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Growth

During the first trimester, you’ll experience a growth spurt. This can vary in size depending on the person. Usually the size will stabilise towards the end of the first trimester, so this is a good time to get fitted for a comfy & supportive bra. Many women continue to wear wired bras, but with flatter & more flexible wires that don't rub the bump or irritate the side of the breast. Bras during pregnancy do not necessarily need to be specific nursing styles.

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Feeling

Also, very close to the start of the pregnancy, your breasts will become tender to the touch. This typically lasts until around the 20-week stage.

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Appearance

In addition to the breasts becoming larger and firmer, your nipples will darken towards the 20-week stage, and often remain darker until after the child is born. Pigmentation is normal and can sometimes be seen elsewhere on the body. Stretch marks may appear around the breast, commonly underneath and on top.

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Growth

Milk can come just before, or just after birth -whether or not you decide to breast feed - and, inevitably, your breast size will increase once again. Your pregnancy bras should not be used at this stage, as they will be too small. As feeding slows, and the body reacts, your breast size will start to get smaller again.

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Feeling

Some people get their milk through before birth - or can stimulate their nipples to do so. Once the milk has arrived, an accurate nursing ( or regular ) bra measure can be made, but this can also be approximated close to due date, as you may not want to go for a bra fitting so soon after birth. Try to get measured for nursing bras / post pregnancy options as near due date as possible, before or after birth.

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Appearance

In preparation for nursing, and throughout, your nipples will increase in size and remain darker than pre-pregnancy. The breasts will be firmer and veins will likely be more visible.

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Growth

When you stop feeding, expressing, or lose your milk, the breasts can take 4-6 weeks to reach a consistent size. They may well not return to the size that they were pre-pregnancy - 6 weeks would be a good time to get re-measured. If your weight changes during the longer-term post-milk, your breast size will change again, and should therefore be checked by a bra fitter to ensure you’re receiving adequate support.

Feeling

Having experienced much change in a relatively short period, your breasts may feel ’looser’ than pre pregnancy. Breasts include muscles, ligaments, tissue and skin which will recover over time ,provided they’re adequately supported by a good fitting bra. This can also affect the way that clothing sits, and your overall self-confidence, of course.

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Appearance

Stretch marks can be noticeable on the breasts as the size decreases, but these will fade with time - you can use bio oil to assist the process.