Boobs and bras

[Lego80]

Bras! I'm 16 +3 and all my bras are very uncomfortable or don't fit. I don't want to waste money buying new bras if they're going to be too small again in a few weeks. Are there any out there that can last for duration of pregnancy or at least a good while? I. Not entirely sure what's got bigger. My back or my boob?

[Whatabout]

Get some bra extenders?

[Lego80]

I considered that but I think my boobs are too big for the cups now

[HazleNutt]

it's quite likely that both will get bigger, and yes, you will often change size several times during pregnancy. To check what has changed with current bra, put it on back to front - if it fits fine this way, it's the cup size. If it's too tight even backwards, then it's back and also possibly cup.

Best solution would be just to buy new bras in your actual size, but if you don't want to do that, there are options like crop tops and nursing bras that accommodate more sizes. Also soft cup (non-wired) bras give you more growing room.
You can try this type for example www.marksandspencer.com/2-pack-maternity-non-wired-santoni-full-cup-bras/p/p22278630
or a lot of people like this:
www.nursingbra-shop.co.uk/bravado%2Dbody%2Dsilk%2Dseamless%2Dnursing%2Dbra%7E112

Downsides with this approach is that those bras are never as supportive as normal ones, and it's likely that you can't use the same bras for nursing, as you are likely to go up in cup size again, when your milk comes in.

Personally I just search for bargains on eBay - yes, that means I have a whole collection in bras in various sizes, but at least I'm comfortable and supported.

[Lego80]

Thank you!

[HazleNutt]

here's a good guide how to measure yourself at home
thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.fr/p/fitting-advice.html

[Hophop987]

I found this one the most comfortable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/bravado-seamless-nursing-bra/p1813159?colour=Ivory&un_jtt_v_pdp=yes&un_jtt_v_from_product=un_product_6#page_loaded

[ChanceBeAFineThing]

I disagree with HazleNutt - if you are going to breastfeed (and don't stop abruptly) you may find that as you drop feeds your boobs gradually get smaller, so may well be using the bras you purchase now. Obviously that totally depends on your body, but if you are considering bf, I would purchase nursing bras on the off chance you might get more wear out of them.

I'm with you though, is annoying to spend so much money on bras, I'm on my 3rd pregnancy having bf my first 2, I have pretty much every bra size under the sun in my drawers, dread to think how much I've spent....

[worksallhours]

I was in a similar position to you in my last pregnancy and tried to "make do" for as long as I could, thinking that my boobs would no doubt just get larger.

The upshot was that I was just very uncomfortable and when I eventually realised the situation was untenable and bought a bra in a bigger size, I ended up having to wash it overnight etc because somehow I thought I could get away with only having one fitting bra.

It was a pretty daft situation, entirely of my own making.

It might just have to be a cost that you accept, a bit like maternity wear.

For example, I am 15 weeks and have already gone up two cup sizes. I am on the verge of needing to buy a bra in the size above the one I am wearing. Hopefully, they will not get much larger as they are already resembling boulders and the weight is extraordinary.

[bigchangesabound]

A few weeks ago I went and bought some new bras- measured myself, tried loads on because what I'd measured didn't fit!!! Then went and bought 3 from John Lewis- non-wired at £16 each and now they don't fit! Grrrr!!! I did also by crop top type things from Asda- £6 each in a variety of colours and they are great- I wouldn't go running in them but at least they are comfortable :)

[applecore0317]

I've been buying maternity bras from primary for this reason. £7 for a pack of two

[frangipani13]

Get yourself measured in John Lewis their maternity bras are only £14. My first ones lasted about 9 weeks and I've just bought more as I've gone up another three cup sizes. It's too important to me to feel comfortable atm the moment.

[willnotbetamed]

I would buy bras one at a time - someone gave me this advice and it at least helped save some money. Buy one that fits, wash it overnight, and give it a couple of weeks - if it still feels great, then buy one or two more the same. If not, then upgrade a size. I went for the non-underwired ones, support isn't great but they are comfier when you're between sizes.

[WeePoppy]

I buy these:

www.matalan.co.uk/womens/shop-by-category/lingerie/bras/s2569191/2-pack-non-wired-body-smooth-t-shirt-bras

They are pretty comfy and they don't break the bank...

[3rdbump]

When I was around 20 weeks I went to m&s and got fitted into maternity bras. Much more comfortable!

[misssmilla1]

I've had really little luck getting non wired bras. I went to John Lewis and they were really unhelpful and only found 3 bras in my size (I wasn't aware that a 38C was so 'large' the assistant's comment, not mine...) one of which was a horrible non wired white thing that looked like a starter bra you had when at school, the other squashed my boobs and the underneath of my armpits from the non wired support and the other was a cross my heart style cone tits bra with no padding - hardly useful for wearing under tshirts etc.

I ended up going back to M&S and sizing up in their comfy full cup underwired tshirt bras

[IfYouWereARiverIdLearnToFloat]

So would you recommend M&S then? I'm only 6 weeks and bursting out of an F cup... dreading getting any bigger.

[HazleNutt]

Don't know their bras, but do not let M&S fit you, they have no idea. Go to Bravissimo.

[macmissy]

Debenhams were amazing, I'm 8 weeks and have already gone up 2 cup sizes. They were really helpful, measured and spent around 30 minutes with me. She even suggested I get the next cup size up because I'm undoubtedly going to get bigger. We went up a back size so I can start on the tightest and move through the back. I was a 34 D and within this sort space of time I'm a 36E! There is no chance I could hold out in mine any longer, mine were killing me. Bite the bullet and be comfy. I bought 2 for £26 and money well spent

[LoulaRose]

I was a small cup before I got pregnant and have got bigger and bigger as the months go on (I am now 7 months and have gone up 4 cup sizes). I was finding it very difficult to find pretty non-wired bras and each place that measured me selected bras for my small back measurement which would cause me pain. Best thing I have found is non-wired lace triangle bras from Hennes online. Very comfortable, sexy and well priced at around £12.99 each. They don't offer a great deal of support but if you just need something for the modesty they are a good option!

[BeforeIChangeMyMind]

Try bravado bras, they span a couple of cup sizes, have feeding clips and are designed to grow with you. So you can get B/C and D/DD etc. They are also seamless, so nothing to irritate.

I LOVE them, esp the sweet pea design, which is cotton with stretch, so comfy in warm weather. I found them cheapest at //www.nursingbra-shop.co.uk and then at Figleaves when they were doing a 20% off.

Whatever you do, I agree with other posters - get comfy, it is SO worth it.

[Frasras11]

ifyouwereariver I'd get yourself to bravissimo. I was a G cup first pregnancy and went up to a J this time I'm in a K cup already (13+4). Most high street shops don't do bigger sizes well.

lego80 I think bra expense is something you'll just have to deal with. I'd rather pay for the comfort. I have to pay £30 + a pop for mine. Hopefully if you're smaller chested you'll be able to shop high street and cheaper.

[macmissy]

frasras a K? Holy Moly! My DP would LOVE that! I feel for you, they must hurt!

[LostMySocks]

Remember you can wear underwires when pregnant. Just need to make sure that they are well fitted and that the wires don't rest on your boobs. I had 3 sets of bras during last pregnancy. Worth every penny. My boobs got huge and I BF but have no stretch marks or sagging.

[meeraashra]

This thread has been so helpful... I'm only 4 weeks but my bras are useless now! Sore and growing day by day! Ill definitely pop into M & S and get some!