pregnancy

Everyday

1. The time when a woman or a female animal has a baby growing inside her body. tree →
2. The state of being pregnant. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science lessons about life cycles and growing up, and in everyday family life (a new baby on the way). In humans, pregnancy lasts about nine months; in animals the time varies (a cat about two months, an elephant almost two years). Phrases: «during pregnancy», «a healthy pregnancy».

Examples

• Mum was tired during her pregnancy. tree →
• A human pregnancy lasts about nine months. tree →
• An elephant's pregnancy lasts about 22 months. tree →
• Pregnant women go to the doctor for check-ups during pregnancy. tree →
• My aunt announced her pregnancy at dinner. tree →
• Smoking is harmful during pregnancy. tree →

Note

Adjective «pregnant». Polite, neutral word; euphemisms include «expecting», «having a baby», «in the family way» (old). In maths: lengths of pregnancy are compared in months or weeks (9 months is about 40 weeks).