Shopping for bras can be a real pain in the butt, so imagine trying to find a good maternity one! In fact, I was just talking about this the other day with my pregnant cousin, who hasn't had any luck finding the right bra. Not only are her boobs way bigger, but they're constantly growing and changing shape. She's so frustrated she's thought about leaving the house with no bra at all. But that, my friend, is NOT okay!
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Don't get me wrong–I totally get it! Finding a bra to get you through pregnancy (at least the first trimester) can seem impossible. But fortunately, it's not. I had a chat with Bra Guru Jene Luciani who offered me some amazing tips on finding the right bra during pregnancy. So before you decide to throw in the towel, check out her pro tips and be amazed!
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Can I just get a bigger bra?
When it comes to shopping for bras during pregnancy, it's not always such a simple solution. "This is one of the toughest things imaginable! A woman's breasts can grow several band and/or cup sizes throughout the course of her pregnancy and a good bra is imperative as breasts can be heavy and sore during this time," Luciani says. "But of course we can't keep shelling out money for bras that will only last us a month or two. That's why I recommend a bra that stretches with you. Luciani recommends Spanx's The Ah Bra or The Genie Bra ($30). "Just be sure that it's snug enough so your breasts aren't bouncing up and down when you walk," she says.
How do I determine my bra size?
"My advice is to get fitted every time you think you may have changed sizes again," Luciani says. Most department store lingerie departments have a specialized staffer that can help you. Or you can try measuring yourself with these tips here.
Should I give up underwire?
A lot of women complain about underwires placing pressure on their pregnancy bellies, but is it okay to give them up? "It is really a matter of personal preference," Luciani explains. "An underwire can provide a lot of extra support, however if it is too tight and riding up against the breast, it can cause irritation or mastitis [an infection of the milk ducts], so you have to be careful. You can find a supportive bra that doesn't have an underwire to get you through." Try the Warner's Back To Smooth Wire-Free Bra ($20).
Are there any cute nursing bras out there?
"Cute and nursing bras rarely go in the same sentence," jokes Luciani. "You can find lines made specifically for pregnant women like Cake Lingerie or Bravado makes some great nursing bras in cute designs." We love the Bravado The Original Plus Nursing Bra ($35).
What about milk leakage?
If you want to avoid milk leaking through your PJs while you sleep, Luciani recommends sticking to comfortable bras and making sure to use absorbent insert pads. Try Philips AVENT Washable Breast Pads ($7).
