One of the very first signs of pregnancy for many women is found not in the womb or even in a hugely noticeable change in cycle. It shows up in the form of tenderness in the breasts that can continue for some time to come. While many mothers-to-be find the initial expansion of the chest rather pleasing, after a while it can become quite uncomfortable.

So, what’s happening and what can a woman do to help herself?

Some time during the first few weeks of pregnancy, most women find their breasts start to feel sore and begin to enlarge slightly. These changes take place as the body readies itself for milk production down the road. It is possible for women to find their breast size increases by as much as two full cup sizes during this rapid change period.

On the up side, many women report that soreness does go away by the end of the first trimester. Others find the soreness persists throughout the pregnancy – especially if enlargement takes place very quickly and involves a big increase in size.

Lessening the discomfort involved in breast growth can be handled safely in a number of ways. One of the best involves buying special maternity bras that are better designed to handle the bulk that will be evident with breast growth. As a woman outgrows her normal bras, switching to maternity or nursing bras isn’t necessary, but it can make a very big difference in discomfort by providing proper support.

The truth is maternity and nursing bras are designed specifically for the aches, pains and soreness that come along with pregnancy and nursing. These bras are constructed specifically for changing breasts and they tend to fit a great deal better during this time of life.

Buying a maternity bra is often suggested during the first trimester or by the second at the latest. Do expect the possibility of a return for a larger size during the final months of pregnancy as the breasts make a last push in their preparations to produce milk.

Remember, during the first months of pregnancy, a good maternity bra is probably all that is required. If breastfeeding in on tap in the future, the final bras can and probably should be purchased in this design. It will save an extra trip after birth to pick up comfortable bras.

Most places that sell maternity and nursing bras will offer to help with the fitting. If you want to do this yourself, following these tips can help:

• Get a good band size measurement – Take a soft, cloth measuring tape and go around your body, under the arms. Round up, rather than down if an odd number appears.
• Cup size measurements matter – To get an accurate measurement here, use the measuring tape around the bust, making sure to go around the fullest part.
• Understand when a fit is good – When trying on maternity or nursing bras, make sure they contain the breasts fully. The band should fit comfortably and not ride up at all in the back.
• Select smart nursing bras – Should breastfeeding be in the future, make sure to select a nursing bra that is easy to use. A one-handed flap is often recommended.
• Go with cotton – This is especially so for breastfeeding mothers, but can have an impact during pregnancy as well. Steer clear of nylon and silk and opt for cotton bras. They simply help the skin breathe, which can be important later when moisture is an issue.

Picking the right maternity or nursing bras isn’t rocket science, but it does take careful deliberation. Using these instead of a normal bra can increase comfort, which is something most women thank themselves for as the days of their pregnancy wear on.

For affordable maternity wear and maternity clothing please visit Maternity Clothing.