prenatal

adjective

pre·​na·​tal (ˌ)prē-ˈnā-tᵊl How to pronounce prenatal (audio)
1
: occurring, existing, performed, or used before birth
prenatal care
a prenatal test
prenatal vitamins
2
: providing or receiving prenatal medical care
a prenatal clinic
prenatal patients
prenatally adverb

Examples of prenatal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is one of the reasons why seeing a healthcare provider, such as an obstetric-gynecologist (ob-gyn) or midwife, for regular prenatal care is important. Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024 These centers provide prenatal care, nutritious food and clean water, assistance during childbirth, medical treatment, access to medicine and more. Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024 The parents of a newborn who died at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's hospital a day after her birth have filed a medical malpractice suit against the hospital, medical staff members, insurance companies and the Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, where the mother received prenatal care. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2024 The floodwaters had separated many from essential prenatal care, and the fear of complications during childbirth was overwhelming. Bill Frist, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prenatal 

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prenatal was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near prenatal

Cite this Entry

“Prenatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prenatal. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

prenatal

adjective
pre·​na·​tal (ˈ)prē-ˈnāt-ᵊl How to pronounce prenatal (audio)
: occurring or existing before birth
prenatal care
prenatal development

Medical Definition

prenatal

adjective
pre·​na·​tal -ˈnāt-ᵊl How to pronounce prenatal (audio)
1
: occurring, existing, performed, or used before birth
prenatal care
the prenatal period
prenatal testing
prenatal vitamins
2
: providing or receiving prenatal medical care
a prenatal clinic
a prenatal patient

called also antenatal

compare intranatal, neonatal, postnatal
prenatally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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