pregnancy

[ preg-nuhn-see ]

noun

, plural preg·nan·cies.

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

/ prĕg′nən-sē /

1. The condition of carrying developing offspring within the body.
2. The time period during which this condition exists; gestation.

Other Words From

• post·pregnan·cy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pregnancy¹

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

Example Sentences

About one third of women have decided to have fewer children or delay pregnancy because of coronavirus, according to a survey of more than 2,000 women by the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization focused on reproductive health.

From Quartz

When the family turned themselves into Border Patrol, the mother’s pregnancy was near full-term and she began experiencing acute pain, according to the complaint.

From Voice of San Diego

Other studies also showed that smoking during pregnancy might harm growing babies.

From Science News For Students

In the 1960s, for instance, researchers showed that women who smoked during pregnancy tended to have smaller babies.

From Science News For Students

After the op-ed, Nike changed its policy to ensure female athletes will not be “adversely impacted financially for pregnancy” for at least 18 months, CNN reported.

From Health

There are 17 states with laws that consider drug abuse during pregnancy a form of child abuse.

From The Daily Beast

South Carolina and Alabama courts have already ruled late-pregnancy substance abuse can be considered a form of child abuse.

From The Daily Beast

During pregnancy, then, CP could not be considered a separate legal entity from EQ.

From The Daily Beast

If they had passed, presumably mothers who drink during pregnancy could be charged with felonies.

From The Daily Beast

These detainments were often justified by laws that do not mention pregnancy specifically.

From The Daily Beast

Passive hyperemia occurs most commonly in diseases of the heart and liver and in pregnancy.

From Project Gutenberg

This state of security proved a fortunate circumstance, as many of the poor women were at the same time in a state of pregnancy.

From Project Gutenberg

Usually we may say this method fails of its purpose and pregnancy and lactation together work serious harm.

From Project Gutenberg

Lactation is sometimes prolonged for no better reason than the hope to avoid pregnancy.

From Project Gutenberg

To carry their outrage to the highest possible degree, several who were in a state of pregnancy were assailed in this manner.

From Project Gutenberg