The Evolution of Maternity Style

Back in the Middle Ages in Europe, women's everyday dresses were typically full and forgiving enough to readily double as maternity wear. It wasn't until the early 14th century, when silhouettes started to follow the female form a bit more, that specific design elements were introduced to make clothing more pregnancy-friendly.

No seams to take in or let out. Just lace-up panels that could be loosened to accommodate a growing baby bump.

Aprons, too, were commonly used to help hide a pregnant belly.

Overcoats had lace-up vents in the back, making them adjustable to fit.

The first recorded maternity gown came about in the Baroque period and was called the "Adrienne." It featured an empire waist and a skirt with several layered folds and pleats, allowing it to expand along with the expectant mother's belly.

By the time we were approaching the Georgian period, the Adrienne dress had evolved to include a bib around the bust to make breastfeeding easier.

This dress features slits in the bust to permit women to more easily breastfeed their baby—a duty which had, for most of the 18th century, been delegated to a hired "wet nurse."

In the thick of the highly prudish Victorian era, pregnancy was considered a condition to be concealed. Enter: the maternity corset. This cringe-worthy garment was structured with whalebones and intended to restrict and minimize the appearance of a baby bump. And doctors *actually* endorsed these...

Just add ruffles. No one will know.

"Clothes of Prospective Mothers Should Have Quality of Beauty as Well as of Comfort." A novel concept, indeed.

Sadly, the maternity corset was still a mainstay for expectant mothers well into the early 1900s.

Benito Mussolini's pregnant wife.