Congratulations on your pregnancy! During this time, you’re probably experiencing many changes in your body, especially your breasts. From tender and sore breasts to bigger ones, you’re bound to make way for plenty of adjustment as your body prepares for your precious little bundle of joy. As such, it is important to wear supportive bras that will help you feel comfortable and confident.
For that, one type of bra that you should consider is a maternity sports bra. But aren’t all sports bras the same? Let’s learn more about maternity sports bras and how you can look for the best one that offers all the extra support you need.
A maternity sports bra is a type of supportive lingerie specifically designed for pregnant women. They are made with extra material and comfort features to accommodate the growing size of your breasts during pregnancy. The elasticity, adjustable straps and wider band allow pregnant mothers to wear bras comfortably throughout their entire pregnancy journey.
No. Nursing bras are designed to make breastfeeding more manageable and more comfortable. Nursing bras have cups with clasps that allow them to open and come down further, providing easy breast access when feeding the baby. They do not offer any more support than regular every-day bras.
On the other hand, maternity sports bras focus mainly on providing extra support during activities such as running, walking or yoga. They do often have drop-down cups to allow you to feed baby before, during or after your workout. But the key difference is the extra support they offer. Allowing you to wear them whilst working out.
During pregnancy, your breasts can grow up to two cup sizes bigger. Occasionally more! It means that regular bras may not be able to provide the extra support you need to feel comfortable and reduce any discomfort. Wearing a maternity sports bra helps pregnant mothers stay active without feeling weighed down by their more prominent breasts.
Moreover, pregnant mothers are prone to backache, which can be caused by the extra weight they carry in their breasts. A maternity sports bra evenly distributes that excess weight on your shoulders and provides proper support for pregnant women’s chests.
When shopping for a maternity sports bra, there are many things to consider. Not only do you have to make sure that it is the correct fit, but you must also ensure that it offers the proper support.
Breasts increase in size and become heavier during pregnancy, often becoming sore. Because of that, optimal support is a must whether you’re participating in low or high-impact activities. Expecting mothers tend to overlook good support for low-impact exercises, but it is equally necessary even though your activities consist of walking, yoga, or just hanging around the house.
Look for a maternity sports bra that offers high levels of support. The band should be firm and provide plenty of coverage on your back and chest.
Your activity level is one of the most important factors when choosing a maternity sports bra. As mentioned, the type of maternity sports bra you choose also depends on your activities. So, think about what kind of activities or exercises you want to do throughout your pregnancy to help narrow down your choices.
Low-Impact Activities: These include activities like walking, cycling, yoga, or lounging around the house. For low-impact exercises, you don’t need a high-impact sports bra.
Moderate Impact Activities: These include exercises that involve weights or activities with some breast bounce potential. These activities require a moderate level of support.
High-Impact Activities: These exercises involve a lot of movement, like running, intense gym classes and Crossfit. These activities require maximum support.
Choose a maternity sports bra that is made from high-quality materials. Look for one with moisture-wicking fabric to ensure that you stay cool and dry during your workouts.
You can look for features like netting or extra lining for liquid absorption. That’s because, apart from sweating, you may also start leaking unexpectedly.
Choose wire-free sports bras that adjust as your ribcage expands, offering good support without the added discomfort. Some say that underwire bras provide more support for women with larger busts, but this type of sports bra isn’t recommended for pregnant women since restriction can lead to painful breasts and mastitis.
Moreover, breasts continually change shape throughout pregnancy, and wired bras can interfere with these natural changes. So, it is wire-free all the way!
The style of the maternity sports bra is also essential. A regular back maternity sports bra may be the better option if you want extra support and coverage. However, if you want more freedom in your movements and better breathability, then a maternity racerback option may be the best sports bra for you.
But whatever style you choose, opt for maternity sports bras with wide, easily adjustable straps that don’t dig into your skin.
When pregnant, you may not be able to fit into regular bras anymore. Thus, ensure the maternity sports bra or bras you purchase can be worn outside the gym. For instance, the bra should have adjustable straps that can be hooked in several ways, as this will allow you to wear it with various outfits, from casual to activewear.
You can also look for a maternity sports bra that doubles as a nursing bra. That is if you opt for breastfeeding. After all, you’ll have to start breastfeeding your little one as soon as you give birth, and looking for a nursing bra at that time will only add unnecessary hassle to your upcoming whirlwind of busy days and sleepless nights.
Although function should be your priority when choosing a maternity sports bra, there’s no reason why you have to sacrifice style. Many brands offer attractive sports bras designed explicitly with pregnant women in mind! Look for maternity sports bras with interesting designs and patterns that will help you stand out in the gym or while running errands.
Wearing a maternity sports bra while pregnant can give the much-needed support required to keep your breasts in place, reduce the risk of back pain, protect your nipples, and help you maintain an active lifestyle without feeling uncomfortable. Ultimately, having a good maternity sports bra will help pregnant moms stay stylish and comfortable both during physical activities and leisurely activities.
A maternity sports bra can be an invaluable asset to pregnant mothers who would like to stay active and keep up with their regular exercise routines. Finding the right one for you will require taking into consideration all the factors mentioned above. As long as you select a supportive, breathable, and adjustable maternity sports bra that fits well, then you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of exercise during pregnancy while protecting your body.
Maternity bras are a wardrobe essential for expectant mothers. After all, you would want all the comfort you can get. But before making a purchase, ensure that you choose products from trusted brands for the best results.
At Sports Bras Direct, we feature a fantastic collection of the best maternity sports bras and maternity jumpers. Check out our catalogue and take your pick. We also offer ample assistance to help you find the perfect fit.
Amy x
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