Why is it not recommended to wear underwire bras in pregnancy?

[Jamaica]

I remeber last time my Dr told me not to wear underwire bras when I was preg but being that I had no intention to breastfeed & im a size 12E I didnt listen & had no problems - infact my breasts never even grew at all or anything. Just wondering why they say this? Is it to do with the milk or something?
thanks ladies

[Scout]

As I understand it, it is because it can damage flow to milk ducts (that's my vague recollection of pregnancy 2 years ago).

[GraceUnhearing]

Many women prefer underwire fashion bras and are confused when told these are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. The reason for this is, once again, your changing breast shape. When breastfeeding, the breasts can increase and decrease in size during the day, as milk is produced and removed. Retained fluid in late pregnancy can also cause the breast to swell. Although only a slight change in size is occurring, a rigid underwire may put pressure on the breast when it is fuller. Such pressure can lead to blocked milk ducts or mastitis and it is for this reason inflexible underwire bras are not recommended. However, there are now nursing bras available that have a flexible plastic support, similar to an underwire, designed to flex and change position with your changing shape. These are less likely to cause problems.

i have 14 DD to E size boobs and underwire was SOO uncomfy!

[onemummmy]

not 2 mention being extremely uncomfy!

[Silvana]

I have 16DD boobs, and found the wires incredibly uncomfortable. They were always digging in.

[pegasus]

I'd heard this, but continued to wear underwire bras throughout both my pregnancies and also into breastfeeding both my children.

I fed my son up till 17months and continue to feed my daughter now (20months). No problems feeding either of my children attributible to the underwires...

I figure some ladies have problems with blocked ducts regardless of the bras they wear and for me, the underwires were much more comfortable to wear as they held my breasts in a much more comfortable position for me. I put the advice down to a fallacy as I am wearing underwire bras at the moment and only wore maternity bras for the early days of breast feeding for convenience to get at the breast - until I went back to work and needed to have my breasts better supported (11weeks for my son and 6months for my daughter).

[Jamaica]

It seems like im a bit different being a 12E, I cant even imagine not wearing underwire so I think Ill stick with them they caused no harm last time & I feel they support me alot more & I have no intention to breastfeed so I mite not even produce any milk (didnt last time) so it mite not even be an issue.
thanks girls

[onemummmy]

I am a 12 E & i have no probs with breastfeeding bras at all :) I actually dont know how I will go back 2 wire now!

[DjF]

I continued to wear underwire - id say my boobs went up to a d, i had no problems with wire - i did however have mastitus afterwards - from wearing a synthetic maternity bra! I went back to an underwire and no probs. In the end because of a medical problem (not associated with underwear!) i was never able to breast feed!
You wear what is comfortable to you and doesnt dig in. I have heard a lot of people recommend bonds maternity bras - but never found any when pg with DD.

[Freya]

I wore underwire bras when I was pregnant and since BF I wear underwire... I have never had a blocked duct...

[pippi]

I used to be a bra fitter and fitted a zillion maternity bras. The above reasons are correct (well thats what i was taught in training) about blocking milk ducts ect. Also majority of woman i fitted couldn't wait to get out of underwire!! Also if a maternity bra or normal bra for that matter is fitted correctly and professionally then it should be comfy not matter what sort of bra it is!!

[GraceUnhearing]

im a 14 DD to a 14 E and i love my maternity bras so much more c[omfy!