pregnancy

[preg-nuhn-see]

noun

plural

pregnancies 

1. the state, condition, or quality of being pregnant.

pregnancy

/ ˈprɛɡnənsɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being pregnant

2. the period from conception to childbirth

pregnancy

1. The condition of carrying developing offspring within the body.

2. The time period during which this condition exists; gestation.

Other Word Forms

• postpregnancy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pregnancy¹

First recorded in 1520–30; pregn(ant) ¹ + -ancy

Example Sentences

She hid her pregnancy for almost 20 weeks out of fear that her career might be derailed, according to the lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times

She worked through two pregnancies and raised her children while continuing to work.

From BBC

Nearly seven weeks passed between Jill Hartle learning that she was losing her first pregnancy and her receiving abortion care in Washington, D.C.

From Salon

"I had problems in pregnancy; I had two premature babies because of the way my kidneys were and my UTIs. It's just something I've had to endure all my life."

From BBC

In 1995, Fonda founded a Georgia effort dedicated to reducing teenage pregnancy.

From Los Angeles Times