pregnancy

American  

[preg-nuhn-see] / ˈprɛg nən si /

noun

plural

pregnancies

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

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pregnancy British  

/ ˈprɛɡnənsɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being pregnant

2. the period from conception to childbirth

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pregnancy Scientific  

/ prĕg′nən-sē /

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

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

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Other Word Forms

• postpregnancy adjective

Etymology

Origin of pregnancy

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

Example Sentences

“Men need pregnancy preparation as much as women, period,” reads part of an episode description from the November episode.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

It also poses a serious risk during pregnancy.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

Steinfeld flaunted her pregnancy during the awards circuit earlier this year, cradling her baby bump at the red carpet for the Golden Globe Awards.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

That includes a national child-care subsidy and a pledge that women will face no out-of-pocket costs during pregnancy, with medical expenses, including fertility treatments, folded into the national insurance system.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Hearing develops from about 19 to 26 weeks of the pregnancy when the inner ear matures, and babies respond to voices and classical music by turning towards it and relaxing.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin