Antenatal

/ˌæntɪˈneɪtəl/ adjective

Definition

Occurring or existing before birth, especially relating to the period of pregnancy and prenatal care.

Etymology

From 'ante-' (before) + 'natalis' (relating to birth, from Latin 'natus' meaning born). Became common in medical terminology during the 20th century.

Kelly Says

British doctors pioneered 'antenatal care' to monitor babies before birth—it literally saved millions of lives by catching problems early, transforming pregnancy from a mystery into something medical professionals could observe.

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