Many factors come into play when picking a pregnancy bra that’s right for you. Ultimately, you want something that will provide comfort and adequate support. Most maternity bras are also nursing bras, which are both convenient and budget friendly. So if you’re looking for something to transition into nursing, consider how well the product will prevent leakage and how easily accessible feeding will be for the baby and you. Thorough research and firsthand testing resulted in the following list of the best maternity bras for pregnancy and nursing.
Things to consider when selecting a maternity bra for pregnancy:
- Avoid tight-fitting bras, which can worsen sore breasts and even block milk ducts.
- Look for adjustable bras that can grow with your pregnancy.
- Anticipate breasts increasing by 1-2 cups during pregnancy; your rib cage will expand.
- Consider getting fitted for your maternity bras, keeping in mind you’ll likely have to do this more than once, depending on how much your breasts grow.
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4 star rating
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No clasps
At this point in my pregnancy, I have purchased a few maternity bras, and so far, this is my favorite. While I might not necessarily wear this under a tight-fitting shirt, due to it not being as supportive as others, I love the comfort and the pretty lace. I can tell it will be easy to pull down when the time comes to start nursing. Racerback straps and spandex cups make this relatively easy to put on and take off. While these light support bras are typically great for sleeping, the lace might not be my first choice for wearing at night. For the most part, it’s comfortable, but I can feel the texture more than preferred while getting some shuteye.
What People Are Saying
“Love this bra! Helps you feel a bit more sexy rather than the not so cute or flattering typical nursing bras that clip down. This was my first experience with one that you just push down and out of the way and I actually really like it and prefer it to the clip styles.”
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4.2 star rating
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Runs small per reviews
Because I love Motherhood’s lace cross front maternity nursing bra, I have this one in my Amazon cart to purchase next. It has a smooth texture rather than lace, so I feel like it’ll be a fantastic option for wearing around the house or snuggling in for a movie night. The front is specifically designed for easy nursing access, and the light coverage provides a breathable break from more constricting bras.
What People Are Saying
“Material and design is super comfy but the size runs small. It’s a tight fit. I’d recommend getting one size up if you’re looking for a more comfortable fit. Also, product would be better if there was a front latch. It’s more of a sports bra style.”
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4.5 star rating
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Medium support
The strappy back adds a touch of sexy that we all want to feel while pregnant or nursing. Medium support makes this seamless racerback great for light activities like walking or yoga. Elasticity will help you utilize this bra longer while your breasts grow throughout pregnancy. After you give birth and it’s time to start nursing, the clip-down feature and removable pads will be welcomed, as they will add a bit of convenience.
What People Are Saying
“I was a 34B before baby, the medium fits fine now – although it may fit best after I shed a pound or two. I kept this because it was soft, well structured and the design is a welcomed variation from the other nursing bras.”
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4.7 star rating
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Light sports bra
Most importantly, the buttery-soft material contains no harmful substances. A “jelly strip“design provides 360° support, which lightly lifts breasts to a natural, comfortable position. The adequate support is enough for this to also serve as a secondary, light sports bra. But no worries, it’s described to be quite comfy — you can also sleep in it. Crafted to be extra-breathable, this may be ideal for summer too. The breastfeeding clasp can be easily undone with one hand for effortless feeding.
What People Are Saying
“I would say this bra is medium coverage and perfect. I feel like my growing breasts are very secure and won’t fall out. This bra is COMFY, and a little sexy which is a nice change from the basic nursing bras.”
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4.4 star rating
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Deep V neckline
These are a great option when looking for serious bang for your buck! Coming in a multi-pack, several soft color combinations exist, from neutrals to pastels. Light support is provided, while the adjustable straps can be fixed to give just a touch more. The padding is removable, and the easy-feeding clasp can be undone with a quick one-handed snap. If you’re kicking off your maternity wardrobe hunt, this pack will give you an excellent jump start.
What People Are Saying
“Right after wash they fit great, but as the day goes on it gets really loose around your body, which offers less breast support. I’m 9 months pregnant 165 lbs, ordered a Large but I think if I had ordered a medium I would’ve been happier, especially because they come with extenders so I recommend sizing down because of that.”
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4.4 star rating
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Adjustable
If you’re anything like me, your breast size is probably changing quite dramatically. Embrace the changes and your beautiful new shape without continually purchasing new maternity garments. This bra is made of a mixture of nylon and spandex, so it’s soft while providing some accommodating stretch. Although you might have to buy different sizes throughout pregnancy, this one, and other stretchy options, will at least give some flexibility. Like most maternity bras, this is ideal for pregnancy and postpartum.
What People Are Saying
“As I grew during my pregnancy I started to find that any sports bra I had and even larger ones I bought ended up digging in by the band by the end of the day and making my back pain worse. After wearing this bra twice so far I haven’t had the same complaint. I like that I can make the bottom bigger as the day goes on if I need to.”
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4.6 star rating
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Busty sizes available
We love this bra because it comes in busty sizes that accommodate sizes F and up. Every woman is intricately unique, and the garment not only provides comfort but also celebrates a variety of mommy shapes. Designed to fit slightly snugly and provide some support, wider straps help distribute chest weight more evenly. Active moms likely will appreciate the racerback design, which makes it a great transitional piece for postpartum activities. Fabric is breathable and sweat-wicking, so you might imagine wearing this one hiking or for other low-impact activities like Pilates.
What People Are Saying
“As a plus size woman, it’s hard to find a good comfortable bra that still gives a good amount of support. I was skeptical given the price, but it’s honestly my favorite bra and I plan to get more! It’s tight enough to give support, but not too tight that I’m worried about it impacting my supply.”
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4.9 star rating
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Ultralight
Nylon and spandex are married together again for this ultralight super soft bra that is so heavenly you can sleep in it. Enjoy adjustable straps and the stretchy material’s flexibility, as it may last longer through your pregnancy. Like most maternity bras, this one is wireless, so you won’t have to deal with painful wire digging into your rib cage. A deep V cut has been used in the design so that various shirts can be worn with it.
What People Are Saying
“2nd pregnancy, and if I learned some things from the first go around, it’s that a comfortable bra for my pregnancy is necessary! I’m only 20 weeks along, so haven’t used for nursing yet, but it can satisfy my the needs for daily bra. Soft and comfortable.”
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4.4 star rating
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Responsibly sourced cotton
Checking off all the major maternity bra boxes, this wire-free option features responsibly sourced cotton. Lower band elastics keep things in place, and removable sugarcane pads help cover up while reducing the likelihood of leakage. The nursing clips undo easily, making feeding time more convenient. Women describe this bra as adequately supportive and adore the fact that it is wire-free.
What People Are Saying
“I just got this into the third trimester of my pregnancy and I am already loving it. The fabric is comfy and breathable, but also provides a hold I need. I find that I am wearing this bra almost exclusively and have stopped wearing all of the previous underwire bras I was wearing before I was pregnant. I think this will continue to be a staple as it will easily transition to a nursing bra that can be used after baby is born.”
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4.6 star rating
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Wide rib band for comfort
The four-way stretch fabric helps the bra grow with you during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The material is certified safe from harmful chemicals as well. Racerback straps and a wide rib band are specifically designed for ultimate comfort. Easily pull down the crisscross front when needing to feed late at night. The nylon spandex combination fabric is also moisture-wicking, which is especially nice during summer.
What People Are Saying
“This is my favorite nursing bra of all time! Its perfect for sleep but I also wear it through out the day quite often. The material is a perfect amount of stretchy yet firm.”
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5 star rating
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Four-level hook and eye closure
Good news for mamas-to-be who love Victoria’s Secret. You don’t have to give up your favorite brand during pregnancy because the company also offers some maternity selections. This full-coverage, wireless bra uses seamless technology for ultimate comfort. Specific internal structures provide support while keeping the bra in place. Adjustable straps and a four-level hook-and-eye closure give a more tailored fit to your body. Clip-down cups make breastfeeding easier.
What People Are Saying
“I have tried several different brands and this is by far the best nursing bra I’ve tried so far. I couldn’t stop sighing from relief after I put it on from how comfortable this bra is! I will be buying several more of these. It fits perfectly and I feel fully supported without being squished!”
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4.5 star rating
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No pads
Comfortable support — isn’t that what we are all looking for in a nursing bra? What gives this particular garment its softness is an ultra-high thread count. Supportiveness comes from inner slings that not only support the breasts but lift them at the same time. The racerback design also features a hook-and-eye closure. We appreciate the double layering, as this gives an extra line of protection against leakage. Keep in mind, there is no padding, so you might want to slip some nursing pads inside if you’re prone to leaking.
What People Are Saying
“didn’t want to take this bra off after I tried it on! I bought it late in my 7th month of pregnancy and it is the most comfortable bra I own. The only downside is the thin material, however if it had cups the bra would be stiffer and not as comfortable.”
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4 star rating
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Dri-FIT technology
Yes, Nike makes maternity and nursing bras too! So mamas, if you have the go-ahead from your doctor, this bra provides medium support, which is ideal for light gym training. If you ride a stationary bike or take up jogging after having your baby, this can also be a go-to. Many of Nike’s classic features are incorporated into the garment, such as Dri-FIT technology, a breathable mesh interior, and a pullover design. Maternity-specific features include an adjustable slider to accommodate growing breasts, and overlapped layers, for nursing purposes.
What People Are Saying
“Buttery soft material! I love love love the adjustable band, as my ribcage expands during pregnancy. (why doesn’t every sports bra have that type of band?!) I agree with previous reviews that there is no chance of breastfeeding in this. It’s way too hard to pull down.”
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4.5 star rating
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Dri-FIT technology
Moisture-managing fabric can be a total lifesaver in certain scenarios! Clip-down clasps also make nursing access ideal. An additional liner is designed to promote airflow, but it also provides extra discretion. The design can even accommodate pumping. A hook-and-eye closure is utilized in the back while front-facing adjustable straps add ease to customization.
What People Are Saying
“This sports bra is perfect! Very comfy, easy to adjust, does not irritate the skin or sensitive parts of the body. Super easy to put on or take off. The fabric is soft and smooth as you’d expect from Nike. Very conforming. It’s held up very nicely through several washes.”
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4.3 star rating
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Tagless
Thirdlove’s delicate bra is no fuss but has attractive touches, such as subtle gold hardware. It appears ultra comfortable, featuring accommodating four-way stretch fabric. For those who don’t like pullover bras, this one features a hook-and-eye closure. I have mixed feelings about whether or not I prefer hook-and-eye or pull-over styles during pregnancy. I tend to enjoy variation and like to choose what style I’m feeling for the day. The drop-down overlay fabric provides easy access for nursing. While seemingly a small detail, the tagless, scratch-free print label is fantastic.
What People Are Saying
“Great comfort and support during pregnancy! I normally wear a 32 C1/2 pre-pregnancy and purchased the nursing bra in my pre-pregnancy – it fits very comfortably and provides great support and is not tight.”
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4.6 star rating
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Hand wash
Bralettes are where it’s at if you’re looking for ultimate comfort. They provide easy nursing access and typically don’t feature wires or uncomfortable seams. I like this one in particular because it comes with removable cups. The scoop front neck accommodates various necklines, and the straps are also elastic and adjustable. Something to note, it is recommended to hand wash this particular garment.
What People Are Saying
“This bralette is so comfortable and perfect to wear while I’m still pregnant and then will be great once I’m breastfeeding as well. I like that I can wear it to workout and how comfortable and supportive it is!”
