Under-wired bras - are they really an issue?

[Novia]

Hiya - I'm 10+3 and my boobs are getting rather out of control! I've tried some wire-less bras and absolutely loathe them - can't find anything that actually fits properly and doesn't look totally hideous. So I have 2 questions:

1. How much of an issue is wearing an underwired bra? I saw something online which said it can damage milk duct development - and then other article which says this is just speculation and extremely unlikely.

2. If I do need to go for wire-less, has anyone any suggestions for something comfortable and not entirely hideous (please note this excludes M&S!)

Any help/advice gratefully received...

i was wondering the same thing so will be watching this thread.

i am 12+4 and still wearing my normal bras, they still fit quite comfortably

As as they are properly fitted, underwired bras are fine.

I was fitted in Bravissimo, and the lady told me that as long as the bra fits correctly so the wires aren't digging in to the breast tissue, it won't damage your milk ducts. She said the milk ducts 'form' (I think) during the 1st trimester, so after that underwired is fine. I've worn underwired all through this pregnancy, except for a few weeks where I tried non-wired and hated them.

I'm 12 weeks and used to always wear underwired but just can't get comfortable in one now, they dig in too much. I've read they aren't a good idea too so think I'm going to invest in a hot milk one. They're really adjustable so should last a fair while. Anything that makes me feel better at the moment is worth it.

ditto Obviously, bravissimo were great. i am now a 34 J (eep!!) so there is no way i could get away without underwire, i tried in my last pregnancy and i really think it did more harm than good. i'm now 32 weeks and haven't had any problems.

Bravissimo also said that even if i don't buy a bra from them i can take one in from someone else and they'll still make sure it fits properly.

hzgreen , i'll second Bravissmo for great customer service. I wondered if we just caught an exceptionally nice member of staff but seems not! We need more shops like them!

Wear the wire. My boobs are ridiculous in a wireless bra.

Have had to change bra size five times in pregnancy (7 months) ti make sure wires not hitting ducts in my ever expanding breasts. Marksies do a pack of two (one white, one black) for £16. They are comfy and good value and have been a lifesaver!

Underwire on my bra makes my nausea worse! Seems to irritate the top of my stomach when I am sitting. Gonna switch on that basis... Cant wait to rip my bra off as soon as i get in the door every day!

I managed with my bravissimo bra comfortably up to about 34 weeks (30HH) it's now too tight to wear all day, and i refuse to spend so much money on a new bra that may have only lasted a few weeks. i'm now wearing one of these
bra
They're not the most supportive things, but are very comfortable and i think they'll do for after baby wearing in bed with pads - if i get leaky boobs.

I meant without a wireless bra!

I had to lose the wired bras at about 12 weeks. Where I live there are no decent maternity shops and all the other usual suspects were rubbish. I nearly cried when I tried on various M&S non wired monstrosities.
My salvation was BHS (I was looking for an outfit for Granny's 80th!). They had a vaguely nice (non-maternity) non wired bra for £13 in lots of different colours including hot pink. Matching knickers too. Not sure how they'll feel later on, I was only a 34A/B and now a 36C, but they'll tide me over until I can shop somewhere better.

Well I've worn one all through - didn't know not to at first, and was always comfy. Due tomorrow and have discovered that they don't DO nursing bras in my size (was trying for 34A as am usually AA but no such luck) and so so uncomfy to wear one a bit large. Currently wearing bikini top (wired) as it's the only thing I have that's actually the right size and comfortable!

Lol at bog bean! Great image!

Thanks everyone! I'm going to stick to my comfy wired one for now then!

I've worn underwire through all pregnancies and have breastfeed without problems each time, wish I could find a wired nursing bra though

Vertbaudet do wired nursing bras and I'm sure a few other places do, it's a case of hunting around I think.