What is maternity bra

If you buy a nursing bra while you're pregnant, allow some room for growth — you may go up a cup size or more during pregnancy and after your milk comes in. Photo credit: iStock. What are maternity bras — and do I need one? When should I start buying maternity bras?

What's the difference between maternity bras and nursing bras? How many maternity and nursing bras do I need? How to find the best nursing bras and maternity 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. Read more: Best maternity clothes Best maternity dresses 7 ways to save money on maternity clothes.

Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Featured video. Best maternity sports bras. Best nursing bras. Best maternity clothes. Creative ways to find affordable maternity clothes. Best maternity dresses. Maternity clothes: Your complete guide. Being pregnant at work. New to BabyCenter? I would like to start by saying proper fit is vital when purchasing either a maternity or nursing bra.

You can find your perfect fit using our Bra Size Calculator. Then you'll be off to a great start finding the right maternity bras and nursing bras for your body. Breast changes are happening before most women even know they are pregnant! Once your pre-pregnancy bra starts to feel uncomfortable or tight, do not delay finding yourself a maternity bra that fits you well. This may happen early in the pregnancy or more toward the end of pregnancy. Either way, you need to find a comfortable maternity bra that offers support and room for growth.

There are a few differences between a maternity and nursing bra. Such pressure may increase the risk of a blocked milk ducts or mastitis and it is for this reason inflexible underwire bras are not recommended. However, there are now nursing bras available that have a flexible low-gauge wire support, designed to flex and change position with your changing shape.

These are less likely to cause problems. Bras designed for pregnant women are also used when breastfeeding. The names maternity bra and nursing bra mean the same thing. When trying on different styles, remember to open and close the bra cup. Most bras open for feeding and some are easier to manage than others. Look for bras where the whole cup folds away, as opposed to rigid 'trapdoor' styles which can also put pressure on a full breast while feeding.

Centre front and shoulder clasp styles are available. For this reason we always recommend mamas wear seamless bras during these times. Cotton Candy. Seamlessly knitted from a dense yet super soft yarn, this nursing bra provides comfort, support and functionality without restriction.

The ultra-comfy stretch fabric grows with you during pregnancy and snaps back to its original shape postpartum and after each wash. Rock Candy. Super soft, supportive and wire-free. With its double layered knitted panels, this seamless nursing bra is designed to lift, shape and support while making nursing a breeze. It also features removable foam contour cups for shape and modesty. The ultra-comfy stretch knit fabric enables Rock Candy to grow with you during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Tutti Frutti. This ultra-comfy and soft bamboo viscose bra is wire-free and features a plunge neckline with delicate lace detailing, making it the perfect bra to take you from day to night and back again. This t-shirt bra has perfectly concealed flexi-wire for a lovely tailored shape. The soft velvety outer layer and moulded spacer cups offer shape, support and comfort without the bulkiness of foam.

This flexi-wire nursing bra combines intricate polka dot mesh, lace trim and luxurious velvet straps, ensuring you feel like a treat whenever you put it on. The folded edge side slings provide side support for your bust without digging in. A contour flexi-wire nursing bra that oozes femininity, sophistication and functionality. Its versatile design offers shape and support, with a pretty polka dot printed A-frame sling, spacer moulded contour cups and lacey back wing.

The additional J-hook means your satin shoulder straps can be worn as a racer back. The folded edge nursing sling also supports your bust and the demi-cup foam contour cups shape your decolletage whilst the lace outer cups follow the plunging neckline and allow for milk fluctuations.