When you are pregnant, your body and breasts go through some amazing changes. A placenta is grown for your baby’s development and nourishment. After your baby is born, this job is taken over by your breasts, where more changes and growth occurs.
So, how do I support these magical baby feeders? How do I find the right bra for each stage of pregnancy and beyond?
Firstly, let’s get our head around the changes that the body goes through and then we can figure out what kind of bra to wear for each stage. By the way, no, you don’t need a different bra for each stage. Phew. The most important thing is that the bra is fitting you. Follow these tips below and you’ll be well on the way to having a correctly fitted bra for every stage.
Look out for these fitting features in any bra at any stage:
0 to 3 Months Pregnant
When your baby is conceived, your body’s hormones change dramatically. This can lead to glandular change meaning your breasts can become swollen, sore and sensitive. Sometimes this is the first indication a woman gets that she is pregnant.
During this stage, look out for a bra that has the following:
- Stretchy — Look for something that will stretch and grow with you, but also keep you supported. A good quality bra will have more than 8% elastane (these are the stretchy fibres).
- Seamless — A seamless garment is designed to be super comfortable, as it is knitted from one yarn and won’t have any itchy, irritating seams. The good ones will also be moulded for cup depth, allowing your breasts to sit in the garment rather than being flattened.
- No wires — Wires are a no-go during this stage. Fluctuations can occur quite rapidly so it’s best not be restricted with wires that could poke and prod you.
Note: Seamless bras are usually sized S—XL. Please ensure you are still buying the right size for your bra size. Check the size grid on each bra just to make sure.
Look out for these features:
3 to 9 months Pregnant
During this time, your breasts should remain roughly the same size. Your rib cage, however, will be expanding to make room for your growing baby, and you may also be gaining some pregnancy weight. Both of these factors could result in a different bra size.
We recommend a cup-specific bra for this stage as it will offer greater support for your growing body, and beautiful shape too.
During this stage, look out for a bra that has the following:
- 6 hooks and eyes — When your rib cage is expanding, you’ll want some extra room in the back. This is also great when purchasing a bra later in your pregnancy, as you’ll be able to tighten the back after you’ve had your baby.
- Double layer — Look for a bra that has two layers as this means they are more durable and will last.
- One that fits — It’s always important to wear your correct fit, especially when it’s a cup size bra.
- Lower cup support — A good bra will support and lift you from under your breast (especially important for your fuller and heavier pregnancy breasts).
- Upper cup stretch — Look for a bra that is stretchy at the top of the cup, as this will allow the bra to support you during your fluctuations.
- Flexible wires — If the bra has wires, make sure they are flexible and move easily in four different directions.
Immediately Postpartum
As soon as you have your baby, your milk will come in. This will happen whether you are breastfeeding or not. Your breast will swell a few cup sizes on average, and be very sensitive. The fluctuations that occur, along with your nipples, can be painful for some women.
During this stage, we recommend that you wear a seamless bra again. Your size may have changed from when you were first pregnant, so it’s important to be wearing the correct size with the ability to increase in cup size. For example: If you are already a 12F, and this is the maximum size recommended on the size grid for that style, go up a size or change your style to suit for a fuller bust.
6+ Weeks Postpartum
By this stage, give or take a couple of weeks depending on your milk flow stabilisation, we advise mamas to go back into their cup size bras again, with or without flexi-wire.
Buying tip: Approx 80% of women will be the same breast size at 8 months pregnant and 6 weeks postpartum (if breastfeeding), so this is a great time to purchase some bras in advance. Just note that if buying at 8 months, fit your bra on the last hook to allow for rib cage reduction after you’ve had your baby.
Basically, in the first trimester and as soon as you’ve had your baby, opt for a seamless bra. During all other stages you can wear a cup sized bra with or without flexi-wire, as long as it is correctly fitted. At any stage, you shouldn’t be uncomfortable or unsupported.
At Cake, we use high quality Oeko-Tex 100 Certified fabrics and accessories. Our carefully considered designs ensure you get maximum support, fit, function, versatility and durability from each bra so they last through your pregnancy and your breastfeeding journey.
Find out more information: Cake Maternity
