During and after pregnancy, a woman’s breasts are particularly affected by the physical changes taking place. In addition to caring for them with creams and lotions, it is important to ensure that your breasts are properly and comfortably supported to minimise any discomfort.
👉 Key takeaways
During pregnancy, breasts often increase by at least one cup size and become more sensitive. This makes it particularly important to choose a comfortable, well-fitting bra to minimise discomfort.
We therefore recommend:
- During the day, bras that provide good support, with wide straps and good back support.
- At night, bralettes without underwires or seams, to avoid putting pressure on the stomach.
Breasts During Pregnancy: What Changes?
During pregnancy, breasts increase by at least one cup size and may gain even more volume during breastfeeding. As a sensitive, delicate and sometimes painful area, the breasts can quickly become compressed by underwear that has become too tight, which is often one of the first signs of pregnancy.
- An increase in breast volume.
- Changes in skin elasticity.
- Feelings of tightness or discomfort if your bra is no longer suitable.
Taking care of your breasts involves wearing suitable underwear (bralettes, well-fitting underwired bras) and keeping the skin well moisturised to provide softness, comfort and support.
Which Bra Styles Are Suitable for Pregnant Women?
While there are nursing bras with a dedicated opening system for breastfeeding, it can often be more difficult to find the right bra during pregnancy.
Pregnancy brings rapid changes in cup size and skin firmness, so it is essential to adjust your lingerie regularly. The right maternity bra should adapt to these changes without compressing or causing discomfort.
- Keep an eye on your size: as soon as your bra leaves marks, feels tight or causes redness, it is time to go up a size or choose a more supportive, fuller-coverage style.
- Prioritise comfort: soft fabrics, well-covering cups and a sufficiently wide back to distribute support evenly.
- Choose the right type of lingerie: stretchy bralettes, well-fitting underwired bras and seamless styles for the night.
Whether or not you choose to wear underwires depends on your habits and needs, particularly the size of your breasts. For fuller busts, it is advisable to prioritise support with underwired bras and comfort with wide straps.
And what about at night? Some women prefer to wear some form of support at night to limit pain or feelings of tightness. In this case, softer styles such as (bralettes, seamless wire-free bras) are preferable to the styles worn during the day.
| Your needs | Recommended style | Why choose it? |
|---|---|---|
| First months of pregnancy | Comfortable bra | Supports the breasts while adapting to the first changes. |
| Sensitive breasts | Wire-free bra | Reduces pressure points and provides optimum everyday comfort. |
| Fuller bust | Soft underwired bra | Provides enhanced support while remaining comfortable. |
| Third trimester | Maternity bralette | Its stretchy fabric adapts to changes in breast volume. |
| Pregnancy + breastfeeding | Adjustable nursing bra | Can be worn before and after birth, making it a long-lasting investment. |
💡Tips
Our tips for staying comfortable throughout your pregnancy
✔ Try on your bra at the end of the day, when your breasts are often slightly fuller.
✔ Use the loosest hook setting at the beginning of your pregnancy so that you have room to adjust as your back measurement changes.
✔ Choose sufficiently wide straps if your breasts become heavier: they distribute the weight more evenly across your shoulders.
✔ Opt for breathable fabrics (cotton, microfibre, modal) to help reduce irritation caused by friction.
✔ If your bra leaves red marks or compresses your breasts, change size promptly rather than waiting several weeks.
✔ If you are planning to breastfeed, investing directly in an adjustable style may be more economical.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Maternity Lingerie
What is the best bra to wear during pregnancy?
The best maternity bra is one that provides good support without compressing the breasts. Styles with wide straps, fuller-coverage cups and stretchy fabrics naturally adapt to changes in the body.
From which month of pregnancy should you wear a maternity bra?
Some women feel the need for one as early as the first trimester, when their breasts become more sensitive or increase in volume. It is advisable to change your bra as soon as it becomes uncomfortable or leaves marks.
Can you wear an underwired bra during pregnancy?
Yes, provided the underwires are well suited to your body shape and do not compress the breasts. For fuller busts, they can provide additional support, while women with sensitive breasts will often prefer wire-free styles.
How many cup sizes can you go up during pregnancy?
Most women go up by one or two cup sizes during pregnancy, but this varies from person to person and may be greater during breastfeeding.
Should you sleep in a bra while pregnant?
It is not essential. However, if the weight of your breasts causes discomfort, a soft, wire-free bralette can provide greater comfort at night.
Can you wear a nursing bra during pregnancy?
Yes. Adjustable maternity styles and nursing bras can be worn during pregnancy. They adapt to changes in breast volume and can continue to be used after the baby is born.
How do you know when it is time to change bra size?
If your bra feels tight, leaves marks, your cups are spilling over or the straps dig into your shoulders despite being properly adjusted, it is probably time to go up a size.
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