What you'll need during pregnancy & labour
Helpful tips, good advice and a few essential items to help you prepare for your baby's arrival
When you're pregnant, there's so much to think about and so much to plan. It's important to be prepared, and properly kitted out. Of course, what you need for your pregnancy, labour and shortly after the birth depends on you, but here are a few helpful ideas.
What you may need
- Maternity support bras x 3 (best to get measured every 6 to 8 weeks)
- Sleep bras x 2
- Nursing bras x 2
- Disposable or washable bra pad (may be required during late stages of pregnancy)
- Maternity briefs
- Support tights - great help for aching legs
- Body lotion or mum-to-be massage cream
- Pregnancy pillow - to help you get comfortable to go to sleep
- Maternity clothing - check our Top 10 tips for maternity wear shopping
- Nightwear - you can still be stylish and comfortable at night and accommodate your changing shape
- Buy a good pregnancy guide book - ask friends for recommendations
Why do I need a special bra?
From around six weeks into your pregnancy you may start to notice a change in your breast size. Your current bras may start to feel uncomfortable and your breasts may become sensitive and tender - all the early signs of pregnancy. Some of these changes can be wonderful especially if you enjoy having a slightly more voluptuous figure!
Now is the time to get measured for a bra that fits correctly and is comfortable. And with the launch of Mothercare you don’t have to comprise on style and there’s a wide selection of lingerie to chose from.
This is not the time to go for an underwire bra, as they have a tendency to be uncomfortable during pregnancy and can press into delicate growing breast tissue. Breast changes are usually more noticeable during your first pregnancy. Symptoms include: an increase in breast sensitivity, darkening of the areola area around the nipple and veins around the breasts become more prominent. All of these symptoms are your hormones getting your breasts ready for feeding your baby in a few months’ time.
Click here to view our step-by-step video for how to measure your bra size
Getting the right fit 
Whether it’s a support bra for pregnancy or a nursing bra for feeding - the right fit is crucial to helping you feel your best and retaining your pre-pregnancy shape after your baby is born. Your breasts may increase in size by 2lbs so they need extra support at this time. Mothercare has an extensive range of maternity lingerie to cater for all tastes and budgets. It is always best to try before you buy. Remember a well-fitting bra also protects you from backache and helps improve your posture.
How to measure yourself for a bra
Measure directly under your bust (position A on the diagram)
If you've measured in cm: round up or down to the nearest bra size (see conversion chart).
If you've measured in inches: add 4 inches to an even number or five inches to an odd number (see conversion chart).
How to measure your cup size
Measure around the fullest part of your bust (position B on the diagram).
If you've measured in cm: the difference between measurement A and measurement B determines your cup size, (see cup-size chart).
If you've measured in inches: The difference between measurement B and the bra size you determined by measurement A gives your cup size (see cup-size chart).