Pregnancy is the condition of having a developing baby growing inside the body, usually in the uterus, from conception until birth. It normally lasts about nine months in humans.
“Pregnancy” comes from “pregnant,” from Latin *praegnans* or *praegnas*, meaning “with child.” The Latin root combines *prae-* (“before”) and a root related to “birth” or “bringing forth.”
Beyond biology, pregnancy reshapes almost every system in the body—heart, lungs, hormones, even the brain’s wiring. It’s one of the most intense examples of a body temporarily redesigning itself around a new life.
The term 'pregnancy' has historically been tied linguistically and legally to 'women' in ways that erased transgender men, non-binary people, and intersex people who can also become pregnant. Medical and legal discourse often framed pregnancy as a private female matter rather than a broader social and economic issue.
When relevant, distinguish between 'pregnant people' (inclusive of all who can be pregnant) and 'women' if you are specifically discussing gendered social roles. Avoid language that treats pregnant individuals as passive or solely defined by reproduction.
["pregnant people","people who are pregnant"]
Recognize the contributions of women and other pregnant people in advancing maternal health, reproductive rights, and research, including advocacy that reframed pregnancy as a matter of public policy and human rights.
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