prenatal

adjective pre·na·tal \ (ˌ)prē-ˈnā-tᵊl \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of prenatal

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

play \(ˌ)prē-ˈnā-tᵊl-ē\ adverb

See prenatal defined for English-language learners

See prenatal defined for kids

Recent Examples of prenatal from the Web

In line with research from previous animal studies, the researchers found an association between prenatal exposure to SSRIs and increases in the volume of several areas of the brain, including the amygdala and the insular cortex.

— julia belluz, Vox, "We’re beginning to learn how moms’ antidepressants can affect fetuses," 9 Apr. 2018
The changes caused by prenatal exposure to SSRIs, therefore, might contribute to changes in a developing baby’s sensitivity to serotonin and ability to respond to the brain chemical.

— alice park, Time, "Taking Antidepressants During Pregnancy May Lead to Fetal Brain Changes," 9 Apr. 2018
The hospital also provides prenatal care to 700 to 800 women and delivers about 2,200 babies a year.

— guy boulton, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Ascension Wisconsin cutting services at St. Joseph hospital," 5 Apr. 2018
The most important thing is getting good prenatal care, Dr. Greves says.

— korin miller, SELF, "NHL Star Erik Karlsson and His Wife Lost Their Son a Month Before He Was Due," 22 Mar. 2018
The law bans abortions after a prenatal test shows the fetus has or is likely to have Down syndrome.

— jackie borchardt, cleveland.com, "Ohio attorney general will appeal ruling in Down syndrome abortion ban," 15 Mar. 2018
Thousands of parents use prenatal genetic tests to check if their embryo or fetus carries genes for devastating diseases such as Tay-Sachs or Fragile X syndrome.

— david ewing duncan, Newsweek, "Hacking Your DNA," 12 Mar. 2014
Many breakthroughs in prenatal surgery have only been possible because of ever more sophisticated instruments.

— phuc pham, WIRED, "Sophisticated Tools Lead to Breakthroughs in Prenatal Surgery," 27 Mar. 2018
They are associated with depression, domestic violence, late prenatal care, financial stressors, fetal exposure to medications, birth defects, low birth weight, and poor mental and physical childhood development.

— dr. megan kasper, idahostatesman, "My fellow women: I have a question for you | Idaho Statesman," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prenatal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of prenatal

1826

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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PRENATAL Defined for English Language Learners

prenatal

adjective

Definition of prenatal for English Language Learners

medical : relating to pregnant women and their unborn babies

Medical Dictionary

prenatal

adjective pre·na·tal \ -ˈnāt-ᵊl \

medical Definition of prenatal

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

play \-ē\ adverb

Learn More about prenatal

See words that rhyme with prenatal Spanish Central: Translation of prenatal Nglish: Translation of prenatal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prenatal for Arabic speakers

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prenatal

Definition of prenatal

prenatally

Recent Examples of prenatal from the Web

First Known Use of prenatal

PRENATAL Defined for English Language Learners

prenatal

Definition of prenatal for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

prenatal

medical Definition of prenatal

prenatally

Learn More about prenatal

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prenatal

Definition of prenatal

prenatally

Recent Examples of prenatal from the Web

First Known Use of prenatal

PRENATAL Defined for English Language Learners

prenatal

Definition of prenatal for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

prenatal

medical Definition of prenatal

prenatally

Learn More about prenatal

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