Definition baby in British English

Talking or writing about having a baby

talking about a baby

unborn child or foetus medical a baby when it is developing in its mother’s body: There is strong evidence that smoking can affect the unborn child.

newborn a baby who was born very recently

infant a baby who is too young to walk or talk

talking about being pregnant

pregnancy the time when a woman has a baby developing in her body: It was an easy pregnancy. ♦ Maria felt sick throughout her pregnancy.

be having a baby or going to have a baby to be pregnant: She’s having another baby in the autumn.

be expecting (informal) to be pregnant: Did you know that Sarah is expecting?

antenatal used for describing medical care that is given to women who are pregnant: I’ve got an appointment at the antenatal clinic tomorrow.

maternity relating to the period before and just after a baby is born: maternity clothes ♦ six months’ maternity leave

when a baby is born

birth the process of being born

delivery the process of helping a woman with the birth of her baby: an easy delivery ♦ the delivery room

labour the period of giving birth, from the time a woman starts feeling pains until the time the baby is born

contractions or labour pains the pains that a woman feels while giving birth

midwife someone who is trained to help women give birth

caesarean a medical operation to deliver a baby by making a cut in the woman’s stomach

miscarriage the birth of a baby before it has developed enough to stay alive

premature used for describing a baby who is born before the usual time