How to Choose the Best Maternity Bras

The best thing about maternity bras is that they are improving all the time. Maternity wear is a multi-million dollar industry with many companies vying for your business. With this in mind, when you solicit your family and friends for suggestions on maternity bras, take into account how long it's been since they wore one. You may find that the brand that fit them worst has been improved and fits you perfectly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Your breasts are going to change a great deal during your pregnancy. You may find them to be tender and sore in your first trimester. More tender and sore in the second trimester. Then, in the third trimester, you look in the mirror and you don't recognize them.

2. Will you be breastfeeding, or attempting to breastfeed? If you are, then wait until your third trimester to purchase nursing bras. It won't be until you are close to giving birth that your breasts will be at their largest. Most will keep this size until they stop breastfeeding.

3. If you won't be breastfeeding, or attempting to breastfeed, you will still have enlarged breasts during your second or third trimester to support. There's little chance that your current bras will fit, so take into consideration that you will need something larger in both cup size and width to get through your pregnancy.

4. Whether or not you will be breastfeeding, you will need to get your new body through your pregnancy. The best plan of action, during pregnancy, is to find a cotton, soft cup bra that you find to be comfortable. When you try on bras ask yourself "could I sleep in this bra?" If your breasts are exceptionally tender, you may choose to do this.

5. When trying on bras, remember that elastic/material will stretch over time. So buy a bra that fits you now at the last hook. Then, when it naturally stretches in width, you can move to the next set of hooks comfortably.

Tips & Warnings

• You will also be wearing this bra everyday, so stock up on at least 3 pregnancy bras, so that you can wash them on a regular basis. Remember you may choose to wear it to sleep in on occasion.
• Stay away from underwire bras during pregnancy, even if you don't plan to breastfeed. Your child may not stretch you out at each side, but pretty much every child will be pressing up your ribcage at some point. Wearing an underwire bra that is pressing down and into your ribs will cause a uncomfortable, possibly painful conflict.
• If you choose a sports bra to help you through the days (and nights, possibly) in your first trimester, please note that you need to store it away during the last months of your pregnancy. As your milk ducts enlarge, your sports bra will push the ducts to the back of your chest. If you plan to breastfeed, this may delay your milk to coming in.