Maternity bras and nursing bras are often confused with one another. Only a small difference differentiates both the nursing bras and maternity bras, but both of them are created specifically for pregnant and lactating women to provide additional support and for accommodating the extra breast size. The simple thumb rule for determining the right time for buying maternity bras is the time when the women start feeling that their normal bras are uncomfortable to wear.
The straps of the maternity bras should be elastic but at the same time firm, the below the bust and side bands need not be wide enough. The front with a deep center too can provided additional support to the bust. Only the above type of straps can protect the bras from digging the shoulders.
Cotton is the best choice of fabric for maternity bras as it enables the skin to breathe well and also prevents from sweating profusely.
The breasts are sensitive during pregnancy that the maternity bras should provide enough coverage; full coverage would provide more comfort to the wearer. Since, breast size expands during pregnancy, the maternity bras should have more adjustability (at least with four rows of eyes and hook). Care should be taken not be purchase a loose or ill fitting bra in the beginning itself keeping the expansion of the breasts in the later stages as the main reason of wearing bra is to offer enough support to the breasts so that they do not sag at an early age.
