Most women probably won’t fit in their regular bras or underwear throughout their pregnancy, so purchasing maternity ones are a necessity. Here are some things to look for.
Key Maternity Bra Features
There are some key features to look for in a maternity or nursing bra such as: wide cushioned straps (easier on the shoulders), three back fasteners (if trying to loose the baby weight, back width will continue to decrease but cup size may stay the same), upper middle back support, and one hand cup opening (for nursing as baby will be in other hand). Under wire nursing bras do offer good support, but for some women they can clog milk ducts. Medela and Elle Macpherson Intimates are popular brands.
In terms of material, maternity bras with a blend of predominantly cotton with a bit of spandex are best, so the bra will mold to the shape of breasts as they change. However, if breasts get quite large, this type of material may not offer enough support. Other materials are fine as long as the cups are made of cotton and seamless, otherwise they will be itchy. Avoid bras where the cups are made of synthetic fabrics as they tend to trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth, which is a concern if leaking milk.
Maternity Bra Sizing
A woman is best to get the advice of the sales person on what size to buy once they are in their second trimester, as they can take the proper measurements. A maternity bra that fits in the second trimester may not fit in the third trimester so don’t stock up on too many of one size or one type.
Once a woman starts nursing, cup size and band size may increase or decrease still again, so one may wish to wait wait until after having the baby to buy a bra that is exclusively for nursing.
Nursing Bras
A lot of maternity bras also double as nursing bras so it is kind of a two for one, but more than one nursing bra is needed. Due to leakage, nursing bras can start to smell of sour milk and stain easily so they need to be washed more frequently. Also, breast pads may be needed, either disposable or ones that can go in the wash.
Some women leak, some women don’t, again no one knows what their body will do until they start nursing so have some on hand just in case. Without them, women can will leak through their bra and shirt, and it is noticeable and sudden. Popular nursing bras include the Anita Nursing Bra and Le Mystère Florence Nursing Bra.
Maternity Underwear Styles
Pregnant women can try to wear their regular underwear during pregnancy, but they will stretch out and will not be wearable afterward. It is worth purchasing maternity underwear because several pairs is not going to set anyone back that much.
Maternity underwear comes in all the same styles as regular underwear, including bikini, thong and boy shorts. Keep in mind that a particular style that a woman finds comfortable at their current size, may not be so when pregnant. Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy so thongs may not be a comfortable choice.
Underwear Features to Look for
When buying maternity underwear, women will want to avoid thin waist bands as they are too uncomfortable on a larger belly. Wider ones are better but there is always the chance of them rolling down. Maternity underwear comes in a choice of under belly, on top of belly or over belly underwear, depending on where a particular person’s comfort will be.
The material is usually mostly cotton or modal with some spandex for stretch. Avoid lace. The skin can get really itchy during pregnancy and this will irritate it further.
From the style to the size to their material, there are a variety of things to consider when buying maternity bras and underwear that will help a woman's comfort.
Gail Oliver - Gail is an author, writer and researcher. She has been quoted in magazines as diverse as Cosmopolitan and Maclean's. Gail writes on a ...
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