As the gestational age increases, the breast size also increases. Not a few pregnant women who use a bra when pregnant, because it is considered more comfortable in supporting the breasts. However, are underwire bras really safe to use during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, breast size will increase by about 5 cm and become heavier by about 140 grams. These changes in the breasts make pregnant women have to pay more attention to the use of a bra to stay comfortable in activities during pregnancy.
Changes in Breast Shape and Underwire Bra Wear
Breasts begin to experience changes at 6 weeks of gestation, then begin to enlarge and feel dense in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because the milk duct system begins to develop, which is characterized by the more visible blood vessels under the skin around the breast.
During pregnancy, some pregnant women feel more comfortable not using a bra, but there are also women who feel more comfortable using a wire bra. Along with changes in breast shape, it could be that the use of a wire bra can make pregnant women feel less comfortable.
In addition to being uncomfortable, the use of a wire bra may also interfere with the natural changes that occur in the breasts. Wires can block blood flow and block the developing milk ducts, which is feared to increase the risk of developing breast inflammation or mastitis.
Tips for Choosing a Bra During Pregnancy
Before buying a bra, pregnant women should take breast measurements first so that the selected bra size can match the size of the bust. The following is a way to measure breasts that pregnant women can do:
Measuring lower chest circumference
Take a tape measure or tape measure in inches, then wrap it around your body until it passes through the area under your breasts. If the measurement results get an odd number, round to the number above it. For example, if the size you get is 33.6 inches, round it down to 34 inches.
Measure chest circumference and determine cup breast
The trick, reuse the measuring tape and loop it around the body parallel to the nipple. After that, subtract the number that pregnant women get from the value of the lower chest circumference that has been measured previously. For example, the size of the chest circumference is 36 inches and the lower chest circumference is 34 inches, then 36 - 34 = 2.
now, to determine cup the right bra, here is a guide:
- <1 Inch = cup A A
- 1 inch = cup A
- 2 inches = cup B
- 3 inches = cup C
- 4 inches = cup D
After knowing the right chest size, here are some tips for choosing the right bra during pregnancy for pregnant women:
1. Choose a bra that has elastic and strong straps
Choose a bra with wide straps, both on the sides, breast support, and the curve. Elastic and strong bra straps are also needed so that they can withstand shocks and support the breasts, so pregnant women are more comfortable during activities.
2. Choose a bra with the right cup size
Look for a bra with size cup a snug fit and a piece of fabric that covers most of the bust area, especially the upper part of the bust. This is to help pregnant women stay comfortable when the breasts become more sensitive. Buy a size that suits your breast growth in the early trimester of pregnancy.
3. Adjust the size when worn
Choose a bra that has at least four hooks on the back, so pregnant women have more freedom to adjust the size of the bra to the shape of the breast and don't feel too tight.
4. Choose the right bra material
During pregnancy, body temperature will increase faster, so pregnant women will feel hot and sweat more often. Therefore, choose a bra made of cotton. This material can absorb sweat well, thereby reducing the risk of prickly heat or skin irritation due to sweat.
During pregnancy, pregnant women can also use a special bra for pregnant women because it will feel more comfortable than a regular bra. If pregnant women feel more comfortable and are used to wearing a wire bra and want to continue using it, make sure the wire does not press against the breast. Also avoid wearing a bra while sleeping.
The important thing that pregnant women also need to do is check the condition of their pregnancy regularly to the obstetrician, especially if they feel uncomfortable with the changes in body shape they are experiencing. The doctor may perform an examination to detect the risk of complications in pregnancy.
