Bras. Please help. :(

[MarchEliza]

I am 13 weeks pregnant and all my bras are a constant source of agony (getting progressively worse throughout the day.)
There are lots of nursing bras available - but obviously I am miles off that, and several 'sleep bras' - do I wear them now in the day??

Do I just buy loads and loads of progressively enormous bras as my (already substantial) breasts grow to increasingly monstrous sizes?

What is your advice Mumsnet??

[weeblueberry]

Consider getting a couple of cheaper non wired bras if you're not already wearing those. I wouldn't advise spending a fortune but at the stage you're at your breasts can get very very tender and you want to help yourself as much as you can.

If you can afford to do it I'd recommend going for regular (every 2/3 months) fittings at Bravissimo and getting a well measured bra that will fit you comfortably.

Don't be tempted to just go out and buy a massive bra because it won't make your breasts any comfier!

[Dontforgetyourbrolly]

Google " genie bras" - I bought mine from amazon ( you can get other brands on there that are the same thing). For me, they were amazing and saw me through the whole pregnancy. I still wear some now, such pretty colours!

[Booksnchocs13]

I'd get measured at Mothercare for free then, if as for me they didn't do that size, head to the nearest Primani or ebay or wherever and get some cheapy non-wired ones to see you through. It's working for me and cost-effective, too! I was pleasantly surprised with Primark as I usually hate it but they did a twin pack of non-wired nursing bras for about £9 in lots of sizes.

[allduffedup]

If it's feeling too tight, you could try a bra extender. Otherwise, you could get fitted somewhere like Bravissimo so at least you know the size is accurate, or else try on some cheap bras yourself at eg. Tesco and buy what is comfortable. Nothing wrong with sports bras either if you find that more comfortable - I wore one for a while.

Just keep in mind though, that the most important thing is that you are comfortable. Just because someone measures you as a 34D or whatever, it doesn't mean you have to struggle on wearing that size bra if it's still uncomfortable. For example, I had quite bad upper back pain in the second trimester (probably not caused by my bra, but having anything too tight across my ribcage didn't help). I got fitted at Bravissimo around 18 weeks and bought a bra, then went back a few weeks later to check the size was right as I felt it was too tight and uncomfortable. The lady at Bravissimo said it was still the correct size, but I decided to start wearing it with an extender, and that helped a lot.

The other tip I would mention, is to buy something that fits on the tightest hooks to start with, as your ribcage will probably continue to expand and then you will be able to let it out onto the loosest hook and have it still fit. Annoyingly, Bravissimo don't fit like this. Instead they fit it to the loosest hook to start with, as they say the elastic loosens over time and then you have space to tighten it up. I think that works when buying normal bras, but not during pregnancy.

[MarchEliza]

Thank you all!!! - off to do some googling and will brave the shops this weekend.

[mssleepyhead]

Struggled with non wired bras that didn't fit properly for several weeks. Then on a whim bought £5 crop tops from sainsburys. They're absolutely fab - stretchy, comfy, not too hot and not too massive. I've lived in them since (some for sleeping, some for day time). Have one to wear in labour in my hospital bag and then going on to nursing bras when baby is born, but honestly, they have been an essential item for me.

[Bohemond]

I am wearing a size up in M&S soft touch t shirt bras. They are not itchy/scratchy but very smooth which was my problem. Has not stopped my boobs itching but they are much better.
I wear Mothercare sleep bras at night.
BTW, although I am only a 34 B at the mo I have never had such impressive boobs (but I hate them at the same time!)

[mrsnec]

I got some of those cheap bandeau type things that were recommended to me on here. I think asda sell them really cheap.

I also got some soft cotton bras from amazon for 5 quid each. The bandeau are one size but with the cotton ones, my pre pg size was a 34dd so I ordered a 34e and a 36e and they're both fine.

I got a cheap nursing bra from asos but I know I'm going to need more and probably a different size.

[MumaBex]

Ive been wearing those elasticated non wired bras you can pick up from primark for like £3. they are comfortable and stretchy too so you dont have to buy new bras all the time.

[squizita]

I got Debenham to measure me the bought from Primark, supermarkets and in the sales - non wired granny bras.
Those "comfort bras" that look like crop tops are comfy for casual wear too: asda do them.

[JennyBlueWren]

It's worse when you're already large. I shopped at Bravissimo and wore underwired at night. Have gone up a size already but now in their biggest (L). The biggest soft bras they do are K so I can't wear them during the day as they don't really fit. Beginning to outgrow the L size and don't know where to get larger sizes :(