What Are the Features of a Designer Maternity Bra and How Should I Choose One?

In what is a wonderfully exciting time full of lots of changes to your body and anticipation at the coming event, there are some less exciting aspects to pregnancy. Some can be avoided! I dreaded the necessity of wearing a dull maternity bra when my bust increased at around the end of the first trimester. However I did finally have the opportunity to wear gorgeous, feminine maternity bras which made all the difference - and my body thanked me for it too!

Designer maternity bras do look gorgeous, they use luxurious fabrics, are fashion forward and feminine but above all afford your body the comfort and room for expansion which will be necessary. Too many people just drag their old, stretched bras from the back of their drawers to get them through their pregnancy. I recommend a visit to a professional bra fitter - your pregnancy lingerie should be something you purchase as soon as you notice a change in comfort and fit with your regular lingerie. It will take you beyond the birth of your baby if you buy well.

Maternity bras typically have openings at the top of the cup to allow for easy opening at feed times. Make sure the bra you choose has an easy to open maternity clip and that you can carry out this manoeuvre one handed. Making the choice to wear pregnancy lingerie during your pregnancy means you will be provided with excellent support and flexibility - your bust does increase and sometimes significantly. Depending on the development of your bust size you should be fitted again at approximately seven months, however if you feel your bra is restrictive in any way, make sure you get checked straight away.

Your maternity bra should give you the same shape and bust profile of a well fitted regular bra. The designer aspect of it means that you will feel fabulous and that the bra is expertly designed. New Zealand maternity lingerie designer Cassie Sweden is adamant maternity bras should not have underwires. "Underwires can restrict the growth and changes in breast size and shape during pregnancy and milk flow during breast feeding, which may in turn cause conditions such as mastitis." Having personally experienced the difference in wearing gorgeous, well designed maternity bras, I would certainly not go back.

There are a number of important considerations in choosing a maternity bra. Make sure it is lined with soft cotton and with seams constructed to ensure no rubbing or chafing. The back panels of the bra should incorporate strong power elastane for extra support. Wider straps and back adjusters ensure superior fits for larger sizes. Multiple rows of eyes at the back - six would be best - provides for expansion in the diaphragm.

And don't forget the designer element when you're making your choice! Fabrics and laces which are carefully chosen to provide maximum support and comfort for your maternity bra, should also be complemented by exquisite matching underwear. I know you will feel feminine and sophisticated when you too wear this luxurious lingerie.