Maternity

/məˈtɜːrnɪti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

the state of being a mother; motherhood.

Her maternity leave allowed her to bond with her newborn without the pressures of work.

the period during which a woman is pregnant.

Maternity care is crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby.

a hospital or section of a hospital dedicated to the care of pregnant women and childbirth.

She was admitted to the maternity ward when her contractions started.

a program or leave granted to an employee for the purpose of caring for a newborn.

Many companies offer maternity leave policies to support new mothers.

From Latin 'maternitas', from 'maternus' meaning 'maternal'.

maternity leave

A period of absence from work granted to a mother before and after the birth of her child.

maternity hospital

A hospital specializing in the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.

maternal

Relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy.

maternity ward

A hospital ward for women in labor and for mothers and their infants.

Baby bump

She was showing her baby bump proudly at the event.

Mommy-brain

After having the baby, she blamed her forgetfulness on mommy-brain.