Maternity Bra

[LouisaJF]

I'm 12 weeks and already falling out of my bra. I'm a 34E, and I think I must have gone up 1 or 2 cup sizes.

I'm going to get measured and shop for a new bra, but I don't know what I'm looking for. Do I need a maternity bra or just a normal one? I'm guessing I might still grow, so don't want to spend a fortune in case it doesn't fit for long.

What do you ladies recommend?

[StickyGhost]

Tbh, the one thing I regret spending money on during pregnancy was maternity bras (I got a couple from Mothercare). Total waste of money when I could have gone to Primark and got some ordinary ones for a fraction of the price.
Your size will change over the course of your pregnancy quite a lot; cup size and measurement around your ribcage - uterus/baby gets bigger, then when baby descends towards the end you will change sizes again. Maternity bras also aren't practical as nursing bras (plus boobs will have changed again by this point!). So what fits now might not in a couple of months time.
Go and get yourself measured and get some nice new bras, but aslong as they're not underwired it doesn't really matter whether they are specifically maternity ones or not.

[LouisaJF]

My problem is that when you get to 34E you end up spending quite a bit of money as the likes of Primark don't carry those kinds of sizes.

[user59457812]

Louisa - can't help as I'm having the same dilemma myself!

StickyGhost - is underwire a real no no? The only bra I have left that fits is underwired and I was trying to spin it out a bit longer (I'm 17 weeks and boobs haven't grown that much, although I think they are on their way...)

[cravingcake]

Underwire is fine, so long as it is fitted properly and doesnt dig in anywhere. I stayed in underwire bra's until about 30 weeks when now (37 weeks) I've found a good couple of sports bra's more comfortable especially when I'm now nesting at home and resting up and not bothered about the monoboob thing so much. I am only 36 DD so nothign compared to you. I've read a lot on here about bra's and a lot of people recommend Bravissimo.

[StickyGhost]

Oh, I see your point about Primark, sorry I don't know where to suggest then, M&S, Peacocks or somewhere like that? If you have time to do a search there's loads of threads on here from the past that I found very helpful, that discuss this a bit better (plus best places to get accurately measured).
HotPink, as far as I've always read/been advised, underwired bras are not the best idea during pregnancy, have a read of this:
//www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/isitsafeto/underwirebraexpert/
(really hope I've linked properly)

I guess you're the only one who can make that call about whether your old bra is still ok to use or not, sounds like it might be for at least a bit longer!
Congrats both on your LOs, you must be so excited!

[Stokey]

I wore underwired bras throughout my last pregnancy. They are OK so long as you keep getting measured. I started off as 28F and was something like 32H by the end. I just kept going to Bravissimo to get measured every couple of months then looking for cheaper versions online. Bra Stop tend to be good value.

[Velvetcu]

I'm 38+3 and still in underwired. I've only gone up to a 36D though so am wearing matalan cheapies. I have changed sizes twice - once at 12 weeks then again at around 24 weeks. Just bought some nursing bras today from m&s which are obviously not underwired but that's it.

I have also heard that bravissimo are very good and will talk you through measuring yourself properly at home if you can't get to a store.

[DejaWho]

I'm 8 weeks and am already reaching quadraboob stages to be honest - trying to hang on to 12 before the amusement of dragging my hubby bra shopping.

As for underwiring - without it I'm mono-quadraboob so I'll stump up for some properly fitted ones (well, I'll buy one from bravissimo then go order more online when I know size) and take the risk a bit longer cos otherwise I'll look like that boob woman from the Simpsons Movie.

[absam32]

Hi LouisaJF - same problem - I'm an e cup and ended up spending about £30 in Mothercare for one cotton maternity bra which offered no support and was useless after a month....my tip is try George at Asda! I would never usually shop there for my underwear but its super cheap and I managed to get a couple of sports bras for the gym and a couple of everyday bras for under £20 the lot...and will not feel bad about replacing when they get too small...

[BlueChampagne]

I got some in John Lewis which weren't too painful on the pocket. Keep them if you plan more DC, or sell on ebay to recoup some of the cost.

[NoodieRoodie]

another vote for Asda here. I'm 38+5, and still in underwired that fit me properly, I bought a couple of of the 2 for £8 packs which have seen me through. I'm currently a 34F

[DejaWho]

Asda George bras generally have some kind of bounty on my head whereby the underwiring makes a bid for freedom and starts trying to stab me through the heart by about 11am... popping out of the V neck of my "smart and organised - honest!" work top right about the moment I'm talking to the boss!

At the moment I've got a few very very soft M+S bras which are quite stretchy and gentle and contain the overspill to a minimum but I need to get measured properly in the next few weeks (trying to hang on till I'm out of the first trimester and clearer for miscarriage risk).

[kiki22]

I was told by maternity physio to get a good sports bra with adj straps as these are much better than maternity bras for anyone with bigger boobs. I got mine from jjb for £30 it has a double strap at the back so ur normal strap and clip with another strap and clip about an inch up so it gives great support and the shoulder straps adj. It's a shock absorber so theres no bounce at all.

Only draw back is how it looks but it's well worth it to not feel like your spilling out, also will help stop any back ache you might get from your bigger boobs. I know there are cheaper sports bras but they don't give you the same support and with big boobs supports a must unless you want to end up with dog ears for boobs!

[LouisaJF]

Got a good one from Debenhams in the end. Pretty, comfortable and only £13. Off to Asda to look at their selection now.

[casperella]

I got quickly fed up with the saggy monoboob look foisted on me by non-wired bras in previous 2 pregnancies, so I went to Asda this time and tried on lots of different sized underwired bras, and bought the ones which fitted the best. Only spent £6 for 2! I know my boobs will prob change size again before the end of pg so not worth shelling out much imo.

Also got a decent (wired) Fantasie bra from TKMaxx for £5. Must've been my lucky day (for a change).

We must fight against sagging ladies!!!

[Lucyannieamy]

Don't worry about growing out of the bra as you get bigger, you'll grow back into them as you deflate again. And if you will bf definitely buy nursing bras now, you need lots in every size (well I did. Everything from a 32 c to a 34 e)