How Maternity Bras Support Your Breasts During Pregnancy?

Many women notice the sudden change in breast size during pregnancy to be quite a blow. As they grow, they become more sensitive, and adequate support becomes a necessity for your comfort. Your favorite bras start to feel a bit strange; it’s a sign that your body is changing. In this situation, supportive maternity bras are of great help. They help soothe discomfort, improve body posture, and boost your confidence. Let’s find out how these supportive garments support your breasts while you're pregnant!

What Is a Maternity Bra and Is It Necessary?

Maternity bras are upgraded versions of ordinary bras, designed to support your growing breasts through pregnancy. Typical maternity bras include wider straps, extra hooks on the band, and a soft cotton lining. Some styles may also have an underwire, while others are wire-free.

As your body changes, you’ll likely need a couple of maternity bras. Just like the rest of you, your breasts grow and become more touch-sensitive. These changes are caused by hormonal shifts, weight gain, a widening rib cage, and, later in pregnancy, milk glands prepare milk for your baby. While sticking with your regular bras might seem tempting (especially with all the other maternity necessities you’re buying), a good pregnancy bra can make all the difference in this unique time.

How Do Maternity Bras Work?

Maternity bras are all about giving you the support and peace of mind you need throughout pregnancy. Made with stretchy material in the cups, they expand with you as your body changes. To get the best fit, try adjusting it to the middle hook first—this gives you room to expand to the looser hook as your rib cage grows. If you’re wearing the bra regularly, it might stretch out a bit over time, and that’s where the tighter hook comes in handy to keep the fit snug and supportive without over-relying on the straps. Most maternity bras also offer fuller coverage for an additional sense of security.

How To Buy Maternity Bras?

Buying a maternity bra can be a puzzling task, especially if it’s your very first pregnancy. First, prioritize support—look for a bra with wide straps and a deep center at the front. This helps reduce bounce and offers great support, easing pressure on your back and neck. You’ll also notice that maternity bras provide full coverage, which keeps sensitive breasts comfortable as they change.

The best maternity bras will grow with you, so choose one with at least 3 or 4 hook positions to allow adjustments as your rib cage expands. For more comfort, cotton bras or those with a cotton lining are ideal, especially since body temperature often rises during pregnancy. If you’re planning to breastfeed, consider a dual-purpose maternity and nursing bra. These come with convenient clips on the straps, making breastfeeding easier and saving you the cost of buying separate bras later on.

When Should I Purchase a Maternity Bra?

As a matter of fact, there’s no exact timeframe for buying a maternity bra. Many women wear it when their breasts get tender and larger as early as 5 to 6 weeks into pregnancy—well before their bump even appears! For some, these changes happen later, so it’s best to go by how you and your body feel.

In the first trimester, you may find that your breasts are more swollen and tender. While a maternity bra isn’t a must just yet, it’s common to feel discomfort from the straps or underwire of your regular bras as they begin to dig in. Switch to a soft fabric bra to avoid irritation.

By the second trimester (weeks 13–26), your under-bust and cup size usually increase, and many women, around weeks 15–17, seek a fitting due to discomfort in their old bras. Experts recommend having 2-3 bras on hand to rotate, which helps prevent them from stretching too quickly. As you enter the third trimester (weeks 27–42), wearing a maternity bra becomes pivotal for comfort and support. Breasts tend to grow heavier and larger at this stage, and having 1–2 well-fitting bras will help you feel secure and comfortable.

On a FInal Note

In summary, maternity bras are fundamental for breast health during pregnancy. With the right fit, these bras help relieve tension, accommodate changes, and more. The aim of a maternity bra is to give support during this time. For moms-to-be wondering where to get maternity bras in Singapore, a brand like Lovemere caters maternity and nursery undergarments to mothers through the stages of pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Browse their collection and enjoy the ultimate support during pregnancy!