prenatal

adjective

pre·​na·​tal (ˌ)prē-ˈnā-tᵊl 

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

(ˌ)prē-ˈnā-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of prenatal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2024, Michigan State launched Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional prenatal and infant cash program. — Mona Hanna, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Researchers have hypothesized numerous ways that prenatal exercise may affect offspring. — Diego Hernandez-Saavedra, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026

Surrounding the young star is a disk of gas and dust known as a protoplanetary disk that serves as a prenatal envelope in which two planets, WISPIT 2b and WISPIT 2c, are forming. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Centennial has 11 locations on the Eastern Plains and intends to open a new clinic focused on prenatal and postpartum mental health for mothers and other family members who may be struggling as their families expand, CEO Dante Gonzales said. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prenatal

• nonfatal
• postnatal
• antenatal
• hiatal
• neonatal
• perinatal
• datal
• fatal

Kids Definition

prenatal

adjective

pre·​na·​tal (ˈ)prē-ˈnāt-ᵊl 

: occurring or existing before birth

prenatal care

prenatal development

Medical Definition

prenatal

adjective

pre·​na·​tal -ˈnāt-ᵊl 

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

-ē 

adverb