What are maternity bras – and do I need one?
Maternity bras are souped-up versions of regular bras – designed to comfortably support your growing breasts during pregnancy. Standard maternity bra features include wider straps, a soft cotton lining, and extra hooks and eyes on the band. Some have underwire, some don't.
You'll most likely need a few maternity bras. Like the rest of your body during pregnancy, your breasts are changing, becoming bigger and more sensitive to the touch. You can chalk up this metamorphosis to hormonal shifts, weight gain, an expanding rib cage, and, later in pregnancy, mammary glands that are preparing to make milk for your baby.
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While it may be tempting to make do with the bras you have (you've already got other maternity clothes to buy!), it's best to invest in a few good pregnancy bras. Your breasts are getting heavier – the developing glandular tissues can add on a few ounces per breast, at least – and they deserve some comfy support.
When should I start buying maternity bras?
Buy maternity bras as soon as your regular bras feel tight or uncomfortable. For many women, this starts happening when you're around six weeks pregnant. If you take off the bra and see indentations where the band and straps were, your breasts are spilling out of your bra cups, or your bra feels too snug, it's time to purchase a new one.
Every woman is different, every pregnancy is different, and your breasts will change in a way that's unique to you. You may find that your cup size continues to increase throughout your pregnancy, or your breasts might grow during your first trimester and then not increase in size again until the last few months as milk production starts to ramp up. Depending on how you grow, you're probably going to need to go bra shopping more than once during your pregnancy.
What's the difference between maternity bras and nursing bras?
The main difference between a maternity bra and a nursing bra is that nursing bras have clasps or panels that allow easy access to the nipples for breastfeeding, while maternity bras don't. (And from there, there are all kinds of nursing bras – nursing sports bras, seamless nursing bras, and nursing sleep bras, to name a few.)
Many women prefer a combination of both, buying maternity bras or larger sizes of their favorite pre-pregnancy bras in the beginning of their pregnancies, then switching to nursing bras somewhere in the middle of the third trimester. Many nursing bras offer soft, wire-free support, so they're ideal for late pregnancy when you may be feeling uncomfortable and exhausted. Plus, you'll need them postpartum if you breastfeed your baby.
It's a good idea to go shopping for nursing bras to wear postpartum around 36 weeks. If you do buy nursing bras to wear during pregnancy, make sure they give you room to grow. Your rib cage can expand until then, and your breasts may go up another cup size or two after your baby arrives and your milk comes in. Choose a bra that fits when the clasp is on the tightest setting, so you'll be able to let it out.
How many maternity and nursing bras do I need?
You'll likely need at least three maternity bras during pregnancy and three nursing bras for after you give birth (so you have enough to wash and wear). If you want to try to hold off on buying maternity bras in early pregnancy, you may be able to use your sports bras or more unstructured, soft-sided bras.
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Another budget-friendly idea: Buy a bra extender, which is a great way to make your bras last longer. It attaches to the back of your bra to add extra length and hooks to the band. At about $5 a pair (you can easily find them online), it's an affordable way to get more life out of the bras you buy earlier in pregnancy – or even your pre-pregnancy bras.
You might also consider borrowing maternity bras from a similarly sized friend or sister.
How to find the best nursing bras and maternity bras
Find the best nursing and maternity bras by asking your mom friends for their recommendations, trying on multiple kinds until you find your favorite, and looking online for inspiration – see our picks for the best nursing bras and best maternity sports bras.
If you're shopping in person, try on a few styles and sizes to find the best and most comfortable fit. At specialty lingerie stores, staff can take your measurements for free. And if you're online shopping, be sure to compare your measurements with a brand's size charts – it's not a bad idea to buy a bunch of options and return what doesn't work.
The best nursing bras and maternity bras have sturdy seams and straps – flimsy ones literally don't hold up. If your breasts are bigger than DD's, choose a bra with straps that are at least an inch wide at the shoulders (they'll do their job better).
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While standing up and sitting down, there should be no bunching, pinching, or sliding anywhere. If the chest band rises up into the breast area from the rib cage; the cups overflow (or gap); or the straps are too tight or fall off your shoulders despite adjustments, the bra won't work. A basic rule: If the bra causes any discomfort or hassle the first time you try it on, it'll only get worse during regular wear.
Underwire bras during pregnancy are fine as long as they fit right and don't pinch your breasts, but many moms-to-be find them uncomfortable and opt for soft cups instead. To prevent potential chafing, look for soft material like a cotton or cotton and synthetic blend with no seams near the nipple.
Maternity and nursing bras have come a long way, and today, you can find all kinds of styles, from super-sexy lace bralettes to soft-cup cotton ones in cute patterns. It doesn't matter if you want to stick with your pre-pregnancy lingerie style or opt for something totally different, you'll have a lot of great options to choose from.
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