Bra Advice

[QueenFroggy]

Hi everyone, I'm 11+2 weeks on my first pregnancy and I'm a bit unsure about when to sort out maternity clothes; specifically bras.

My breasts are very sensitive at the moment (as you might expect lol) and growing a fair bit. My bras from before I became pregnant are already uncomfortable, so I've bought 2 cheap ones in a larger size to give me support for the time being.
However, I'm wondering what point should I get measured and invest in some nicer maternity / nursing bras. It seems pointless buying any now when my breasts are still growing, but I obviously want to be properly supported asap and don't want to keep buying cheap bras (if possible).
Do you have any advice?

I am 10+2 and wearing padded crop top bras - I gave up underwired a couple of years ago because I found them so uncomfortable. as far as i understand underwired bras arent recommended in pg. I am not very big though, 30D/32C in normal sizes. My usual ones are fine at the moment but might have to get bigger/fitted later on.

link here to similar: www.peacocks.co.uk/lds-seamfree-thin-strap-cols-ff01cf.html

You can wear whatever bra you want during pregnancy and whilst bfing, as long as they fit correctly. If you feel more comfortable in underwired bras it's completely acceptable as long as the wire sits properly on your body and no part of your breast tissue is squashed or pinched.

I found with my first, that my boobs grew most during the first trimester and then were fairly stable until much closer to the birth. I think I got measured at about 34/35 weeks for nursing bras (DS came at 36w or I'd have left it a bit longer!)

Sorry I'm not sure that answers your question very well, I'm sure someone will have some better advice 😂

I got h & m maternity bras and they have been a godsend. They do a pack of 2 for about £20.

Another vote for M&S maternity bras (and I normally hate M&S bras!). They're stretchy so you may find one size will last all the way through pregnancy, they have breastfeeding clips so can be used once baby is here if you plan to BF. They also have removable padding, which I have really appreciated as it gives a nice shape, more akin to wearing an underwired bra, and also takes the edge off of extreme pregnancy / breastfeeding nipples poking through clothes!!

I had other non-padded stretchy maternity / feeding bras last pregnancy (Emma Jane I think) and the M&S ones are so much nicer!

Ignore "another vote" I see the PP recommended H&M not M&S! Oops!

Another vote for the H&M maternity bras. I got a few at 20 weeks and find them so comfortable!

Just to give another perspective... my boobs grew a bit in the first trimester and then calmed down once I got to around 12 weeks (lol) so I was thinking of investing in comfortable bras that would last me the rest of pregnancy and into breastfeeding. However I'm now 31 weeks and they have just had another massive growth spurt! So if I'd bought any bras during the second trimester they definitely wouldn't fit anymore. So I'm going to stay in my basic comfy crop tops for now (which were mega cheap because they aren't for BF and don't have the feeding clips etc, so can just get them from Primark or wherever) and then leave it as late as possible to buy proper feeding ones.

However I've even read about people buying 'proper' feeding bras at 38/39 weeks and then them not fitting properly once baby's here because of boobs getting even bigger once milk comes in properly. So if you do buy any expensive bras whilst pregnant I would only get one or two until you're certain they will fit throughout feeding!

I'm 26w and my boobs have been gradually growing throughout my pregnancy. I bought a selection of crop top style yoga & maternity bras in a size up which lasted about 4 months but I must say they are getting quite small & I think I'm going to have to get another set which is annoying. I'm worried as I've heard they can get even better when you start bf-ing so am not sure where to get current size or even bigger. I've been going for the elasticated ones sized S,M,L etc as I think these cover a wider range of sizes & therefore should last longer.

I had to to out and buy maternity bras at about 6 weeks! I had quite big boobs anyway (36E) but they ballooned very quickly and were so sensitive. Underside was a big no no, I went braless for a few days and that was even worse. I got measured at M&S and had gone up to an F, so I got one bra there and then a 2 pack from Mothercare. I prefer the Mothercare ones. They are maternity bras, not nursing bras, which I will buy a lot later in pregnancy.

Sorry, I'm using my phone which is autocorrecting everything. I meant underwire.

Not to hijack the thread or anything, but has anyone got suggestions for bigger boobs? Mine went up to a H cup in the first trimester and now no normal shop stocks any nursing or maternity bras in my size. If they're going to get bigger (I'm 34 weeks now) then I'm despairing a bit cos I don't think big enough bras exist!

Hi @EnglishIrishRose
I have the same problem as you - big boobs and where do you find bras.
Someone recommended molke to me. They're a UK company who make really nice bras (not underwired) up to an N cup size. Several other people endorsed this suggestion so I've ordered one (yet to arrive) to test out. If I like it then I'll get more. They're not very cheap but I generally think a good bra that will last is a worthwhile investment and I can never find cheap bras in my size anyway.
Also, the cup fabric is stretchy so can accommodate some size changes and there is advice on there about how to measure to get the right size for their bras and what to do if you're pregnant/breastfeeding about sizing.
Hope that helps!

Thanks @lifechanginglemoncake I'll check it out!