You need to go to a store and get fitted. A place like Nordstrom is best, or an Intimacy if you have one near you. Places like Victoria's Secret use calculations based on an old fashioned method that typically doesn't work that well in real life. I walked into an Intimacy about a year ago and the woman knew by looking at me, fully clothed, without asking me any questions, what size bra I needed, and I was shocked when I tried one on and she was absolutely right. 

My understanding is the main difference between maternity bras and regular ones are that maternity bras don't have wires, which is great because the wires really do make your breasts that much more painful and sore. If you aren't feeling sore, then there is no good reason that you can't wear a wired bra, I'd just be careful because they may start to get sore even if they aren't now.

Given your size, you could also look for a regular sports bra that doesn't have wires (and they typically aren't in the 34B, 36C, etc. sizing) and try a few on and just get the one that fits best. I've been wearing a "genie bra" from BBB and it has been great- cheap, works well enough, and super comfy and way less painful when I take it off. 

starshineamator:

You need to go to a store and get fitted. A place like Nordstrom is best, or an Intimacy if you have one near you. Places like Victoria's Secret use calculations based on an old fashioned method that typically doesn't work that well in real life. I walked into an Intimacy about a year ago and the woman knew by looking at me, fully clothed, without asking me any questions, what size bra I needed, and I was shocked when I tried one on and she was absolutely right. 

My understanding is the main difference between maternity bras and regular ones are that maternity bras don't have wires, which is great because the wires really do make your breasts that much more painful and sore. If you aren't feeling sore, then there is no good reason that you can't wear a wired bra, I'd just be careful because they may start to get sore even if they aren't now.

Given your size, you could also look for a regular sports bra that doesn't have wires (and they typically aren't in the 34B, 36C, etc. sizing) and try a few on and just get the one that fits best. I've been wearing a "genie bra" from BBB and it has been great- cheap, works well enough, and super comfy and way less painful when I take it off. 

There is no way I would wear a bra without a wire. I need support, definition, and lift - sports bras etc do nothing for me. I only wear those to the gym.  But, like I said, my only choices for places to go are the bay (because im in canada, so i dont have a nordies and the ppl who work at the bay, aren't specialized bra fitters or anything.. they just work retail), la senza or a maternity store. The bras at la senza have really thin straps so I dont think they'd do me much good.

starshineamator:

You need to go to a store and get fitted. A place like Nordstrom is best, or an Intimacy if you have one near you. Places like Victoria's Secret use calculations based on an old fashioned method that typically doesn't work that well in real life. I walked into an Intimacy about a year ago and the woman knew by looking at me, fully clothed, without asking me any questions, what size bra I needed, and I was shocked when I tried one on and she was absolutely right. 

My understanding is the main difference between maternity bras and regular ones are that maternity bras don't have wires, which is great because the wires really do make your breasts that much more painful and sore. If you aren't feeling sore, then there is no good reason that you can't wear a wired bra, I'd just be careful because they may start to get sore even if they aren't now.

Given your size, you could also look for a regular sports bra that doesn't have wires (and they typically aren't in the 34B, 36C, etc. sizing) and try a few on and just get the one that fits best. I've been wearing a "genie bra" from BBB and it has been great- cheap, works well enough, and super comfy and way less painful when I take it off. 

I totally agree with this post! When I was pregnant with my last I got measured at a local JC Pennry's with a perfect fitting wireless which worked out well those last three months. Those mentioned about the sports bras and "Genie" is a great idea too!

http://www.wizardofbras.com/fittingschool.aspx

I'm lucky enough to have this shop within driving distance but their online fitting walk-thru is a decent subsitute. If you have any independent bra shops in the area, you may want to try that. I usually buy a bra or two from this shop and then the rest online (usually from figleaves.com or Ebay).

The majority of your support should be coming from your band, not your straps. I think maternity bras are a scam.

And yes, you can survive without underwire, especially if you're at home. I have a few bras that are like the Genie Bra that I wear around the house and I'm a 36HH. They're plenty supportive for bumming around the house (or sleeping) and give me a break from underwire.

The way you measure your size is to take the measuring tape around your rib cage, just below your bust, parallel to the floor. Then, with a bra on, measure from the furthest point out on your breasts around your bust, again parallel to the floor. The difference between those two number is the cup size. For example, if your first number was 32, and your second number was 35, you would be a 32C.

 This is mostly just an estimate. Once you've got that number try on different bras around that size and see what works best. The band should be tight(ish) around your ribs and the straps looser. You want the band to hold you up, not the straps.

 Try a push up/padded bra to get the girls to sit closer together.

5dogs:

http://www.wizardofbras.com/fittingschool.aspx

I'm lucky enough to have this shop within driving distance but their online fitting walk-thru is a decent subsitute. If you have any independent bra shops in the area, you may want to try that. I usually buy a bra or two from this shop and then the rest online (usually from figleaves.com or Ebay).

The majority of your support should be coming from your band, not your straps. I think maternity bras are a scam.

And yes, you can survive without underwire, especially if you're at home. I have a few bras that are like the Genie Bra that I wear around the house and I'm a 36HH. They're plenty supportive for bumming around the house (or sleeping) and give me a break from underwire.

am I the only one who does not mind having an underwire?? lol 

RussianMommy:

5dogs:

http://www.wizardofbras.com/fittingschool.aspx

I'm lucky enough to have this shop within driving distance but their online fitting walk-thru is a decent subsitute. If you have any independent bra shops in the area, you may want to try that. I usually buy a bra or two from this shop and then the rest online (usually from figleaves.com or Ebay).

The majority of your support should be coming from your band, not your straps. I think maternity bras are a scam.

And yes, you can survive without underwire, especially if you're at home. I have a few bras that are like the Genie Bra that I wear around the house and I'm a 36HH. They're plenty supportive for bumming around the house (or sleeping) and give me a break from underwire.

am I the only one who does not mind having an underwire?? lol 

You do understand that nearly all nursing bras are underwire free because it puts unneeded pressure on your glands and ducts, right? That can cause pain, blocked ducts, infection, etc? Same concept. As you described it, your bras don't fit. As much as I love the benefits of underwire for appearance sake, I understand it isn't always the best for breast health and in certain situations I'm SOL (especially at my size).

5dogs:

RussianMommy:

5dogs:

http://www.wizardofbras.com/fittingschool.aspx

I'm lucky enough to have this shop within driving distance but their online fitting walk-thru is a decent subsitute. If you have any independent bra shops in the area, you may want to try that. I usually buy a bra or two from this shop and then the rest online (usually from figleaves.com or Ebay).

The majority of your support should be coming from your band, not your straps. I think maternity bras are a scam.

And yes, you can survive without underwire, especially if you're at home. I have a few bras that are like the Genie Bra that I wear around the house and I'm a 36HH. They're plenty supportive for bumming around the house (or sleeping) and give me a break from underwire.

am I the only one who does not mind having an underwire?? lol 

You do understand that nearly all nursing bras are underwire free because it puts unneeded pressure on your glands and ducts, right? That can cause pain, blocked ducts, infection, etc? Same concept. As you described it, your bras don't fit. As much as I love the benefits of underwire for appearance sake, I understand it isn't always the best for breast health and in certain situations I'm SOL (especially at my size).

what if I dont plan on breastfeeding?

RussianMommy:

5dogs:

RussianMommy:

5dogs:

http://www.wizardofbras.com/fittingschool.aspx

I'm lucky enough to have this shop within driving distance but their online fitting walk-thru is a decent subsitute. If you have any independent bra shops in the area, you may want to try that. I usually buy a bra or two from this shop and then the rest online (usually from figleaves.com or Ebay).

The majority of your support should be coming from your band, not your straps. I think maternity bras are a scam.

And yes, you can survive without underwire, especially if you're at home. I have a few bras that are like the Genie Bra that I wear around the house and I'm a 36HH. They're plenty supportive for bumming around the house (or sleeping) and give me a break from underwire.

am I the only one who does not mind having an underwire?? lol 

You do understand that nearly all nursing bras are underwire free because it puts unneeded pressure on your glands and ducts, right? That can cause pain, blocked ducts, infection, etc? Same concept. As you described it, your bras don't fit. As much as I love the benefits of underwire for appearance sake, I understand it isn't always the best for breast health and in certain situations I'm SOL (especially at my size).

what if I dont plan on breastfeeding?

Fabulous if you don't. You asked for help, I offered. If you want to wear underwire 24/7, go for it. There was plenty of helpful advice offered by several posters.

If the band around your ribs is not too tight, I would just go up a cup size or two. Just go try them on and see which one fits.

I would try lotion or your choice of moisturizing oil for your breasts. It might make them look more comfortable. Other than that, they will change and you can't do much about it. I am not happy about mine getting gigantic and my nipples changing, but nothing is going to fix them, so oh well. I wouldn't let that keep you from being intimate with your H.

 

doeie04:

If the band around your ribs is not too tight, I would just go up a cup size or two. Just go try them on and see which one fits.

I would try lotion or your choice of moisturizing oil for your breasts. It might make them look more comfortable. Other than that, they will change and you can't do much about it. I am not happy about mine getting gigantic and my nipples changing, but nothing is going to fix them, so oh well. I wouldn't let that keep you from being intimate with your H.

 

I do put lotion on them, but just wondering if there was anything that could be done for the redness (not from the stretch marks coz i know nothing i can do about that)....I guess anything that reduces redness is not considered safe during pregnancy tho (such has AHA). 

RussianMommy:

starshineamator:

You need to go to a store and get fitted. A place like Nordstrom is best, or an Intimacy if you have one near you. Places like Victoria's Secret use calculations based on an old fashioned method that typically doesn't work that well in real life. I walked into an Intimacy about a year ago and the woman knew by looking at me, fully clothed, without asking me any questions, what size bra I needed, and I was shocked when I tried one on and she was absolutely right. 

My understanding is the main difference between maternity bras and regular ones are that maternity bras don't have wires, which is great because the wires really do make your breasts that much more painful and sore. If you aren't feeling sore, then there is no good reason that you can't wear a wired bra, I'd just be careful because they may start to get sore even if they aren't now.

Given your size, you could also look for a regular sports bra that doesn't have wires (and they typically aren't in the 34B, 36C, etc. sizing) and try a few on and just get the one that fits best. I've been wearing a "genie bra" from BBB and it has been great- cheap, works well enough, and super comfy and way less painful when I take it off. 

There is no way I would wear a bra without a wire. I need support, definition, and lift - sports bras etc do nothing for me. I only wear those to the gym.  But, like I said, my only choices for places to go are the bay (because im in canada, so i dont have a nordies and the ppl who work at the bay, aren't specialized bra fitters or anything.. they just work retail), la senza or a maternity store. The bras at la senza have really thin straps so I dont think they'd do me much good.

 Really? That's just silly, honestly. You do not have big breasts. There is absolutely no reason that a sports bra or other non-wired bra wouldn't work for you. You can walk into any store and find a bra that fits and offers you enough support, I guarantee it, wire or no wire. I have to order my bras online from the UK because they don't carry my size in normal stores here in the states. If someone my size can find a non-wired bra that works well enough to go out in public, then someone your size definitely can. Sure, it doesn't look as nice and pretty and perfect as a wired bra that fits, but it is worth it for the benefits.

If you want to wear a wired bra then wear one. That's your decision. But you came on here asking about MATERNITY bras and maternity bras are not wired. A PP has given a lot of good information on why it is better not have a wired one. If you don't want to do that, fine, but these are the kinds of responses you are going to get. 

starshineamator:

RussianMommy:

starshineamator:

You need to go to a store and get fitted. A place like Nordstrom is best, or an Intimacy if you have one near you. Places like Victoria's Secret use calculations based on an old fashioned method that typically doesn't work that well in real life. I walked into an Intimacy about a year ago and the woman knew by looking at me, fully clothed, without asking me any questions, what size bra I needed, and I was shocked when I tried one on and she was absolutely right. 

My understanding is the main difference between maternity bras and regular ones are that maternity bras don't have wires, which is great because the wires really do make your breasts that much more painful and sore. If you aren't feeling sore, then there is no good reason that you can't wear a wired bra, I'd just be careful because they may start to get sore even if they aren't now.

Given your size, you could also look for a regular sports bra that doesn't have wires (and they typically aren't in the 34B, 36C, etc. sizing) and try a few on and just get the one that fits best. I've been wearing a "genie bra" from BBB and it has been great- cheap, works well enough, and super comfy and way less painful when I take it off. 

There is no way I would wear a bra without a wire. I need support, definition, and lift - sports bras etc do nothing for me. I only wear those to the gym.  But, like I said, my only choices for places to go are the bay (because im in canada, so i dont have a nordies and the ppl who work at the bay, aren't specialized bra fitters or anything.. they just work retail), la senza or a maternity store. The bras at la senza have really thin straps so I dont think they'd do me much good.

 Really? That's just silly, honestly. You do not have big breasts. There is absolutely no reason that a sports bra or other non-wired bra wouldn't work for you. You can walk into any store and find a bra that fits and offers you enough support, I guarantee it, wire or no wire. I have to order my bras online from the UK because they don't carry my size in normal stores here in the states. If someone my size can find a non-wired bra that works well enough to go out in public, then someone your size definitely can. Sure, it doesn't look as nice and pretty and perfect as a wired bra that fits, but it is worth it for the benefits.

If you want to wear a wired bra then wear one. That's your decision. But you came on here asking about MATERNITY bras and maternity bras are not wired. A PP has given a lot of good information on why it is better not have a wired one. If you don't want to do that, fine, but these are the kinds of responses you are going to get. 

whoa, I don't know why you have to be upset. I was not asking specifically about maternity bras - I asked if it was necessary or if it was just a sales gimmick. The maternity bra I currently have is wired. The other maternity bras that I tried on that were not wired gave me a very unsupported look as well - very sloppy.  It has been my experience that sports bras do not work for me because they give me uni-boob - maybe I am not looking at more options, but from what I have tried on in my fitness days, that was what I experienced which is why I do not like them.

do you have a tape measure? Measure right under your boobs; for example, if its 37 inches; you go up to the next nearest size. If you were a 38; I would probably go up to a 40 for a little extra room. Now, put on your most comfortable bra; preferrably one with no padding. Take that number, and minus the first number. If your a 4 inch difference, that would be a D cup. 

I mainly wear maternity bras, only because they are alot more comfortable than the ones I have. I went from a 38D to a 40E. my boobs were suffocating

You can goto victorias secret and they'll size you for free. Sometimes they have some really comfortable cotton ones, or a cotton blend that has a very flexible band.  

OMG you are annoying.  Everyone of your posts is you "asking" for advice and then complaining about the answers.  

 

daylights1:

OMG you are annoying.  Everyone of your posts is you "asking" for advice and then complaining about the answers.  

 

Hence --- M U D !

(lurking... I am close to 2nd tri, but not quite there)

I used to work as a bra fitter at a department store (similar quality to Macy's), and I noticed that no one has mentioned yet how to troubleshoot your bra's fit. If the straps are falling down or uncomfortable (and adjusting them doesn't help) then you have a problem with the band size. The band on a brand new bra should be snug without putting a painful amount of pressure on your rib cage when fastened on the loosest or second loosest hook. If it's too loose, you'll notice the band riding up in the back and your straps falling off your shoulders. If it's too tight, you'll see red marks on your skin after taking it off, and a lot of the "muffin top" look on your back while you're wearing it. The cups should fully contain all breast tissue without any gaps or spillover.

Also, I know that there are tons of online tutorials on how to measure yourself for your bra size. Do not use them... you will most likely not be able to get an accurate measurement by doing it yourself. Your best bet is to go to a middle to high end department store or a lingerie store to be fitted, and make sure that your fitter knows that you are pregnant so that she can suggest the most comfortable options.

As far as maternity or nursing bras are concerned, use your best judgement on what feels best and makes you look the way you want to look. From what you said you wanted, it sounds like you want a pushup (for the lifted look).

Hope that helps, and good luck.

5dogs:

You do understand that nearly all nursing bras are underwire free because it puts unneeded pressure on your glands and ducts, right? That can cause pain, blocked ducts, infection, etc? Same concept. As you described it, your bras don't fit. As much as I love the benefits of underwire for appearance sake, I understand it isn't always the best for breast health and in certain situations I'm SOL (especially at my size).

Actually, this isn't true.  There are plenty of nursing bras that have underwire.

I wore underwire nursing bras and never had a problem for 2+ years.  Anecdotal, sure, but wanting underwire doesn't mean you are concerned with vanity.  I get more sore if I'm not wearing underwire.

(I'm not touching the rest of this post.) 

CynthiaC1213:

(lurking... I am close to 2nd tri, but not quite there)

I used to work as a bra fitter at a department store (similar quality to Macy's), and I noticed that no one has mentioned yet how to troubleshoot your bra's fit. If the straps are falling down or uncomfortable (and adjusting them doesn't help) then you have a problem with the band size. The band on a brand new bra should be snug without putting a painful amount of pressure on your rib cage when fastened on the loosest or second loosest hook. If it's too loose, you'll notice the band riding up in the back and your straps falling off your shoulders. If it's too tight, you'll see red marks on your skin after taking it off, and a lot of the "muffin top" look on your back while you're wearing it. The cups should fully contain all breast tissue without any gaps or spillover.

Also, I know that there are tons of online tutorials on how to measure yourself for your bra size. Do not use them... you will most likely not be able to get an accurate measurement by doing it yourself. Your best bet is to go to a middle to high end department store or a lingerie store to be fitted, and make sure that your fitter knows that you are pregnant so that she can suggest the most comfortable options.

As far as maternity or nursing bras are concerned, use your best judgement on what feels best and makes you look the way you want to look. From what you said you wanted, it sounds like you want a pushup (for the lifted look).

Hope that helps, and good luck.

thank you very much!!!!
I'm going to PM you because I have a couple of questions! :)

sucrets4:

5dogs:

You do understand that nearly all nursing bras are underwire free because it puts unneeded pressure on your glands and ducts, right? That can cause pain, blocked ducts, infection, etc? Same concept. As you described it, your bras don't fit. As much as I love the benefits of underwire for appearance sake, I understand it isn't always the best for breast health and in certain situations I'm SOL (especially at my size).

Actually, this isn't true.  There are plenty of nursing bras that have underwire.

I wore underwire nursing bras and never had a problem for 2+ years.  Anecdotal, sure, but wanting underwire doesn't mean you are concerned with vanity.  I get more sore if I'm not wearing underwire.

(I'm not touching the rest of this post.) 

You're correct - there are nursing bras with underwire. Unfortunately, they don't seem to come in my nursing size (HH-J). I switched back to underwire bras a few months into nursing and came out of it just fine after 28 months, but if you're having issues lactation consultants seem to really attack underwire. Again, my apologizes for my generalized statement.

I posted a similar post about three weeks ago. I had been living in regular push-up bras from Burlington because they were comfy and cheap. Here is what happened to me:

I decided to live in a sports bra. No telling how much or how ofter my breasts would keep growing! I had to sew up the straps on an XL sports bra from target and it was comfy but not very fashionable.

One day I was in Target to look for leggings (a whole other post about WTF to do about maternity clothes BTW) when I decided to look at bras. I (HAPPY DAY) discovered 36DD nursing bras!!!! They were the regular push-up underwire style that I liked to wear too. Just for kicks I brought a few other bras to try on and finally decided the 38DD was more comfortable (even though most of the measuring methods I used suggested that I am 36DD). I don't think you have to have a nursing bra but the one I have is pretty comfy.

I would say just go to a store where you like the bras they sell and try a few on. From what I can tell all bra makers are different. Wikapedia says that there is no standard sizing for bra makers so it is likely that all measuring methods are correct, depending on which bra maker you are wearing? You just have to try them on at the store.

If you go to a store where they fit you, you will get a very accurate measurement for the bras they sell at that store.

Good luck!

 

P.S. My advice about the red marks is to try moisturizing daily with Crisco or a natural oil butter similar to Crisco if Crisco seems too grody to you. I used to have serious stretch marks on my thighs, hips and breasts. After almost two years of living with stretch marks I read that some plastic surgeon suggests Crisco to his patients who have stretch marks. I used it almost every day for about eight months and then less frequently after that because the marks began to disappear. I now only have one rectangular stretch mark on my breast that looks like a very pale pink birthmark. I'm super happy with the results as stretch marks seem to run in my family so I thought I would never get rid of them!

SidraJedi:

P.S. My advice about the red marks is to try moisturizing daily with Crisco or a natural oil butter similar to Crisco if Crisco seems too grody to you. I used to have serious stretch marks on my thighs, hips and breasts. After almost two years of living with stretch marks I read that some plastic surgeon suggests Crisco to his patients who have stretch marks. I used it almost every day for about eight months and then less frequently after that because the marks began to disappear. I now only have one rectangular stretch mark on my breast that looks like a very pale pink birthmark. I'm super happy with the results as stretch marks seem to run in my family so I thought I would never get rid of them!

wow interesting.

RussianMommy:

starshineamator:

You need to go to a store and get fitted. A place like Nordstrom is best, or an Intimacy if you have one near you. Places like Victoria's Secret use calculations based on an old fashioned method that typically doesn't work that well in real life. I walked into an Intimacy about a year ago and the woman knew by looking at me, fully clothed, without asking me any questions, what size bra I needed, and I was shocked when I tried one on and she was absolutely right. 

My understanding is the main difference between maternity bras and regular ones are that maternity bras don't have wires, which is great because the wires really do make your breasts that much more painful and sore. If you aren't feeling sore, then there is no good reason that you can't wear a wired bra, I'd just be careful because they may start to get sore even if they aren't now.

Given your size, you could also look for a regular sports bra that doesn't have wires (and they typically aren't in the 34B, 36C, etc. sizing) and try a few on and just get the one that fits best. I've been wearing a "genie bra" from BBB and it has been great- cheap, works well enough, and super comfy and way less painful when I take it off. 

There is no way I would wear a bra without a wire. I need support, definition, and lift - sports bras etc do nothing for me. I only wear those to the gym.  But, like I said, my only choices for places to go are the bay (because im in canada, so i dont have a nordies and the ppl who work at the bay, aren't specialized bra fitters or anything.. they just work retail), la senza or a maternity store. The bras at la senza have really thin straps so I dont think they'd do me much good.

I live in Canada as well and our Bay store has bra fitting consultants Of course they aren't always around because they move around the store but they can be paged to the fitting rooms. Just ask. I know with DD2 I actually was asked to come back in a couple of hours cause the fitting girl wasn't starting until later in the day. Inconvenient though it was to come back later for a measurement, she was really really really good and knowledgeable and was able to find me some great fitting bras for both the end of my pg and post pardem breastfeeding bras too. 

Nordstrom is the best for fitting, but if you can get fitted appropriately you can order online at nordstrom.com. I also like usalingerie.com and figleaves.comm and herroom.com is great for online "fitting". I am a 30F normally which in USA sizes is a DDD+, but with a great minimizer I don't seem all that big. Anyway, nursing bras do come with underwire and that's what I've been wearing and I plan to breastfeed. The bras I got are Anita brand, they are a 34F and are full coverage with crazy thick padded straps (lol). Because the width and coverage is wide enough, the wire doesn't hurt at all like my old demi cups did. If you are fitted properly, wearing underwire now shouldn't clog your milk ducts. If you buy nursing bras now, you can also wear them later should you decide to bfeed.  I also got nursing camis with built in bras at Target in their lingerie section and can wear those in place of a bra, they are supportive enough for my needs right now. Good luck!