antenatal

American  

[an-tee-neyt-l] / ˌæn tiˈneɪt l /

adjective

1. prenatal.

   an antenatal clinic.

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antenatal British  

/ ˌæntɪˈneɪtəl /

adjective

1. occurring or present before birth; during pregnancy

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noun

1. Also called: prenatal.  informal an examination during pregnancy

Other Word Forms

• antenatally adverb

Etymology

Origin of antenatal

First recorded in 1810–20; ante- + natal

Compare meaning

How does antenatal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• antenatal vs. prenatal

Example Sentences

They didn't know each other, but they had one thing in common - they were all expecting their first child and attending antenatal classes.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

The inquiry includes a review of the antenatal care provided by the trust.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2025

Given the recent steady decline in birth rate in Sweden, the researchers propose monitoring in antenatal care to address the problem.

From Science Daily • Nov. 25, 2024

"Proper support and monitoring by antenatal care staff is therefore essential for women who have suffered serious health problems during pregnancy or delivery."

From Science Daily • Nov. 25, 2024

And this, of course, is natural, for they had been in the world, had loved and suffered, so long before us that they seem a part of that antenatal mystery out of which we sprang.

From Different Girls by Various