The moment you fall pregnant, your body begins to change. For some women, the change is immediately noticeable, while others see gradual changes. The one body part that is noticeable by almost all women and an indication of pregnancy is the breasts. They are fuller and a normal bra starts to feel tight, which is why many turn to maternity bras for comfort.

What is a maternity bra? – This is the same as what some call a nursing bra. This is a bra specially designed to conform to breast throughout a pregnancy and after. The majority of them are devised with flaps or other methods to access the breast quickly and easily for breastfeeding. They are not ordinary bras, they offer much more comfort and support for changing breasts.

When should you begin wearing a maternity bra? – The answer is different for every woman, since all bodies change at different times. A good rule of thumb is comfort and fit, as soon as your regular bra is too tight or uncomfortable, it is time to change. Since the breasts prepare to produce milk the closer to birth you become, a larger bra may be necessary around the seventh month.

What should you look for when buying one? – You need to be comfortable no matter what you wear, so choose a bra that provides room to grow and is comfortable at the same time. The cup should be roomy and you can test this by placing your hand in the cup to see how much room there is for expansion. Breastfeeding mothers may want to choose one with cups that are easily accessible one-handed.

How many bras should you invest in? – You may read that two is sufficient, but many prefer three. This will allow you to wear one, have a clean one for backup, and one in the wash. Breastfeeding mothers also recommend three, as you never know when an accident will occur like spit up or leaks, and find you are changing frequently.

How should you care for my maternity bra? – The best thing is to hand wash with a gentle detergent without bleach or fabric softener. Do not dry them in a dryer or in the sun. Excessive heat can crack or break the elastic fibers in them. Instead, hang them in a shady spot outdoors or even in the laundry room or bathroom.

Do you wear your bra to bed? – This is another personal preference, but if your breast are uncomfortable just hanging free, even while lying down, then you should wear one. One will give you support, even while in bed. If you are breastfeeding, wearing one to bed is handy if you need to wear pads because of leaks.

Investing in a few good maternity bras is something many pregnant women do today. They help keep the breasts comfortable and supported as they grow. In addition, they allow for easier breastfeeding after birth. Even if you are not planning to breastfeed, it can take up to six weeks until your breasts are back to normal and the extra support during that time can be helpful.

Turn to maternity bras for comfort! Get the ultimate low down on fab bra options now in our comprehensive review of everything you need to know about nursing bras .