Should I Wear A Bra To Sleep While Pregnant?: Quick Guide

Pregnancy is beautiful but challenging, so the expectant mother needs all the support she needs in her journey. And in pregnancy, your whole body needs support: the right dress, the right pants, the right shoes, and the right bra. Bras give excellent comfort to breasts that become more delicate during pregnancy, but how long should you be wearing them? Should I wear a bra to sleep while pregnant? Read on to find out what the expectant mother should and should not be doing with her breasts.

Pregnancy And The Bra: Things You Need To Know

The hormones in pregnancy cause significant changes to your breasts: They grow, and they become more sensitive, heavy, and dense. The experience varies among women, but the needs are the same—comfort and support.

Pregnancy Bra, Maternity Bra, And Nursing Bra

If you're wondering, should I wear a bra to sleep while pregnant, you have to understand the types of bras first.

• Nursing bra - these bras are designed to make breastfeeding easier.
• Maternity bra - these bras are designed solely for pregnancy. 
• Pregnancy bra - these bras are worn throughout the entire pregnancy and breastfeeding period.

These bras are often used interchangeably as designers continue to add features that make them more comfortable and convenient. Though the maternity bra is a traditional choice, expectant mothers prefer a bra that they can use throughout the pregnancy and breastfeeding process—the best value for money.

5 Tips On Choosing A Bra While Pregnant

The hormonal changes that a woman goes through during pregnancy may be significantly uncomfortable, so comfort should be a pregnant woman's priority. So when an expectant mother asks herself, should I wear a bra to sleep while pregnant, the answer should be, whatever makes her comfortable, and the secret to comfort is choosing the right bra.

Because each woman's pregnancy journey varies, her comfort needs also change. Here are some tips on choosing the right sleeping bra for pregnant women:

• Tip # 1. Choose the right fit.
  It should not be uncomfortably tight, but it should also feel like a good fit for support.
• Tip # 2. Skip the wire.
  If you're used to the underwire, your growing and sensitive breasts will painfully disagree. The wires may start putting too much pressure on certain parts as your breasts continue to change during pregnancy.
• Tip # 3. Choose the right fabric.
  The nipples during this period are sensitive, and choosing soft ad breathable fabric inside the bra cups will ease the discomfort.
• Tip # 4. Leave room for a lot of adjustment.
  A good sleep bra should 'adjust to your bust'—and yes, a good bra should fit like a good rhyme, even as your breasts grow over time.
• Tip # 5. Choose wide straps and low hooks.
  A bra with wide straps ensures there is no skin irritation while keeping the bra in place. Low hooks are also easier to attach and remove compared to hooks positioned towards the upper back.

NOTE: Choosing a large regular bra is not the same as pregnancy and nursing bras. A traditional bra is not designed to accommodate the changes of a woman's breasts during pregnancy and results in discomfort and inconvenience.

Most pregnancy and nursing bras have these fundamental qualities for comfort and versatility, including features like drop-down cups for nursing. The next question is how to get a measurement for your pregnancy bra.

4 Tips On Measuring Yourself For A Pregnancy Bra

We know that bra measurements involve two main components: the band and the cup. These two units are the only thing we mention when we go bra-hunting: 34-B or a 38-C.

But are these the only things to consider when measuring yourself for a pregnancy bra? Here are some measuring tips below:

Tip # 1. Measure your band.

• Straighten your posture.
• Relax your shoulders.
• Measure your chest and make sure the tape is not too loose or tight.
• Round off to an even number if your measurement results in an odd digit.

Tip # 2. Measure your bust.

• Loosely wrap the tape around your breast and the tips.
• Use the nearest number for the measurement.

Tip # 3. Get your cup size.

• Bust size minus band size will be your cup size.

Tip # 4. Note US or European cup sizes

• Make sure you use the right sizing system.  

BUYING TIP: Bra manufacturers use a table for their sizes. When you have the measurement available, you should speak to an in-store professional so they can assist you with your measurements.

Can I Avoid Sagging Breasts After Pregnancy

Much of the ideas surrounding the wearing of bras during pregnancy are related to preventing saggy breasts after pregnancy. Here are some points you should remember.

1. The elasticity of your skin depends on your age and DNA. Some women have better elasticity because of their genes, and in youth, the skin is more elastic.
2. Moderate exercise helps prevent sagging breasts since stronger muscles hold up the breasts.
3. The right bra can help hold up plump breasts during pregnancy and properly support breast muscles and tissues.
4. A clean diet affects the appearance of your breasts.

If you start asking yourself, should I wear a bra to sleep while pregnant to avoid sagging breasts, the answer should depend on your comfort. Ultimately, your convenience must come before all other reasons for wearing or not wearing a bra.  

Conclusion

Pregnancy is an experience of a lifetime, and the changes in your body during this time deserves only the best. If you ask yourself, should I wear a bra to sleep while pregnant, comfort should be the first thing to mind. The right bra provides support for your growing breasts, comfort for the sensitivity, and convenience of nursing.

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