I have seen a couple of pictures of regency dresses (in a book I have, so no links) that were gathered in the front. Not gathered all round like in the pre- or early regency, the style is otherwise later. They just have extra fulness in the front skirt, and are thought to have been ment for pregnancy. I guess skirts with smooth fronts might look funny over a big bump, even if the waist is high enough…

I too am pretty well endowed, and think I'd prefer long stays to short, as the full weight won't be on your shoulders. I saw some early 19th century stays (some admittedly a little later than regency) with lacing over one or both breasts at the Met, that would be good for nursing, or an unexpected expansion of the breasts during pregnancy:

http://www.metmuseum.org/Colle…..038;pos=84

http://www.metmuseum.org/Colle…..038;pos=51

A couple with front lacing:

http://www.metmuseum.org/Colle…..38;pos=165

http://www.metmuseum.org/Colle…..38;pos=171

I've heard about stays with lacing on both sides of the stomach (done in about the same way as the ones over the breasts), to expand them over a growing belly, but I don't know where to find a period example…

Oh, bother…. I'll try again:

Stays with bust lacing 1

Stays with bust lacing 2

Stays with front lacing 1

Stays with front lacing 2

Hopefully it'll work now, sorry for the inconvenience.