How to Measure Your Bra Size in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, measure your bra size every few weeks as your body changes.

Physical changes, such as weight gain, weight loss and pregnancy can all cause changes in the size and shape of a woman's breasts. This is especially common during pregnancy, when women experience weight gain and hormonal changes over several months, and prepare for lactation during the final weeks of the pregnancy. It is important to periodically measure yourself to find a properly fitting bra during pregnancy.

Instructions

Band Size

1. Wear your best-fitting, nonpadded bra when taking your measurements.

2. Stand up straight, with your shoulders relaxed.

3. Place the tape measure below your breasts, where the band of the bra sits. Extend the tape measure around your chest, keeping it level and tight to your ribcage.

4. Record the measurement in inches, rounding up to the nearest whole number. For example, 35.5 inches should be rounded up to 36 inches. If the measurement is an odd number, add five inches, and if the measurement is an even number, add four inches. This is your band size.

Cup Size

1. Place the tape measure over the fullest part of your bust.

2. Extend the tape measure around your chest, keeping it level all the way around. Hold the tape measure fairly tight against your bra, without pulling or squishing, which could result in an inaccurate measurement.

3. Record the measurement in inches, rounding up to the nearest whole number. This is your cup size.

4. Subtract your band size from your cup measurement. If the two measurements are the same, you should wear an A cup. A difference of one inch indicates a B cup, with each additional inch increasing one letter size, including C, D, DD, DDD/E, F, FF and G. Most department stores and women's clothing shops carry cup sizes up to at least D, while maternity stores, plus-size clothing stores and lingerie shops usually have a broader range of sizes.

Tips & Warnings

• As sizing can vary among manufacturers, be sure to try on each bra before purchasing it.

References

• BBC: How to Measure Your Bra Size
• Bra Size Info: How to Measure
• Motherhood Maternity: Nursing Bra Fitting Guide