In short, yes. As estrogen and progesterone levels rise during pregnancy and blood flow to the breasts starts to increase, you’ll need a bra designed to support your growing chest. And no, buying your current bra in a bigger size won’t do the trick—the best bras for pregnancy are specifically designed to provide flexibility and support for growing bodies. Moreover, most maternity bras are complete with nursing features (like clip-down straps or pull-down cups). As a result, you can get the most bang for your buck by having a bra that supports your changing body throughout pregnancy and your breastfeeding journey.
It’s also important to consider your lifestyle when selecting a maternity bra, and remember that you might need more than one type. Active moms may require a high-impact maternity sports bra, while others may only need one or two everyday styles. In our survey of The Bump community, 86 percent of respondents invested in an everyday maternity bra, while 30 percent reported wearing a maternity sports bra during pregnancy and 26 percent said that they wore a bra specifically designed for sleep.