Maternity

Pronunciation: /məˈtɜːrnɪtiː/

Maternity (noun)

  1. The period when a woman is pregnant and gives birth, and the time right after the baby is born.
  2. Time off work given to a parent, usually the mother, because of pregnancy and having a baby.
  3. Medical care and services for pregnant people and new babies, including check-ups and support after birth.

Examples

  • Maternity care starts early during pregnancy.
  • She learned about maternity and birth from her doctor.