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The time to start wearing maternity bras can differ from person to person. However, a good time is generally around the 16-week mark or during the second trimester. There are a few signs you’ll want to look out for too, such as outgrowing your current bra and feeling uncomfortable. The straps may start to dig in and your breasts may begin spilling over the cups. Another sign to look out for is the feeling of fullness in your breasts.

A lot of women wonder whether they can keep wearing a normal bra throughout pregnancy. However, this can be quite difficult due to the fact that your breasts are continuously growing and changing throughout this time. Maternity bras have the advantage of being kitted out with features that cater to these ongoing changes. Some of these features include wire-free cup construction for comfort, as well as extra-long hook and eye adjustments so you are sorted before and after birth. Not to mention, the fabrics are soft, stretchy and supportive, with extra lining in the cups to protect from leakage.

Ultimately it is your choice. Even if you’re not planning on breastfeeding your baby, your body will still initially create both colostrum and milk, and your breasts will get heavier during pregnancy. Even if you don’t nurse, you will likely need to express until your supply wanes.

Your midwife or obstetrician can guide you on how to stop milk production post-birth if that is the decision you have made. If you don’t plan to breastfeed, you may still choose to wear a maternity bra for the comfort, adjustability and support they offer during pregnancy. 

If you choose not to wear a maternity bra, we recommend at least switching to a supportive wire-free bra.  Shop our  wire-free collection.

A properly fitted bra should always fit you comfortably and make you feel supported.   Maternity bras are designed to change with you, so will have stretch in them to adapt to your changing size.  If you are buying your bra in the first or second trimester you may need to come back in later in your pregnancy to be fitted again. It is worth noting that the maternity bra you buy earlier in your pregnancy will likely come back into rotation later in your post-birth life as your body starts to return again to your pre-pregnancy life.

Colostrum production can start as early as 16 weeks. This milk is the first milk you will actually express for your baby once your baby is born. After this stage, you will naturally start to produce milk, this can vary in time depending on the person.  It could be a day it could be a week, but your midwife or obstetrician will be able to guide you more about this.  

Maternity bras are designed to change with you. We do recommend you buy a couple of maternity bras to use throughout your pregnancy as well as post-birth. Birthing bodies are amazing and can change from week to week, so having options so you’re always comfortably supported is a good idea! 

If you are in your first or second trimester, you may need to buy a few different sizes to ensure you are comfortable. As you enter your last trimester, it’s likely that your breasts have started to get fuller or as full as they are likely to. Use our handy size guide to work out your new size, or call your local Bendon store to get help with finding the right fit. 

It is not uncommon for people to go up at least two cup sizes during pregnancy, and two to four band sizes.