prenatal

American  

[pree-neyt-l] / priˈneɪt l /

adjective

1. previous to birth or to giving birth.

   prenatal care for mothers.

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prenatal British  

/ priːˈneɪtəl /

adjective

1. occurring or present before birth; during pregnancy

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noun

1. informal a prenatal examination

prenatal Cultural  

1. A descriptive term for the period between conception and birth.

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Other Word Forms

• prenatally adverb

Etymology

Origin of prenatal

First recorded in 1820–30; pre- + natal

Compare meaning

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

• antenatal vs. prenatal

Example Sentences

Both prenatal alcohol exposure and prenatal stress altered the dopamine system in the adult offspring.

From Science Daily

That breakthrough would have far-reaching consequences for AI development, prenatal policy, animal welfare, medicine, mental health care, law, and emerging technologies such as brain-computer interfaces.

From Science Daily

Nearly half of women, 41%, reported that their prenatal and delivery costs were higher than they expected.

From MarketWatch

The analysis was prompted by renewed public concern following claims made in September 2025 suggesting that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen could interfere with brain development and increase the likelihood of autism.

From Science Daily

She missed out on baby showers and prenatal yoga classes and handing her newborn baby off to acquaintances.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fetal