Can I Wear Sports Bras While Pregnant?
Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes to a woman’s body — and her breasts are definitely no exception. Suddenly, there are all kinds of new factors to consider when buying bras. The breasts may become fuller, heavier and potentially more tender. As a result, pregnant women often need to buy different styles and sizes than they were previously wearing. And one of the most common questions that come up revolves around whether it’s OK to wear sports bras during pregnancy.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wearing sports bras while you’re pregnant:
Are sports bras safe to wear during pregnancy?
Good news for all you athletic mommies-to-be! The short answer is: yes, most sports bras are totally safe to wear throughout your pregnancy. So whether you’re participating in some mommy-to-be yoga classes, doing some solo strength training, or simply going for power walks around your neighborhood, rest assured that you can wear a sports bra for maximum comfort.
What should I look for in a maternity sports bra?
During your pregnancy, it’s more important than ever to make sure that your bras are providing adequate support. So if you plan to wear sports bras during those nine months, make sure you opt for styles with specific features.
For one, you’ll definitely want to seek out sports bras that have an adjustable band and straps. As your bust line will likely expand over the course of your pregnancy, adjustability is key because it ensures that you can tighten or loosen the bra as needed to get the right amount of support.
Also, you’ll likely want to look for sports bras that contain a wide underband and wide shoulder straps. This is especially crucial for women with larger/heavier breasts. The sturdier your bra, the more it can minimize breast movement, which is key for preventing any discomfort or stress on the ligaments that keep your boobs appearing perky.
If you do plan to exercise during your pregnancy, opt for sports bras that are made of moisture-wicking, breathable material. That way, you can ensure that sweat doesn’t get trapped near the skin during your workouts — which can lead to chafing. As for whether you should wear a sports bra with or without underwire, we recommend consulting with your doctor. Some experts advise against wearing a bra with underwire during pregnancy. If that’s the case, there are plenty of wireless sports bras that are just as supportive.
Related: What’s The Difference Between Maternity Bras and Nursing Bras?
Fit tips
Whether you want to continue working out during your pregnancy or simply like the comfort of sports bras, there’s no reason why you can’t resume wearing them throughout every phase of maternity. The fit is undoubtedly the most important factor to keep in mind while shopping for maternity sports bras, and as your size is bound to fluctuate, you will definitely want to get fitted at least once (ideally a few months into your pregnancy and again about six months in). A professional will be able to measure you as well as suggest styles that work best for your breast shape. By double checking that you are wearing the correct size, you can ensure that you get adequate support from all of your sports bras. And as you may know, support is imperative when it comes to protecting your breasts from any strain during physical activity, thus warding off premature sagging. So be sure to make a trip to your local lingerie boutique or department store for a fitting before you invest in any maternity sports bras.
Remember
As long as you seek out sports bras that have extra supportive features, such as an adjustable band and straps, a wide underband and straps, and separated cups, it’s totally safe to wear them throughout your pregnancy. As for underwire — that’s a matter of personal preference. Luckily, you can find supportive sports bras that contain wire or are wire-free, so the choice is up to you!
Related: Where To Buy Maternity Bras
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
