In the fourth month...the bra should be hooked on the tightest hook in back and fit firmly but comfortably around the rib cage--no riding up in back which usually indicates the bra is too large around and which, in turn, provides insufficient support for the breasts. Fitting the bra on the tightest hook allows for further rib cage growth throughout the pregnancy. The cup should provide enough depth to eliminate as much cleavage as possible. This would be the cup size. A cup that fits too snugly will not allow for growth throughout the pregnancy; however, a cup that fits too loosely does not provide adequate support.
In the eighth month...the bra should be hooked on the loosest hook in back and fit firmly but comfortably around the rib cage--again, no riding up in back. Fitting the bra on the last or loosest hook allows the bra to be taken up as the rib cage shrinks after delivery. The cup should allow some room for milk ducts to expand when the "milk comes in." Most maternity/nursing bras adjust in the cup by ladder hook adjustments above the cups or by lengthening a stretch strap. (Lengthening the strap too much will compromise the support offered by the bra.)
Underwire versus softcup... Properly fitted underwires generally cause no problems during pregnancy and while breastfeeding; however, softcups are usually more comfortable during the last months of pregnancy and during the first weeks of breastfeeding when the breasts are at their fullest. It is ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT that the wire fits well behind the breast tissue under the arm so that the wire puts no pressure on the breast tissue. It is also ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT that the bra, whether softcup or underwire, be put on so that the band or underwire under the breasts lies on the rib cage with no pressure on the breast tissue. Any point of pressure on the breast tissue by an underwire or a seam which fits too tight sometimes leads to a plugged duct often resulting in mastitis or breast infection.
Information courtesy of Mur Anne Lawson
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