a wider format than in conventional models. This prevents intense pressure on the skin due to weight.
• The product provides for the growth of the mammary glands during the waiting period and the presence of several rows of fasteners.
• There should absolutely be no rough seams on the bra, especially on the inside, which can injure delicate and sensitive skin.
• A purely aesthetic condition: the absence of a large number of frills, ruffles, bows. After frequent washing they will look unattractive.

If all these nuances are observed in the new item of your happy wardrobe you have chosen, then you can proceed to try it on. The most important thing that you should definitely pay attention to is that the shape and volume of the cup and mammary glands coincide, not allowing them to be compressed or, conversely, to fall out of the bra. You should be comfortable wearing this product in the tightest clasp position.

It would be good if the length of the straps could be adjusted so that they do not fall off and cut into the skin. This way you can rationally distribute the load on your shoulders and spine. Make sure that the back band of the bra is below the shoulder blades and does not rise up when moving your arms. If the model of underwear you choose also has a fastener in the front or the cups themselves can be unfastened, then this bra can serve you well during the feeding period of your baby. There are no other requirements for underwear for a nursing mother: natural fabric, comfort and location of the fastener in the front.

How to choose correctly

When purchasing a maternity bra, you must pay attention to the fact that the specified item of clothing meets the following requirements:

• the cups should follow the shape of the breasts and cover most of the mammary glands, the breasts should not “fall out” from under the cups;
• when purchasing a product in the first half of pregnancy, the bra should be fastened freely with the “tightest” hook, in the second half - with the middle or outer clasp;
• the inside of the bra should not have rough seams;
• the width of the fabric under the cups should be greater than that of a regular bra to provide reliable support for the breasts;
• the straps should be wide and not cut into the skin of the shoulders;
• It is desirable that the product be made from natural material (cotton), or, in extreme cases, from a mixture of cotton and synthetics;
• the bra should not have excessive decorations: ruffles, lace, etc., because during pregnancy this item of clothing has to be washed often, as a result of which the product will look untidy.

The best option is to purchase a bra in a specialized lingerie store, since in this case a woman has the opportunity to try on the product she likes and identify possible shortcomings in time.

More and more women have recently given preference to online stores when purchasing lingerie, because, unfortunately, not all localities offer a wide selection of bras for pregnant women. In this case, you need to be especially careful when determining the size and look at reviews of other customers about the product. It should be remembered that linen items cannot be exchanged or returned, so you should make your choice as carefully as possible.

additionally

Thanks to a well-chosen bra, you can get rid of some of the problems associated with discomfort during pregnancy, and thereby maintain the health and shape of your breasts during this period.

Pregnancy is a period when not only a woman’s worldview changes, but also her physique - her tummy gradually grows, her hips enlarge and her breasts fill out. That is why ordinary clothes are no longer suitable, and the expectant mother goes for new purchases. It would be rational to choose wardrobe items that can be used in the future, for example, bright hoodie dresses, trousers with elastic bands and bras for nursing mothers.

Do you need a bra after childbirth?

Opinions vary on whether or not to wear a bra during pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, for each statement you can find a sufficient number of convincing arguments. Undoubtedly, the approach should be individual in each specific case, because the size, shape, predisposition to changes in the mammary glands, posture and condition of the chest and back muscles are different for everyone.

The bra is used not only for aesthetic purposes. Properly selected underwear performs a number of important functions for a woman’s body.

The main ones include the following:

• The bra supports the breasts. This is especially important for those with “significant advantages”, as well as with rapid enlargement of the mammary glands during pregnancy. Young mothers, whose milk production is significant, every now and then notice how their breasts fill up. And, in accordance with the laws of physics, under the influence of gravity the usual “sagging” of the mammary glands occurs. As a result, “empty zones” are formed, especially noticeable after the end of lactation.

If a girl regularly uses properly selected underwear, this effect can be avoided to some extent. And if you also alternate breasts when feeding, then the mammary glands will change, but in parallel and insignificantly.

• For those with a small size, this is not so much of a threat. But if the mammary glands have significantly increased in size, then the load on the shoulder girdle and pectoral muscles will increase by the same amount. If a girl did not purposefully train them before pregnancy, she cannot escape the feeling of heaviness and aches in these areas. Therefore, it is advisable to use underwear after childbirth for this group of women.
• It is also important to choose the right underwear for girls who have problems with the spine, for example, scoliosis, etc. This way you can avoid overstraining individual muscle groups.
• After pregnancy during lactation, the intensity of sweating in girls changes. If you use bras made from natural fabrics, you can prevent irritation and diaper rash in the most “tight” places. Linen, absorbing liquid, will prevent this.

Of course, enlarged mammary glands, and sometimes they “jump” by 3 to 5 sizes, give a girl’s figure a special silhouette. But if you choose the right underwear, your breasts will look like an asset, and not add another five years to your age.

Whether or not to wear underwear during pregnancy and lactation is up to each woman to decide for herself. Those with a small size can afford this without consequences. It is also important that during pregnancy the girl gains no more than 7 - 9 kg, and that after the baby is born, milk flows evenly throughout the day, without overfilling or stretching the glands.

We recommend reading the article about sagging breasts after childbirth. From it you will learn about the reasons for changes in the shape of the mammary glands, ways to return to their former attractiveness, the effectiveness of gymnastics, massage and choosing the right underwear.

Basic rules for choosing a bra for pregnant women

When choosing clothes for a pregnant woman, you should not settle on clothes that are designed to grow, as they will not fit your figure well. Give preference to products made from stretchy fabrics; this option will allow you to wear the same thing throughout your entire pregnancy, and maybe even after the baby is born.

Particular attention should be paid to the choice of bra, because it should help support the swelling of heavy breasts.

So, the optimal bra for a pregnant woman should be:

• comfortable
  - if the straps or clasps put pressure on your back, then in the future you simply won’t be able to wear such a thing due to engorged breasts. Choose models that fit your figure freely, but are not too wide. For pregnancy, it is better to choose a product with deep cups and wide straps, since only this shape will allow you to hold your changing breasts securely and firmly. An additional advantage will be the presence of a soft wide elastic band under the chest, this serves as an additional fixation;
• without unnecessary shaped elements
  - for expanding breasts, the best option would be a bra without wires, since such cup-forming elements compress the breasts, which can lead to mastitis or blockage of the mammary glands;
• practical
  - during pregnancy, it is better to avoid sexy lingerie with ruffles and guipure, since such products can cause discomfort when worn, and some synthetic fabrics can cause allergies;
• with size adjustment
  - many models are equipped with adjustable straps and cups, which allows you to increase the size as your breasts fill out;
• multifunctional
  - most maternity bras are suitable for breastfeeding. The cups of these models have double walls that are not fastened together, so you can quickly reach your breasts without removing your bra. This is very convenient when you need to feed a child on the street or at a party;
• safe
  - leave models with beads and rhinestones for later, because additional elements often come off and can injure delicate skin. The quality of the material from which the bra is made deserves a separate discussion - choose natural fabrics, they are safe, non-toxic and do not contain any artificial components.

Material selection

It is unacceptable to wear underwear made of synthetic or artificial fabrics. These materials create a static effect on the skin (they become electrified), which creates an unpleasant sensation of friction.

Such fabrics do not have sufficient hygroscopicity, inhibit air permeability, and create a “greenhouse effect.” This can lead to cracked nipples and infection of the gland. In addition, unnatural fabrics can cause allergic reactions in the form of rashes and redness on highly sensitive skin.

If it is not possible to choose underwear made from pure cotton, you need to opt for products where the percentage of synthetic or artificial materials is minimal. The fabric from which a bra is made to be worn during pregnancy should be soft, but dense enough. To do this, when trying on, you need to pay attention to whether there is an overhang of the glands below the belt of the bra, which encircles the chest.

High tissue density prevents breast sagging. In addition, it will protect the product from quickly losing its shape and presentable appearance during frequent washing. The composition of the manufacturing material may contain fibers that promote elasticity. These can be spacer threads, elastin or polyamide (no more than 5%).

Where to buy a bra?

When choosing clothes during pregnancy, it is better to make purchases in specialized stores for expectant mothers. Such points of sale guarantee the proper quality of the products offered, confirmed by valid certificates. Similar high-quality products can be found in children's hypermarkets, namely in the departments for pregnant and nursing mothers.

However, if there are no such stores in your city, do not despair; high-quality maternity bras are sold in any lingerie store. Before making a purchase, check with the seller whether they have special models. An experienced consultant will help you choose the right size and shape of underwear, but you yourself should know a few basic rules when choosing a bra:

• when buying underwear, base it on the girth and volume of your chest, which is best measured in advance at home;
• Having tried on the model, walk a little around the fitting room, bend over, squat slightly - the breasts should not fall out or move, gently holding the fabric of the bra;
• the straps should be positioned symmetrically and not squeeze too much, otherwise the bra will not provide adequate support;
• You should like the chosen set, since her mood directly depends on the appearance of the things that the expectant mother wears.

Recently popular online stores offer a wide range of products for pregnant women at attractive prices. In such a store you can buy a dress or blouse, since the main characteristics and sizes are usually indicated on the product tag. However, this shopping option is not suitable for purchasing underwear for several reasons.

Firstly, you may not guess with the size, because such things must be tried on according to your figure. Secondly, the slightest changes in the shape of the product can lead to the fact that the bra will not fit your body type: the cup may be too high or low, the straps may dangle or, on the contrary, cut into the skin, etc. Thirdly, when buying goods online, you don’t know what material you will receive, so you may end up with items made from synthetic fabrics, which are extremely undesirable to wear during pregnancy.

Benefits of special maternity bras

Purchasing special wardrobe items during pregnancy will allow the expectant mother not only to feel comfortable, but also to relieve discomfort due to tight clothing. This is especially true for underwear, since these items of clothing cause the most discomfort.

Special underwear has many advantages:

• The main feature of maternity bras is practicality and comfort, since they are designed taking into account the main features of a woman's changing physique, and provide special support exactly in the area where it is needed.
• Wide and elastic straps of special models support the chest, thereby relieving additional tension from the shoulders.
• The absence of underwires in such products is compensated by elastic elastic bands under the breasts, which allows you to hold the breasts as tightly as possible.
• Most models have seamless cups, which reduces nipple sensitivity.
• The specific shape of maternity bras helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks and bursting of blood vessels, but this is only possible with constant use.

Changes in a woman's hormonal levels and physique during pregnancy often lead to a deterioration in the well-being of the expectant mother. All this happens due to the wrong approach to the ongoing pregnancy. To cheer up, you need to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, walk in the fresh air and be less nervous. But you can help your body cope with physiological changes with the help of specially designed items of clothing for pregnant women.

During the period of bearing a child, women's mammary glands increase quite significantly in size, become larger in volume, become heavier, and become sensitive and painful to the touch. In order to prevent unpleasant sensations, discomfort and stretch marks on the chest, it is recommended to use a special bra for pregnant women, which will be different from the usual one. How to choose it correctly, what quality requirements it must satisfy, when you should start wearing it - you will find answers to these and many other questions here.

First, you need to know exactly how a maternity and nursing bra differs from a regular model for everyday wear. It has a number of features:

• made only from natural fabrics (mainly linen or cotton);
• has a special cut that gives maximum comfort to the mammary glands that increase during pregnancy;
• an excellent model, considered the best in this line of underwear, is a seamless maternity bra with a special cut: it does not rub the skin, gives a soft feeling of the fabric touching the body;
• a specially designed design that allows for comfort when enlarging the breast even by several sizes.

There are shops and clothing salons for expectant mothers: this is where you can find special bras for pregnant women that will meet all the quality requirements for this type of underwear.

If you prefer a regular bra, you will have to periodically buy new sizes of underwear. However, the most unpleasant consequence of such a rash choice is the disruption of the milk ducts in the glands, which will be compressed by an ordinary, unsuitable bra. In the future, this can lead to disruption and even complete absence of lactation. Therefore, draw the right conclusions and choose a special model for yourself.

Peculiarities

The first thing you need to pay attention to is what exactly is the difference between a regular everyday bra and a maternity bra. It provides some features:

1. Made from natural material (usually cotton or linen);

1. Consists of a special cut that provides a woman with comfort during pregnancy;

1. A special option, which is considered to be the best in this case, is a bra without seams: it fits softly to the body and does not rub the skin.
2. A specially created model that gives comfort during the process of enlarging the mammary glands even by several sizes.

If you continue to stick to regular underwear, you will still need to buy a new bra from time to time. But the main problem is this: in the mammary glands there is a disruption of the ducts, compressed by a simple bra that was not designed for this. In the future, this may cause incorrect or complete absence of lactation. Thus, it is worth thinking and following the advice of experts and choosing the right product.

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Kinds

In the question of how to choose a bra for pregnant women, two points are important - type and size. The modern fashion industry offers expectant mothers a variety of bra models, each of which differs in its functionality. In order not to get lost in their diversity, you need to know what types of linen are intended for what.

1. The most popular model is the support maternity bra, which aims to provide a woman with the maximum level of comfort and additional support for her expanding mammary glands. It differs from other models in having wide straps and sufficient depth so as not to compress or flatten the chest.
2. Be sure to purchase a special maternity sleep bra designed to provide breast support at night. The undoubted advantage of this model is that it will be useful after childbirth to reduce the pain threshold during breastfeeding.
3. You can choose a maternity bra in the form of a wide, comfortable, special top. It is ideal for use both during the day and during sleep. This product provides a high degree of support and helps maintain its shape.

There are many models, and which bra for pregnant women is better is determined by the woman herself, depending on her own preferences and the characteristics of her body. Correct determination of the bra size will play an important role in this.

Nursing bra

Some styles of bras are convertible - you can wear them after childbirth, using them as a nursing bra. The front part of them unfastens, exposing the nipple and thus making it easier for the mother to feed the baby without undressing. It will be possible to insert special nipple inserts inside so that milk does not ooze out and spoil the underwear.

It is better not to buy breastfeeding models before the 30th week, because the breasts have not yet reached their final size, which will remain with you for the period of breastfeeding.

Nursing bra

Dimensions

One of the difficulties women face is choosing the right size maternity bra so that it is not too big or, conversely, too small. To determine it, you need to perform only two steps: measure the fullness of the cup and the volume under the breasts. All measurements are taken without clothing.

1. To find out the volume, you need to place the measuring tape clearly under the chest, wrap it around you in a straight line. If you get an even number, add 10 to it, and 12 to an odd number. For example, if your measurement is 80 cm, add 12, and the resulting volume will be 92.
2. Next, determine the fullness of the cup. The measuring tape should be placed along the entire body, right along the chest, at its highest places, making sure that the line is straight. The tape should not press or compress the body. Now we calculate the difference between the volume under the chest (point 1) and what we have now (point 2). She is the fullness of the cup.

The table below shows the correspondence between the resulting number and breast size.

Now you can independently determine your maternity bra size at home. But even if you have any doubts, almost all stores offer lingerie fitting. Be sure to make sure before purchasing that the bra does not pinch or cause discomfort. And don’t forget to measure your breasts again before giving birth (at 35–37 weeks) to purchase a nursing bra.

A few more tips on what kind of bra pregnant women should wear will help you make your choice and make great purchases that will provide only comfort throughout the entire 9 months.

1. Do not buy underwear “to grow.” It is harmful for this period: a wide bottom elastic band of the bodice will not provide the proper level of support. And you may simply not guess your future size.
2. Choose models with wide straps that provide maximum support.
3. Many experts, when asked what a maternity bra should be, answer: multifunctional. In this regard, there is no better model that fastens at the front. It can be conveniently, easily, quickly removed and put on. In addition, after the birth of the baby, just such a bra will please any young mother.
4. No frills, frills, bows, or rivets that could damage the skin. The most correct bra for pregnant women is as simple as possible, without any decorations or bells and whistles, even without seams or patterns. If you feel that your breasts are uncomfortable in the chosen underwear, immediately discard it and buy new ones.
5. Many expectant mothers (especially young mothers expecting their first child) are interested in whether pregnant women need to wear a bra at all. If your breasts should feel as free and comfortable as possible, maybe you should stop wearing a bra altogether? If a woman makes such a decision, after the birth of the child she will be deeply disappointed, as the breasts lose their shape and sag. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend that everyone who is expecting a baby wear special underwear.
6. Another very important point is when pregnant women should wear a special bra. If a woman does not feel any discomfort or changes in her breasts, she can make such a purchase in the 6th month. If the mammary glands began to enlarge much earlier than this period, you must purchase this accessory immediately.

Knowing how to choose the right bra for pregnant women, a woman can protect herself from discomfort in the breast area throughout the entire 9 months. This is very important for further feeding the baby and normal lactation without problems. The sooner the expectant mother takes care of this, the less trouble she will have in the future.

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many changes.

. One of the most significant is a change in breast size.

Important

: This is why it is simply necessary that underwear meet the new needs of the expectant mother - it is comfortable and easy to stretch, breathable and made from natural materials. Regular underwear does not always meet these requirements, so it is worth purchasing a special bra.

How to choose a bra

In order for underwear to have only a positive effect, not bring a feeling of discomfort, and especially not contribute to stagnation of milk, it must be selected correctly.

General recommendations

Before deciding which bra to buy after childbirth, you should take note of the following recommendations:

• It is better to give preference to products consisting of at least 70 - 80% natural fabrics. Additions of elastane and other synthetics will give the underwear pliability when worn, but at the same time it will not stretch excessively over time.
• For bras with a push-up effect, it’s better to wait. Firstly, wearing them is generally not recommended for women, even in everyday life, since they compress the mammary glands, contributing to the development of mastopathy. Secondly, they mostly consist of artificial fabrics.

Even those who, for some reason, do not breastfeed, should not choose such underwear, at least in the first 6 to 8 months after childbirth . It is this time that is necessary for the complete restoration of the mammary glands after pregnancy, the ducts collapse and reverse changes occur in them.

• If a girl has medium to large breasts, it is better to choose products with wide harnesses and an additional part around the circumference under the mammary glands. This will help hold them without injuring them.
• It is also better to abandon any additional support mechanisms - “bones”, even if the manufacturer assures that this is the best development.
• You should buy nursing underwear no earlier than in the third trimester, preferably at 36 - 38 weeks. The fact is that during pregnancy the most intense breast growth occurs, and the circumference also increases. It is impossible to say exactly what the size will be after childbirth, especially since on the 3rd to 5th day the milk remains intensively, and the mammary glands still swell.
• If a woman is breastfeeding, you should take a closer look at special underwear with special fastenings. It allows you to quickly and comfortably expose the desired part without unfastening the bra completely and without squeezing the mammary glands.
• If possible, it is better to purchase several products, as an option, with different fastenings. This will be especially useful for women who lead an active lifestyle during lactation.
• When choosing a bra, special attention should be paid to ensure that the product does not compress or squeeze the mammary glands. Otherwise, it can provoke lactostasis and other unpleasant situations.
• Covered underwear will give you a feeling of confidence, especially during workouts and other intense activities.
• Also, when choosing, you should take into account that you may have to use milk leakage inserts.
• At night, it is better to purchase special tops and shirts. They are similar in functionality to nursing bras, but they are even softer and more pliable.

Watch the video about choosing a bra:

By shape and appearance

Today you can find a wide variety of underwear for nursing mothers. Each has its pros and cons. The following main options can be distinguished:

• The classic and most common is underwear with special fastening on straps. With a slight movement, the cup “opens” and you can easily reach the breast. The disadvantage of such bras is that they do not always keep medium and large-sized mammary glands at the proper level, and this is important. Therefore, some young mothers prefer to use them only for home use.
• Criss-cross system. Comfortable and often seamless, but only suitable for small breasts.
• Linen with locks in each cup. To feed your baby in this bra, just unfasten the special insert. This option provides good support for any breast, but the downside is that you can inadvertently injure the skin. Also, with very tight-fitting outerwear, locks can be visualized.
• Bras with front clasps, they can be basic or additional. Such underwear can give a beautiful shape, but when unbuttoned, in most cases, two mammary glands are exposed at once. And if a woman uses nipple shields, they will constantly fall out, which will cause discomfort.
• There is also special elastic underwear without fastenings, locks and other similar mechanisms. But all their properties are due to the fact that this underwear consists almost entirely of synthetic materials. But this is not acceptable to everyone and is not entirely desirable from a hygienic point of view.
• Particular attention should be paid to tops and shirts. They are the best option for night feeding, replacing shirts. They can be with built-in bodices, with hidden buttons, fasteners, lacing, or simply convenient for lowering. You can always choose the option that is most suitable for a given girl.

Determining the size

It is also important to determine the required size; the sensations when wearing underwear depend on this. Ideally, a woman should hardly feel it. But in any case, you should not rely only on the verified size, since each manufacturer can deviate in one direction or another without warning buyers about it. Therefore, it is best to try on a bra before purchasing.

Typically, the size range includes a number and a letter, for example, 75 D. Determining both at home is not difficult at all.

Calculate the number

To do this, it is necessary to measure the circumference under the mammary glands at the level of the lower third of the sternum, in the submammary fold. Compare the resulting figure with the following table:

Calculate the letter

To do this, you will need the circumference of the chest under the mammary glands, which should have been determined in the previous paragraph. You also need to bend down to 90 degrees (letter G). Then record the value of the circle that runs along the areolar region and back.

Under no circumstances should measurements be taken while standing as the readings will be incorrect in most cases. Next, you need to calculate the difference between the two obtained figures and correlate the data with the table.

Photo

Below you can see photos of several models of bras for pregnant women:

Today, the choice of underwear for expectant mothers is incredibly large.

. Therefore, very often inexperienced women get lost in this diversity. When choosing, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Models should have wide straps - this will provide maximum support and comfort.
2. The fastener must have at least four loops so that the degree of girth can be easily adjusted.
3. The width of the underbust band should be wide enough to easily accommodate quick size changes.
4. The underwear should fit snugly to the body. The upper part should lie calmly on the bust, so that the breasts do not fall out and rest against the bra.
5. The best bra during pregnancy is as simple as possible, without various “bells and whistles” that can rub the skin and cause discomfort.
6. You should purchase underwear only in accordance with the actual size. You should forget about “growth” bras - they will not provide the necessary support and will be very uncomfortable to wear.
7. The fabric of the bra should be quite dense, but at the same time elastic. The composition is exclusively natural, usually cotton.

Even in the very early stages of pregnancy, a woman notes that her breasts have enlarged and become more sensitive. This can cause pain, discomfort, and can even lead to stretch marks on the skin. So it's time to choose a special bra.

Many women start wearing special bras right around the eighth mark. Previous models become small and uncomfortable, especially if the design has so-called bones. You need to focus, first of all, on your feelings: there is discomfort when wearing conventional models, which means it’s time to go for new ones.

When to start wearing

There are no strict rules regarding when to wear a special bra. The growth and development of the mammary glands, as well as the course of pregnancy, is individual for each woman. The main thing you should know is that you should not wear underwear that presses and cuts into the skin, leaving deep marks, causing itching and irritation.

You need to get rid of your old bra when the first unpleasant symptoms appear. For example, it is painful to take off your bra in the evening or during the day there are distracting discomfort sensations from wearing a familiar model. This can happen early in the first 4–5 weeks of pregnancy. Some women don't start wearing maternity underwear until the 3rd or 4th month.

To avoid stretch marks, it is best to change your model as early as possible. Then the breasts will develop correctly from the very beginning, and there will be no compression of blood vessels and milk ducts.

What should a maternity bra be like?

Here are the main characteristics of this delicate piece of clothing for pregnant women:

1. Composition: only natural fabrics (cotton, linen). Bras made of synthetic fabrics can cause irritation of the breast skin and even cracks in the nipples.

2. Wide straps are a must-have element of a bra for a pregnant woman. They completely provide maximum support to the growing mammary glands.

3. Multifunctionality of the item is desirable. If you choose a model with a front clasp, you will definitely say “thank you” to yourself when you start breastfeeding your baby.

4. True to size. There is no need to take a bra, as they say, for growth. In this case, it will not support the breasts well enough (after all, there is still a reserve).

5. No frills or frills. Well, more precisely, you can purchase such a model, but there should be several of them. After all, this bra will have to be washed often, and after constant washing, such decorative beauty will look depressing.

Types of bras for pregnant women

Yes, bras can be different. In principle, their choice does not depend on the duration of pregnancy; the main guideline is the woman’s feelings. Whatever you feel more comfortable in, buy it.

• Sleep bra

Some people simply cannot sleep in a nightgown, since discomfort and even chest pain cannot be avoided with any body movement. These night bras will help you out; they will also be useful to you in the postpartum period, because many women even at this time suffer from increased sensitivity of the mammary glands.

• Support bra

They differ in cup depth and very wide straps. They do not compress or deform the breasts, while providing maximum support. An excellent option for women with large breast volume.

• Tops for pregnant women

Can be worn both day and night. They support the breasts, are comfortable to wear, and look very pretty. An excellent alternative to traditional models.

Can I wear regular bras during pregnancy?

Many expectant mothers may not bother with special underwear for their new status, because there are ordinary bras: favorite, beautiful, expensive and not so expensive. And there will be plenty of expenses in the process of preparing for childbirth. And they will be wrong. In preparation for the most important event, the mammary glands will change with varying degrees of intensity. And if in the first weeks, and for some even months of pregnancy, it is acceptable to wear a regular bra, since the breasts do not noticeably change their size, then in the future you will also have to buy this item of clothing often.

Important! Bones and push-ups used in everyday models will not add convenience, but can harm both a woman’s skin and mammary glands, posing a threat of impaired lactation in the future.

Ultimately, the point is not about saving, but about preserving your own health and the health of your long-awaited baby.

Knowing how to choose the right special underwear for a wonderful wait, a woman can create comfortable conditions for herself in many ways and lay the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling lactation period.

Pregnancy Lifestyle Maternity Clothes

Why do you need to wear special bras?

Firstly, this measure will protect the breasts from stretch marks. Secondly, these bras will be comfortable, all discomfort and pain will go away along with the “pre-pregnancy models”. Thirdly, having appreciated the advantages of bras made from well-designed natural fabrics, you will refuse cheap synthetic models that are cut haphazardly.

So, wearing a maternity bra is not only possible, but also necessary. Your breasts will not itch, itchy skin will also go away, and such an unpleasant sign of pregnancy as breast sensitivity will not cause you unnecessary inconvenience.