C1noun 2K

Pregnancy

UK /["/ˈpreɡnənsi/"]/ US /["/ˈpreɡnənsi/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

the state of being pregnant

Listen to definition

In simple words: When a woman has a baby growing inside her body.

Examples

• Her pregnancy lasted about nine months before she gave birth to a healthy baby.
• The doctors advised her on how to maintain good health during pregnancy.
• Pregnancy can cause various physical and emotional changes in women.
• She felt tired often throughout the pregnancy but remained optimistic.
• Some animals have a shorter pregnancy than humans.

Usage notes

Used in medical or personal contexts. Avoid in casual settings unless discussing personal experiences.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'preg-‘ as 'preparing for a new guest!'

Collocations

• early
• late
• full-term
• have
• avoid
• prevent
• progress
• go to full term
• go to term
• test
• rate
• complications
• during (a/​the) pregnancy
• in (a/​the) pregnancy
• throughout (a/​the) pregnancy
• carry a pregnancy to term

Synonyms

• gestation
• expectancy
• maternity

Antonyms

• infertility
• barrenness

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'pregnant' (adjective form).
• Using 'pregnancy' to refer to the period before conception.
• Incorrect pluralization (pregnancies instead of pregnancy).