It can be a 40D, 38DD, or 38E depending on where you need the size increase.
The number represents the measurement around your rib cage. The letter is the measurement around your ribs and breast in relation to the number size, and the number of letters has to do with breasts width.
The next size up, based on band size, is 30A. The next bra size up, based on cup size, is a 28B or, in some sizes, 28AA.
In band size the next size up is 32A. However, the next size is 30B in cup sizes.
Yes it is the same size.
They are sister sizes, meaning interchangeable. It depends on how you want the bra to fit. Say your band measures at 36.5 inches and your bust measures at 41.5 Inches there is a 5 inch difference between the two so an inch for every cup size (a,b,c,d,dd). If you try in the 36dd and it is a little tight around the band you could go up to a 38d to make it more comfortabl.
The next bra size after 40D would typically be 40DD (or 40E, depending on the brand). Bra sizes progress in increments of one cup size, so moving from D to DD (or E) is the next step. Additionally, you could also consider going up in band size to 42 while adjusting the cup size down to maintain a similar fit, resulting in a 42C.
Your bra size is made up of a number, the back size, and a letter, the cup size. The size 28E means the woman has a small back size, and a large cup in relation to her frame. However her breasts will not be large next to a woman with say 34D bra size. Contrary to popular belief this is no where near impossible to find, many specialist bra and lingerie companies stock this size.
A 40C would have the same cup size as a 38D or 36DD. The number is the "band size" or "back size," and refers to the size of your frame excluding your breasts. The correct band size will usually be your underbust/ribcage measurement rounded to the nearest even number, for example if your underbust measures 33 inches you will most likely need a 34. The cup size is represented by a letter, and this is relative to the band size so if you currently fill a 40C but you need a 38 band, then a 38C will be too small. You will need to try a 38D - go up one cup size for every band size that you go down. Although different bra sizes have equivalent sized cups, it is not recommended to wear a different size to the proper one. This is because the band needs to be a firm fit around the ribcage in order to support the cups properly and not ride up in the back. Also, the band size determines other dimensions of the bra such as the shoulder strap spacing and the width of the cups. On a smaller band size, the cups and the shoulder straps will be spaced closer together as they are designed to fit a narrower chest.
Pregnant women like comfort and they will also need a nursing bra if they plan to breastfeed. Try something soft, maybe with padded cups for extra comfort. And you should probably get the next size up from her normal bra size.
If you wear a 36DD, you might also fit into sizes 38D or 34E, depending on the brand and style of the bra. The band size can be adjusted by going up or down one size, while the cup size may shift accordingly. It's important to try on different sizes, as fit can vary significantly between brands. Always consider factors like the bra's style and design when determining the best fit.
There is no ideal bra size, it's all up to your heredity. Whatever size your mother and/or grandmother are, you are likely to get that big.
Bra sizes would have the letters for going up and down by the alphabet. While the letters go up, that would have bra size going upward. For instance, while the letter B is after the letter A, it would be as a larger bra size.
32a ----- EDIT: I think this is a made-up answer. Who knows if she even wears a bra or what size it is!