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

Researchers showed this process started much earlier than previously thought suggesting the earliest stages of pregnancy could have an impact on immune function for life.

From BBC

A new study from researchers at Kumamoto University sheds light on a potential link between exposure to certain everyday chemicals during pregnancy and the development of asthma in children.

From Science Daily

“If anything, this pregnancy has spurred me on”, she said.

From BBC

The woman, 38, who was in the full-term of her pregnancy, was driving a car which was hit by an unmarked police car on 17 October on Kidbrooke Park Road, Eltham.

From BBC

She cares for patients with all sorts of everyday ailments and health conditions, including pregnancy.

From Salon