prenatal

adjective

pre·​na·​tal (ˌ)prē-ˈnā-tᵊl How to pronounce prenatal (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of prenatal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since prenatal vitamins impact both parent and baby, ingredient quality matters most; and thankfully, Basic Prenatal is made without the additives or coatings often found in other supplements. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025 If a massage or facial sounds more your speed, Gruene Day Spa offers same-day services and packages, including prenatal, hot stone, and sports massages, plus classic and clarifying facials, microdermabrasion, and more. Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025 More than half the counties in Mississippi are considered maternity care deserts, where prenatal care is difficult or impossible to find. Katia Riddle, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025 Advertisement Rather than scaring pregnant women away from medications, efforts to ensure high quality prenatal care, manage infections or environmental exposures, and support physical and mental health are key. Dr. Sunny Patel, Time, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prenatal

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prenatal was in 1826

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prenatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prenatal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

prenatal

adjective
pre·​na·​tal (ˈ)prē-ˈnāt-ᵊl How to pronounce prenatal (audio)
: occurring or existing before birth
prenatal care
prenatal development

Medical Definition

prenatal

adjective
pre·​na·​tal -ˈnāt-ᵊl How to pronounce prenatal (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on prenatal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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