Pregnancy Fitting Guides

Pregnancy Bra Fitting Guide

Nothing beats the expert advice that our bra fitters can give you at a Brava store during this precious time in your life. Our bra fitters are all trained in the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and can help you find the right size and style to suit your needs.

Bra Fitting During Pregnancy & Beyond

If you're unable to visit a Brava Lingerie store to get expert maternity bra fitting service and be tended to by our knowledgable bra experts, the below tips here will help you find the right braf fit for your maternity bra that will support your changing shape throughout pregnancy and even after your baby is born. Brava is with you throughout your many life stages, especially the most important one – becoming a Mum. With the best maternity lingerie and nursing bra collections for bigger cups in Australia, you will undoubtedly find one at Brava that's perfect for you.

Breast changes during pregnancy

Your body will change significantly during pregnancy. Your breasts will increase in size (in a short amount of time), and they will feel heavier and more sensitive due to hormonal changes. Your milk ducts are also going through a process of being activated and require unrestricted support to help them function.

0-3 months - Your bust is undergoing the most change during the first trimester, with milk ducts developing and the bust increasing sometimes by 2-3 cup sizes. Your breasts may be very sore and sensitive; so a non-wired, stretchy, seamless maternity bra that is designed to grow with you will provide some relief. When trying on maternity bras during the first trimester the bra must fit well on the tightest hook which allows for the back band to be loosened as your rib cage expands.

3-7 months - During the second and third trimesters your breast growth slows but your rib cage will expand as your baby grows. It's usually during this time you may need to be fitted again especially if the back band is getting too tight! Your breast size should stabilize at around 7 months.

7-9 months - Your bra should be fastened on one of the looser hooks by now. Maternity bras are designed to stretch with your changing shape so ensure there is only enough room in the cup to slip a flat hand in (not a fist). If your maternity bra is fitted too big, it will be unsupportive and uncomfortable. Getting close to the birth you may like to consider a wire free bra for hospital during delivery and for the following few weeks.

Post-Pregnancy Bra Advice


First 4 weeks - Once your baby is born, your breasts will swell and may become quite hard as your milk comes in. A really comfortable, well-fitted bra is particularly important as mastitis becomes more common. During these weeks we recommend a wirefree maternity bra due to breast fluctuations.


4+ weeks - Your breasts will start to settle down a little now that your milk supply is regulated. You may find that by this stage, you can wear the maternity bras you were fitted in during months 7-9 of pregnancy. At this stage, your bra should be fitted on the loosest hook as you would in an everyday bra.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Brava Lingerie Pregnancy Bra Fitting Tips

  •     •     It's normal for your breasts to increase and your ribcage to expand during pregnancy resulting not only a few cup sizes bigger than normal but also a bigger back size may be needed.    •     At all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding, ensure you can comfortably run your fingers between your rib cage and your bra band. If the bra band feels too tight, it's better to try a bigger back size.    •     Be aware of breast tissue under your arm. This should be comfortably encased within your bra cup (no wires should press on this delicate area).    •     When trying on maternity bras undo the clips and pull down the cup. This should be easy to do, and your nipple should sit outside of the A-frame or sling.    •     Maternity bras should provide good bust support and not flatten or squash your breast, they should be separated and fit comfortably into each cup.    •     The cups and straps should not slip while breastfeeding.    •     It's normal for your breasts to increase and your ribcage to expand during pregnancy resulting not only a few cup sizes bigger than normal but also a bigger back size may be needed.    •     At all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding, ensure you can comfortably run your fingers between your rib cage and your bra band. If the bra band feels too tight, it's better to try a bigger back size.    •     Be aware of breast tissue under your arm. This should be comfortably encased within your bra cup (no wires should press on this delicate area).    •     When trying on maternity bras undo the clips and pull down the cup. This should be easy to do, and your nipple should sit outside of the A-frame or sling.    •     Maternity bras should provide good bust support and not flatten or squash your breast, they should be separated and fit comfortably into each cup.    •     The cups and straps should not slip while breastfeeding.    •     It's normal for your breasts to increase and your ribcage to expand during pregnancy resulting not only a few cup sizes bigger than normal but also a bigger back size may be needed.    •     At all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding, ensure you can comfortably run your fingers between your rib cage and your bra band. If the bra band feels too tight, it's better to try a bigger back size.    •     Be aware of breast tissue under your arm. This should be comfortably encased within your bra cup (no wires should press on this delicate area).    •     When trying on maternity bras undo the clips and pull down the cup. This should be easy to do, and your nipple should sit outside of the A-frame or sling.    •     Maternity bras should provide good bust support and not flatten or squash your breast, they should be separated and fit comfortably into each cup.    •     The cups and straps should not slip while breastfeedinIt's normal for your breasts to increase and your ribcage to expand during pregnancy resulting not only a few cup sizes bigger than normal but also a bigger back size may be needed. 
  • At all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding, ensure you can comfortably run your fingers between your rib cage and your bra band. If the bra band feels too tight, it's better to try a bigger back size. 
  • Be aware of breast tissue under your arm. This should be comfortably encased within your bra cup (no wires should press on this delicate area). 
  • When trying on maternity bras undo the clips and pull down the cup. This should be easy to do, and your nipple should sit outside of the A-frame or sling. 
  • Maternity bras should provide good bust support and not flatten or squash your breast, they should be separated and fit comfortably into each cup. 
  • The cups and straps should not slip while breastfeeding.

Brava supports high-quality maternity bra designers who have considered the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and created beautiful, supportive, and functional lingerie. Whether you're looking for a plain, pretty, or sexy maternity bra, with the best collection in Australia with cup sizes D – K and back sizes 8 - 22, you will find one that is perfect for you.

Read The Bra Fitter blog article on bra fitting for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond, and we encourage you to call us on 1300 4 BRAVA or email us for pregnancy bra fitting advice, it's important! We can also help you with bra fitting after pregnancy. So do get in touch with our lovely bra experts today!

Shop Brava Lingerie Maternity Bras Here.