How to Buy a Maternity Bra

Part of getting pregnant means your old bra most likely won't fit anymore, once your breasts start to change shape. They may feel sore and tender, and the increased weight may hurt your back. It may seem silly because you know they'll probably keep changing, but buying a good maternity bra can relieve some of the discomfort by giving extra support and fully covering your breasts.

Instructions

1. Distinguish maternity bras, which give extra support during pregnancy, from nursing bras, which make it easier to nurse after the baby is born. Sometimes maternity bras also function as nursing bras, but make sure you and any salespeople you may talk to know which one you're talking about.

2. Measure your torso just below your breasts. Pull a tape snug and straight all the way around your back. If you don't have a measuring tape, use a shoelace or other string, and then measure the length with a ruler. Add three inches and round up to the nearest whole even number to get your band size.

3. Get your cup size by wrapping the measuring tape or string around your torso over the fullest part of your breasts. Subtract your band measurement from this number to get your cup size. There is some overlap because everyone's shape is different, but generally an A cup runs a 0- to 1.5-inches difference between the two numbers, a B cup is a 1.5- to 2.5-inch difference, a C cup is a 2.5- to 3.5-inch difference, a D cup is 3.5- to 4.5-inch difference and an E (or DD) cup is 5- to 6-inch difference.

4. Plan ahead for future growth by looking for maternity bras with adjustable cups and four station fasteners at the back.

5. Buy your bras at department stores, specialty maternity stores or online at sites such as Figleaves. Look for a bra with wide, cushioned straps that don't stretch, for the best and most comfortable support. The advantage of traditional stores is that you can try the bras on and make sure they're comfortable before you buy them.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't buy a size too big, because you don't know if you will keep growing, and you want to be comfortable in the meantime anyway.

• There's some concern that underwire bras may lead to blocked milk ducts, so you may want to avoid underwire bras.

Resources

• Find maternity bras at Figleaves.