In Gone with the Wind, Scarlett was criticized for continuing to work in public view during her pregnancy. How accurate was this in the 19th century? Were women really not allowed to show themselves after they found out they were pregnant?

by scarlett_butler

I had never heard of this before reading Gone with the Wind.

mimicofmodes

It's not accurate - this myth arises out of a misunderstanding of the term "confinement" (used as a euphemism for childbirth at the time) and early twentieth century anti-Victorianism. There is always more to be said, but you may be interested in some previous answers of mine:

During the time of corsets and tight waisted dresses for women what would they wear during pregnancy?

How did polite Victorian ladies refer (even among themselves) to a late or missed period?

Why were the Victorians prudes?