© Getty Images 

1400s -

In the Middle Ages in Europe, women's everyday dresses were typically big enough to double as maternity wear. The important thing was modesty to conceal the bumps. Velvet was a popular material for this.

© Getty Images

1500s -

Small adjustments were later made for maternity wear. Aprons, for example, were commonly used to help hide a pregnant belly. Overcoats were also updated with lace-up vents in the back, making them adjustable to fit.

© Getty Images

1500s -

During the Renaissance era, maternity wear was not seen as having much importance during the later stages of pregnancy, as the woman usually stayed home. Pregnant women would dress in robes and dressing gowns, which did not need adjustments.

© Getty Images

1600s -

The first recorded maternity gown came into being during the Baroque period and was called the "Adrienne." It featured an empire waist and also consisted of folds under the waistline that helped with a growing bump.

© Getty Images

1700s -

As fashion in the 1700s required petticoats and corsets to attain the ideal figure, many women continued to wear corsets while pregnant.

© Getty Images

1800s -

During the Victorian era, pregnancy was considered a condition to be concealed. This was when the maternity corset was introduced. This horrible garment was structured with whalebones and intended to restrict and minimize the appearance of a baby bump. It also promised to keep the figure looking trim.

© Getty Images

1900s -

Most of the maternity style developments to this point were exclusive to wealthy women. Women in poor or working class families typically wore baggy, oversized dresses during their pregnancies. For the upper class, maternity corsets were sadly still used in the early 1900s.

© Getty Images

1920s -

Progressing into the 1920s, maternity style relaxed with softer and looser silhouettes. Draped and belted waistlines were signs that comfort was the way to go.

© Getty Images

1920s -

Those drop-waist dresses were the perfect amount of slouchy to accommodate the early stages of a belly. It was a sigh of relief for women everywhere.

© Getty Images

1930s-1940s -

The '30s saw a return of a more conservative maternity style, with feminine waistlines and slim figures being in fashion. Pregnant women relied on small prints and adjustable waistbands to camouflage their 'condition.'

© Getty Images

1930s-1940s -

Separates started coming into play in the '30s and stayed in fashion during the 1940s. Shirtdresses and wrap styles also became popular.

© Getty Images

1940s -

Queen Elizabeth stayed true to the style of the decade in an A-line dress suit while four months pregnant with Prince Charles in 1948.

© Getty Images

1950s -

During the '50s, Lucille Ball became a pioneer for all moms-to-be. She was the first woman to appear pregnant on screen, publicly celebrating her growing bump. Ball popularized maternity fashion with smock tops and voluminous separates.

© Getty Images

1960s -

Jackie Kennedy embodied an elegant and simple maternity style during the '60s. The style icon opted for chic shift dresses and boxy separates.

© Getty Images

1960s -

The A-line silhouettes and separates were ideal and versatile. It was around this time that women began to buy maternity clothes for each stage of their pregnancy.

© Getty Images

1960s -

Babydoll dresses were a favorite of moms-to-be for their open and flowy shape. Mia Farrow popularized the look in 'Rosemary's Baby' (1968).

© Getty Images

1970s -

The 1970s saw peasant tops and bohemian maxi dresses becoming a pregnant woman's best friend thanks to their comfort and stretchiness.

© Getty Images

1970s -

Hemlines were at an all-time high throughout the world, and pregnant women made no exception with their maternity wear, being in fashion and comfortable.

© Getty Images

1970s -

'70s icon Jane Birkin chose comfort and ease in a cotton sun dress that complemented her bump while in Japan with Serge Gainsbourg.

© Getty Images

1970s -

Bohemian floral maxis were a popular style of the decade in general, but proved especially useful in covering a growing baby bump.

© Getty Images

1980s -

The 1980s were all about volume and colors. Princess Diana made oversized shirtdresses in pastels an instant trend with moms-to-be around the world, and rocked the style throughout her first pregnancy.

© Getty Images

1980s -

The proportions during the decade were big, and Sarah, Duchess of York did not escape this '80s trend during one of her pregnancies.

© Getty Images

1990s -

The '90s saw a big shift in maternity style consciousness, as the public and media interest in pregnant celebrities skyrocketed. A pregnant Demi Moore famously posed n u d e on the cover of Vanity Fair in 1991, which sparked a major trend that's still seen today.

© Getty Images

2000s -

Thanks to the '90s, pregnant bodies were celebrated like never before and this continued into the 2000s. Bodycon dresses, like this one on Cindy Crawford, became a go-to look for women wanting to show off their bumps.

© Getty Images

2000s -

Once the new millennium arrived, pregnant women everywhere were showing off their baby bumps. From casual outfits to red carpet ensembles like this one worn by Kate Hudson, baby bumps were being flaunted.

© Getty Images

2000s -

Sarah Jessica Parker channeled her character Carrie Bradshaw with this baby pink dress. Empire waist babydoll dresses made a huge comeback with pregnant women in the 2000s.

© Getty Images

2010s -

Kim Kardashian's pregnancies saw a share of surprising fashion moments, which reflects her own personal style. Her more casual looks with bodycon silhouettes inspired a wave of other expectant women.

© Getty Images

2010s -

Meghan Markle opted for more classical and elegant looks during her pregnancies, with structured dresses and maternity pants, often in monochromatic tones.

© Getty Images

2020s -

Today's maternity style is all about comfort and personal taste. Fashion icon Rihanna knows this well, rocking comfy sweats and bright colors over her baby bump.

Source: (Elle)

See also: Heartwarming pregnancy and birth traditions around the world

© Getty Images