Pregnancy during the Victorian era was not a happy occasion for many women, causing a desire for a woman to hide her condition. Women wore restrictive garments while pregnant as a means to disguise their pregnancy. Within the costume collection we have rehoused one of such undergarment: an 1850’s maternity corset. This peculiar item differs from other corsets. Rather than being laced in the back, this corset’s lacing is located on either side of the abdomen, which allowed a woman to loosen the garment as her stomach grew.
Victorian Image of Pregnancy through Corsetry
During the 19th century it was not uncommon for women to wear restrictive garments while pregnant as a means to disguise their pregnancy. Within the costume collection we have rehoused one of such undergarment: an 1850’s maternity corset. This peculiar item differs from other corsets. Rather than being laced in the back, this corset’s lacing is located on either side of the abdomen, which allowed a woman to loosen the garment as her stomach grew. Along with the differing lacing location, the back of corset has no boning except for one bone that runs across the waistline, creating an unusual bowed out silhouette.
Pregnancy for Many Women, Regardless of Social Class
Pregnancy for many women, regardless of social class, meant a loss in freedom. Working-class women frequently lost employment with the discovery of pregnancy, resulting in a loss of economic independence. With the Industrial Revolution emphasizing speed and constant productivity for mass production, pregnancy did not mesh well with the factory environment. Because pregnancy caused women to carry extra weight and tire more easily, employers feared women would not be able to keep up with the rapid pace and, therefore, slow down production and profit. It was highly common for factory owners to fire pregnant women. Without work, these working-class women who previously helped provide financial stability to their families now became a financial burden. In order to avoid this situation, these women masked their condition from their employers and their families for as long as possible. Middle and Upper-Class women experienced this loss of freedom as well within their own homes. Many higher-status women attended lavish balls and parties, dressed extravagantly for late-night concerts, and participated in other public events, but pregnancy called for women to retire from these enjoyments. Doctors and physicians recommended intensive bed rest for pregnancy, so women accustomed to constant entertainment had toremain in their home for the majority of the day.
The Role of Women in Victorian Society
##In this article, we have explored the practice of wearing corsets during pregnancy in the Victorian era and the cultural significance behind it. While corsets were primarily used to assist with bust support and posture, they also served to conceal the appearance of pregnancy. The desire to conceal pregnancy, along with the social and economic implications, highlights the complexities and constraints faced by women during this time. Today, we have the knowledge to challenge these norms and embrace the beauty and freedom of pregnancy.