prenatal

adjective

pre·​na·​tal (ˌ)prē-ˈnā-tᵊl How to pronounce prenatal (audio)
Synonyms of prenatalnext
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 How to pronounce prenatal (audio)
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.
The committee priced the new maternity codes on twelve prenatal visits. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 In the fourth century, Oribasius, the Roman emperor Julian the Apostate’s personal physician, in a set of guidelines for prenatal care, recommended long walks, fragrant white wine, and, occasionally, mustard. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026 Several vendors expressed interest in the job, but ICE said a formal competition would take months and the lack of a way to process claims could delay necessary medical care, such as dialysis, prenatal care and chemotherapy. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Her blood pressure registered 167 over 98, a sharp contrast to her ideal reading of 115 over 70 documented in her medical chart at her first prenatal visit. — Carina Heckert, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 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

Rhymes for prenatal

See All Rhymes for prenatal

Browse Nearby Words

prenasalize
prenatal
prenatalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prenatal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prenatal. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ē How to pronounce prenatal (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on prenatal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prenatal

Nglish: Translation of prenatal for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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