childbirth

American  

[chahyld-burth] / ˈtʃaɪldˌbɜrθ /

noun

1. an act or instance of bringing forth a child; parturition.

   a difficult childbirth.

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childbirth British  

/ ˈtʃaɪldˌbɜːθ /

noun

1. the act of giving birth to a child

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Etymology

Origin of childbirth

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at child, birth

Example Sentences

Hague has also been open with her fans about her struggles with pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood, describing having her first child as challenging at times.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Central and local government officials have tried with limited success in recent years to incentivise marriage and childbirth, from launching dating apps to boosting child-rearing allowances and subsidising parental leave.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Waldorf’s sister, Elizabeth Rowe, had almost died of hemorrhaging during childbirth, so the family felt an hourslong drive to Kansas through rural roads without medical support was not an option.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

While the circumstances of her death remain private, a family representative told The Times that media reports stating that she died as a result of childbirth complications are not accurate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

He was terrified of the childbirth, for good reason.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman