The Victorians were a staunch bunch, so it's no surprise that women, despite being proud of their baby bumps, modestly hid their swelling bellies during pregnancy. There are few examples of Victorian maternity wear because at that time women often altered their existing wardrobes by extending their waistlines and loosening seams to make room for baby. Corsets would be worn that would also help to conceal by shaping the body to maintain the fashionable form. It is difficult to get a sense of what it was like for pregnant women at this time because they did such a good job hiding it. In photos and paintings as well, women typically hid their belly with a shawl, prop or held a child on their lap. Pregnancy is difficult to spot and even harder to prove.Clothing was often returned to its original form after it was altered as it was more economic to do so. Developing an eye for the signs of changed garments - pin holes or mended seams around the waist - can provide a clue as to how women dressed while pregnant. Also, taking a better look at women who appear conspicuous in photos might lead us to further understand women's experience while being pregnant.
There are few sources available on maternity wear in this period as there is little material evidence of women being pregnant. Books like A Cultural History of Pregnancy:Pregnancy, Medicine and Culture, 1750-2000 by Clare Hanson and Bound to Please: A history of the Victorian Corset by Leigh Summers explore this fascinating subject but there has been no comprehensive study specifically on maternity wear (please correct me if I am wrong!). A short article by Zuzanna Shonfield, "The Expectant Victorian, (Late 19th Century Maternity Clothes)" (Costume 6 (1972): 36-38) is also an excellent guide to the cultural context surrounding maternity wear during this period.
Beautiful b&w image by Tom and Katrien found on Wiki Commons.
