During pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences many physical, hormonal, and emotional changes to support the developing baby. These include increased blood volume and heart rate, breast enlargement and tenderness as milk ducts form. An expanding uterus that may cause back pain and shortness of breath due to displaced organs. Hormonal shifts can also lead to mood swings, swollen ankles and feet, fatigue, more frequent urination, morning sickness, unusual food cravings, and changes in hair and nail growth, among other symptoms.
A supportive, well-fitting bra is essential throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding for comfort, breast health, and milk production. During pregnancy, breasts grow and change, requiring a bra that provides support without restricting growth or causing discomfort. During breastfeeding, a good bra can help prevent clogged ducts, mastitis, and pain, while also making nursing easier and more comfortable.
Breasts tend to increase in size and weight due to hormonal fluctuations and fluid retention, making wearing a supportive bra essential to prevent sagging and discomfort. Traditional underwire or cup-sized bras may become uncomfortable as the rib cage expands and breasts grow. Well-designed maternity bras feature wider straps and multi-fitting cups to adapt to these changes and provide continuous support. A properly fitting bra can help prevent stretching of delicate breast tissue, reducing the risk of sagging later. It also minimises the chances of clogged ducts and mastitis by offering proper support and minimising pressure on the milk ducts. Additionally, a supportive bra helps maintain good posture by evenly distributing the weight of the breasts, which is especially crucial as the body adapts to supporting the growing baby.
First Trimester: Subtle Changes Begin
What’s Happening:
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the body undergoes several subtle but important changes. Breast tenderness and growth occur as milk ducts develop in preparation for breastfeeding. Common symptoms include increased urination, fatigue, and mood swings. Nausea and vomiting, often referred to as “morning sickness,” are also typical. These changes are primarily driven by hormonal fluctuations as the body adapts to pregnancy.
Recommended Bra Types:
Wireless bras and seamless bras are an excellent choice for the first trimester as they provide gentle support for the tenderness and enlargement that may occur without the pressure of underwires. Choose a bra that has molded cups for breast capacity and preferably double layered for added support. Choose a bra that has a high elastane content (more than 10%) as this allows the bra to stretch and recover with your fluctuations. These bras are soft, flexible, and allow natural movement, which is crucial for reducing discomfort.
Second Trimester: Growth & Expansion
What’s Happening:
The second trimester of pregnancy, usually from weeks 13 to 26, is marked by a growing belly, hips, and ribcage, along with increased appetite. Many women find relief from early symptoms like nausea and fatigue, but new changes appear as the body adapts to the enlarging baby and uterus. The uterus expands considerably, leading to noticeable abdominal growth and possibly causing backaches and side pains as ligaments stretch. Most breast growth happens in the first and third trimesters, but the increase will be noticeable in the ribcage or underbust of your bra. Additionally, blood volume rises to support the foetus and placenta, which can lead to your body’s temperature rising and potentially skin sensitivity.
Recommended Bra Types:
As your breast size stabilises during this stage, you can choose a flexible wired bra or a multi-sized bra. To ensure longevity, select one with six hooks and eyes to support your increased ribcage measurement as your organs shift to accommodate your baby. Since your body temperature is likely to increase, opt for breathable materials that prioritise your comfort. You can also keep wearing your seamless bras if you find those more comfortable.
Third Trimester: Full Support & Prepping for Postpartum
What’s Happening:
The third trimester of pregnancy involves a mix of physical discomforts and preparations for labor and delivery. Common physical changes include fatigue, shortness of breath, back pain caused by the shifting of your centre of gravity, swelling in the extremities from fluid retention, and more frequent urination due to the baby’s pressure on your bladder. Your breasts are in the final stages of milk production, which may cause them to become larger, tender, and possibly leak colostrum, the first milk.
Emotionally, this period can be challenging for some, as the realities become more apparent. It is also a time for nesting and getting ready for the baby’s arrival- packing the hospital bag, practising breastfeeding positions, and rearranging the nursery.
Recommended Bra Types:
Prioritise comfort, as you may find yourself uncomfortable in many situations—from your seatbelt or steering wheel to sitting on the lounge or getting up from it, tying your shoe, and more. Opt for a seamless bra with double layers for extra support, moulded cups for separation and capacity, and 6 hooks and eyes (wear on the last hook so you can reduce the underband after childbirth), along with high elastane content for stretch and recovery to ensure longevity.
During Breastfeeding
Nursing bras feature drop-down cups or other easy-access designs, allowing for convenient breastfeeding, whether at home or in public. A well-fitting nursing bra continues to provide essential support during feeding, reducing pain and discomfort associated with engorgement or let-down. Proper support and comfortable materials in a nursing bra can help prevent clogged milk ducts and mastitis, which can be a painful and challenging experience for breastfeeding mothers. By providing support and reducing pressure on the breasts, a good nursing bra can help maintain a healthy milk supply. Feeling comfortable and confident during breastfeeding can positively impact a mother’s emotional well-being and strengthen the bond with her baby.
How to Shop Smart by Trimester
When to buy what:
When you first discover you’re pregnant, choose a seamless bra that can stretch and grow with you. Avoid purchasing one that is too large, thinking you’ll grow into it. A well-designed bra should fit perfectly and accommodate your growth during the first trimester, providing support and comfort.
2nd Trimester:
You may not know your exact size, so it’s best to wait until the fourth month for a proper measurement and fitting if you plan to wear a flexible wired bra. You can also buy multi-sized bras as backups or your go-to bras. Ensure either one has 6 hooks and eyes and stretchable cups to adapt to your changing underband and enough support in the cups.
3rd trimester:
Comfort and support are essential, especially now when you’ll need the most assistance. When your milk comes in, your breast size could increase by 5 cup sizes, while your ribcage may reduce by 2 inches. Choose bras that can adjust in size around the band with 6 hooks and eyes, and that provide enough stretch and support in the cups to handle these fluctuations.
Final Tips
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your bra size may change up to five times. Therefore, it’s important to get fitted regularly to ensure proper support and comfort throughout your pregnancy.
- All quality maternity bras are also nursing bras, designed to facilitate feeding and provide easy access for your baby to nurse. Choose a bra with this feature to avoid needing to buy two separate bras or more. An added bonus is that practising one-handed feeding techniques during pregnancy can also help you become more confident.
- A good maternity bra should be breathable, adjustable, supportive, and comfortable, so it’s a great idea to pick a brand that has positive customer reviews mentioning these features.
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Katie is the proud mum of two beautiful girls and has been responsible for all the designs, style and fit at Cake Maternity for over a decade now.Â
Katie is a nursing bra specialist and a fit, pattern and grading technician. She is passionate about breastfeeding and the many benefits it offers to both mum, baby and the environment.
She is determined to make the breastfeeding journey a comfortable, supportive and beautiful one for all mums, understanding that it doesn’t always come easy to everyone. That’s why she has made it her mission to empower women as they mindfully navigate the world of motherhood and help make breastfeeding easier, through experience-driven innovation.
