Rachel Dirksen

Maternity Photos: A Modern Celebration

One rare photo of a pregnant woman from 1860 gives a representation of how pregnant women dressed during the 19th century. There were no modern “solutions'' for pregnancy wear during the 18th and 19th century. Women were expected to wear the same extravagant gowns and dresses they would normally wear. Nineteenth century women typically wore corsets to maintain their figure during their pregnancy. These corsets were laced on the side of the abdomen to allow the women to loosen the garment as she grew throughout her pregnancy. These corsets allowed women to achieve the feminine look that was heavily desired during the 19th century. A feminine look consisted of a woman with a tiny waist and petite frame. Keeping this desired figure was very important to remain desirable to your social circle. Pregnancy was considered more of a condition that would eventually be solved than a miracle of life. This so-called shame to be seen as a growing pregnant person was deeply ingrained in American culture. If women felt insecure about their pregnant bodies, they would want to avoid creating any physical memories of the dreaded nine months. Taking photos showing their growing bellies was abnormal for this reason. 

Women during the 1800s rarely had access to methods of birth control. If they did have access, it was more than likely poisonous or unsafe for the mother. Wives did not have a say in whether or not they wanted to continue having children. This reality along with the restrictions placed on the mother made pregnancy something that was not celebrated. Many women fell pregnant after being coerced into sexual encounters with their husbands. Others were not coerced, but rather forced with physical strength or the threat of being a husbandless woman. Being single was seen as an issue that needed to be solved. Women were not allowed to remarry or divorce, only the husband could initiate divorce. All of these factors led to pregnancies that were unwanted by the mother. This reality would discourage women from wanting their photograph taken while they are pregnant, explaining the lack of maternity photographs from this time. Pregnancy was also hidden during the 19th century because women were supposed to be seen as chaste and pure. Pregnancy was an obvious indication that this woman had previously engaged in sexual activity, which often made people uncomfortable. Sex was not a topic that could be discussed in public, or even for women behind closed doors. 

During the American Antebellum Era (1832-1860) the significant lack of maternity photos is partly due to the large portion of the population being enslaved. According to the 1860 US Census, almost 4 million Americans were enslaved. This number amounts to about 8% of the population. Enslaved women took precautionary measures to avoid any pregnancies. If they did end up pregnant, this was not an occasion to celebrate. Enslaved women knew that their children were merely seen as extra hands that could eventually help with the slave chores. These women knew first hand that a large percentage of enslaved children died during their first years. Enslaved women rarely had access to cameras or any leisure activities of the sort. The few photographs that remain of enslaved people show them doing various forms of work. These photos were not taken as a way to glamorize an individual, which is the case for maternity photos. 

The rise in popularity of maternity photos was a natural progression only after pregnant bodies became celebrated in American society. There were no portrayals of pregnant women in the media until the mid 20th century. “I Love Lucy” was the most popular show in the country during the 1950s. The show followed a husband and wife, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, through their misadventures of adulthood. The main characters were played by real life husband and wife - Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. When Lucille Ball got pregnant, the network begrudgingly agreed to write the pregnancy into the show. This character plotline was revolutionary. Never before had there been a pregnant woman in any movie or television show. The episode where Lucy tells her husband that she is pregnant was censored tremendously by the network. The episode is titled “Lucy is Enceinte”, the french word for pregnant, because they were not allowed to say the words “pregnant” or “pregnancy” on television. “I Love Lucy” changed the way pregnancy was viewed in society. Shame surrounding pregnancy quickly dissipated after the increased portrayals of pregnant women in entertainment media. This was a massive leap for a society that once encouraged women to hide their pregnant figures. Combatting the shame and judgment towards pregnant bodies encouraged women to embrace their changing bodies in ways that had never been done before. Some women took this shift as an opportunity to celebrate the little moments during pregnancy. Of course, one of the ways to memorialize pregnancy was through maternity photos.

Maternity photos increased in popularity due to celebrity influence. Emerging trends that combat social expectations usually are begun by the public imitating influential figures. Unarguably the most iconic moment in the realm of maternity photography is Demi Moore’s 1991 Vanity Fair cover. The actress was at the height of her career and married to one of the most famous actors at the time, Bruce Willis. Demi Moore appears on the cover fully nude and very pregnant. The actress is only covered by her strategically placed hands over her private areas. This magazine cover was unlike anything that had been seen before. Pregnant women were not glamorized or seen as sexual beings. Moore being on this cover looking seductive and powerful while seven months pregnant was a statement. This cover provided inspiration for the pregnant woman who may feel that she had lost her sense of self or identity now that she is becoming a mother. For the middle class American, celebrities are their source of inspiration. There is no question that maternity photos became mainstream practice after the release of this cover. Moore is aware of the impact her cover had on women from that time, “I understand what impact it had on the world. On women, on our permission to embrace ourselves in a pregnant state.” Demi Moore was a spectacle of uninhibited femininity.

Just as Moore stated, pregnant women were beginning to embrace themselves on an entirely new level. Since the pregnancy episode of “I Love Lucy”, pregnant women were portrayed on countless television shows and movies. One of the most iconic portrayals was Jennifer Aniston's beloved character, Rachel Green, in the hit show “Friends”. Aniston’s character remained a fashionable woman throughout her pregnancy, wearing sexy and revealing outfits. Aniston’s character was a single mother who still remained desirable by other men, a far cry from the idea that pregnant women are “off the market" so to speak. Rachel Green was one of many new characters that were changing the thoughts and opinions of pregnant American women. Single mothers watching “Friends” may have felt represented and understood in ways they had not before. Seeing a beautiful woman such as Jennifer Aniston showing off a pregnant belly (even if prosthetic), may open them up to new ways to celebrate their pregnant bodies. The 2012 book, “Knock Me Up Knock Me Down”, explores pop culture’s influence on how pregnant women are viewed in society. “Hollywood is giving birth to new images of sexy, cute, and attractive pregnancies offscreen and on.” says the author Kelly Oliver. Media has the ability to change the way the public perceives all aspects of life. Positive portrayals of expecting mothers and their bodies encourage the public to celebrate these changes. Creating memories of such a joyous time progressed to the modern idea of maternity photos.

It would be inaccurate to not acknowledge the rise of social media’s influence on maternity photos. Social media has allowed pregnant women to share images of their growing bodies to friends and family easier than ever before. Pregnancy announcements have become a right of passage in the 21st century. Expecting mothers will upload a photo of themselves onto social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, showcasing their belly to announce to friends and family. The Instagram hashtag, #pregnancyannouncement, is attached to over 1.4 million photos. There are now common practices taken to create adequate maternity photos. Women often hire photographers to photograph them (and their partner) in nature spots or even in photography studios. Maternity photos are often taken when women have a prominent “baby bump”, usually around 28-36 weeks pregnant.According to the American Pregnancy Association, maternity photos “capture the beauty of your growing baby bump and glorify the unity of mom and baby.” The mothers usually wear some sort of form fitting clothing that accentuates their growing belly. Far from the days of hiding your pregnancy, the modern maternity photo is a chance for women to celebrate their changing bodies. On a more extravagant scale, celebrities like Beyonce take the opportunity of public announcement to produce beautiful imagery of their pregnancy. Beyonce’s 2017 pregnancy announcement shocked the world. The photo is opulent and meticulously curated, with Beyonce showing her bare pregnant belly. The Instagram photo quickly became one of the most liked of that time, and currently has almost 11 million likes. 

Maternity photos have become increasingly sexual in nature. Many women now choose to take their photos in the nude or with very little coverings. The photo below was taken by a Boston based photographer in the past two years. This image has noticeable similarities to the pregnancy announcement of Beyonce. Both women are covered in tulle and are using their hands to highlight their bare belly. Both of these images portray a sense of confidence and sensuality that used to be rare for pregnant women to express. This self expression is also often shown with the help of a woman’s partner. It has become increasingly common for women to invite their partner (usually males) to join the maternity photos. Oftentimes the men are shirtless and assisting in covering up the pregnant woman’s private areas. As seen below in the black and white photo, the male partner is using his loving embrace to cover the woman’s breasts. On a more extreme scale, a pregnancy photoshoot from rappers Offset and Cardi B shows how sexual maternity  photos have become. What was once daring for the public with the Demi Moore Vanity Fair cover, has now become a common practice for pregnant women throughout the country. No longer are the days where discussing pregnancy was taboo. Celebration of the union between mother and father is now memorialized in the form of intimate photographs.

Maternity photos are now a common practice that allow women and their partners to celebrate the gift of a new child. American society now embraces pregnant women and their bodies more than ever before. Maternity photos are a physical representation of how pregnancy has been viewed throughout American history. It is important to remember that society cast immense shame on expecting mothers during the 19th century. Knowing this harsh history allows us as Americans to fully appreciate how pregnancy is celebrated in today’s society. Portrayals of pregnant women in film and television have paved the way for this celebration of new life. Celebrities publicly embracing their pregnant bodies have undoubtedly influenced public opinion. The tradition of modern day maternity photos have given women the opportunity to love and appreciate themselves. Sharing pregnancy announcements on social media has connected friends and family from all over the world to congratulate expecting mothers. Maternity photos are an amazing visual representation of evolution, not only of the expecting mother and her body but also of American society.

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