Having a baby is a big and special time in a family. People often use fun phrases to talk about it. These phrases are called idioms. Idioms are words that mean something different from what they say. For example, if someone says, “She has a bun in the oven,” they don’t mean there’s food in the oven. They mean a baby is growing in her tummy.
Idioms for pregnancy help us talk in a kind or silly way about babies coming. Some are old and funny. Others are gentle and sweet. These idioms can help us understand how people feel when a baby is on the way. In this article, we will learn many pregnancy idioms and how to use them in real life. Let’s get started.
Idioms for Pregnancy
1. Bun in the oven
Meaning: Someone is pregnant.
To Provide an Example: Aunt May has a bun in the oven. / Mom told me there’s a bun in the oven at our house.
Alternative Meaning: A baby is growing inside a mom. / A baby is on the way.
2. Eating for two
Meaning: A pregnant person eating more food for the baby.
To Provide an Example: Mom says she’s eating for two now. / She needed two sandwiches because she’s eating for two.
Alternative Meaning: A person is pregnant and needs more food. / She is caring for herself and the baby.
3. In the family way
Meaning: Expecting a baby.
To Provide an Example: Grandma said Sarah is in the family way. / Our neighbor is in the family way again.
Alternative Meaning: Someone will have a baby soon. / A woman is pregnant.
4. Baby bump
Meaning: The round tummy of a pregnant woman.
To Provide an Example: Look at Mom’s baby bump! / Her dress showed her baby bump.
Alternative Meaning: Her belly is getting big because of the baby. / The baby is growing inside.
5. With child
Meaning: Pregnant.
To Provide an Example: She is with child and resting today. / Our aunt is with child and feeling happy.
Alternative Meaning: A baby is inside her tummy. / A woman is going to be a mom.
6. Expecting
Meaning: Going to have a baby.
To Provide an Example: They are expecting a new baby brother. / My teacher is expecting in spring.
Alternative Meaning: Waiting for a baby to be born. / She is pregnant.
7. Knocked up
Meaning: Slang for being pregnant.
To Provide an Example: She found out she’s knocked up. / They said she got knocked up last fall.
Alternative Meaning: A woman is having a baby. / She found out she is pregnant.
8. In a delicate condition
Meaning: Pregnant and needs care.
To Provide an Example: She’s in a delicate condition, so she’s resting. / The doctor said she’s in a delicate condition.
Alternative Meaning: She is expecting a baby and must be careful. / She is pregnant.
9. Great with child
Meaning: Very pregnant.
To Provide an Example: The lady next door is great with child. / She is great with child and about to deliver.
Alternative Meaning: Her baby is almost ready to be born. / She is very pregnant.
10. Popped
Meaning: When the belly starts to show.
To Provide an Example: She popped last week and now you can see the bump. / Mom popped and her tummy looks big now.
Alternative Meaning: Her baby belly is now easy to see. / Her bump is showing.
11. Preggers
Meaning: Slang for pregnant.
To Provide an Example: She’s preggers and due in July. / Our friend said she’s preggers with twins.
Alternative Meaning: A woman is going to have a baby. / Pregnant.
12. Baby on board
Meaning: A baby is coming.
To Provide an Example: That sticker on the car said “baby on board.” / They announced they have a baby on board.
Alternative Meaning: There is a baby coming soon. / Someone is expecting a baby.
13. In bloom
Meaning: Looking happy and glowing from pregnancy.
To Provide an Example: She’s in bloom and smiling all the time. / Mom looks in bloom these days.
Alternative Meaning: She looks fresh and joyful. / Pregnancy makes her glow.
14. Blessed event
Meaning: A special baby is coming.
To Provide an Example: We’re getting ready for the blessed event. / They’re happy about the blessed event.
Alternative Meaning: The birth of a baby. / A baby is a big, special thing.
15. Maternity leave
Meaning: Time off work for having a baby.
To Provide an Example: My teacher is on maternity leave. / She will take maternity leave next month.
Alternative Meaning: Time to rest and care for the baby. / A break from work.
16. Nesting
Meaning: Getting the house ready for the baby.
To Provide an Example: Mom is nesting and cleaning a lot. / She’s nesting before the baby comes.
Alternative Meaning: Making the home nice for a new baby. / Getting ready to welcome the baby.
17. Glow of pregnancy
Meaning: A happy and bright look on a pregnant woman.
To Provide an Example: She had the glow of pregnancy. / Mom had that glow too.
Alternative Meaning: Looking pretty because of the baby. / A bright and happy face.
18. Kicking
Meaning: The baby is moving inside.
To Provide an Example: The baby is kicking! / She said the baby kicks at night.
Alternative Meaning: Feeling baby moves inside the tummy. / The baby is active.
19. Labor pains
Meaning: The hurt before the baby is born.
To Provide an Example: She had labor pains and went to the hospital. / Labor pains mean the baby is coming.
Alternative Meaning: The start of baby’s birth. / Time to go to the doctor.
20. Water broke
Meaning: The sign that labor is starting.
To Provide an Example: Her water broke at dinner. / Once her water broke, they went to the hospital.
Alternative Meaning: Baby is coming very soon. / Time for delivery.
21. Baby brain
Meaning: Forgetting things while pregnant.
To Provide an Example: Mom forgot her keys again—it’s the baby brain. / She has baby brain and can’t remember stuff.
Alternative Meaning: Being a little forgetful during pregnancy. / Not thinking clearly sometimes.
22. Mama-to-be
Meaning: A woman who is going to have a baby.
To Provide an Example: The party was for the mama-to-be. / Mom was a happy mama-to-be.
Alternative Meaning: A soon-to-be mom. / A woman expecting a child.
23. Craving
Meaning: Wanting special foods during pregnancy.
To Provide an Example: She’s craving pickles and ice cream! / Mom craved apples all the time.
Alternative Meaning: Wanting something to eat very badly. / A special pregnancy feeling.
24. Morning sickness
Meaning: Feeling sick during early pregnancy.
To Provide an Example: She had morning sickness and needed rest. / Mom had morning sickness last week.
Alternative Meaning: A tummy upset during the first few months. / Feeling sick while pregnant.
25. Baby blues
Meaning: Feeling sad after having a baby.
To Provide an Example: She had the baby blues for a few days. / After the baby came, she felt the baby blues.
Alternative Meaning: Feeling down after birth. / Being sad after the baby is born.
26. Baby shower
Meaning: A party for a mom-to-be.
To Provide an Example: We went to her baby shower on Saturday. / Her baby shower had balloons and gifts.
Alternative Meaning: A celebration for the new baby. / A fun party before the baby arrives.
27. Full term
Meaning: Ready to have the baby.
To Provide an Example: She is full term and waiting now. / At full term, the baby can come any day.
Alternative Meaning: The baby is ready to be born. / Pregnancy is almost over.
28. On the way
Meaning: A baby is coming soon.
To Provide an Example: They said the baby is on the way! / The doctor said the baby is on the way.
Alternative Meaning: The baby is about to be born. / It’s almost time.
29. Ready to pop
Meaning: Very pregnant.
To Provide an Example: She looks ready to pop! / That baby bump means she’s ready to pop.
Alternative Meaning: The baby is coming any minute. / She’s super pregnant.
30. Due date
Meaning: The day the baby should arrive.
To Provide an Example: Her due date is next Monday. / We are counting down to the due date.
Alternative Meaning: The expected birthday of the baby. / When the baby is supposed to come.
31. The stork is coming
Meaning: A baby is going to be born.
To Provide an Example: They said the stork is coming soon. / Mom told me the stork is coming again.
Alternative Meaning: The baby is arriving. / A fun way to say a baby is coming.
32. Carrying
Meaning: Pregnant.
To Provide an Example: She is carrying a baby boy. / The woman next door is carrying twins.
Alternative Meaning: A baby is growing inside her. / She is expecting.
33. Belly band
Meaning: A band worn to support the tummy.
To Provide an Example: She wears a belly band to help her back. / The belly band helps with her bump.
Alternative Meaning: Helps moms feel comfy during pregnancy. / Something for support.
34. Mommy glow
Meaning: Looking extra happy and pretty when pregnant.
To Provide an Example: She has the mommy glow! / Mom had the mommy glow last time.
Alternative Meaning: Bright and happy look. / A shine from being pregnant.
35. Tiny kicks
Meaning: When the baby moves inside.
To Provide an Example: She felt tiny kicks in her tummy. / Tiny kicks mean the baby is moving.
Alternative Meaning: Baby’s little movements. / Signs of life in the belly.
36. Baby steps
Meaning: Taking things slowly.
To Provide an Example: She’s taking baby steps getting ready for birth. / We took baby steps to fix the nursery.
Alternative Meaning: Going slow and easy. / One small thing at a time.
37. Stork visit
Meaning: A baby is arriving.
To Provide an Example: The stork visited their house last night. / Another stork visit is coming soon.
Alternative Meaning: A fun way to say a baby came. / Baby was born.
38. Bundle of joy
Meaning: A baby.
To Provide an Example: They brought home their bundle of joy. / That tiny bundle of joy was smiling.
Alternative Meaning: A baby who brings happiness. / A happy newborn.
39. New arrival
Meaning: A newborn baby.
To Provide an Example: Their new arrival is named Lily. / We visited the new arrival yesterday.
Alternative Meaning: The baby has just been born. / Newborn baby.
40. Little one
Meaning: A baby or small child.
To Provide an Example: The little one is due in June. / They’re shopping for their little one.
Alternative Meaning: The new baby. / A tiny child.
41. Swollen feet
Meaning: A common thing during pregnancy.
To Provide an Example: She put her feet up because they were swollen. / Mom had swollen feet at the end.
Alternative Meaning: Tired feet from carrying a baby. / Feet that need rest.
42. Kicking like crazy
Meaning: Baby is moving a lot.
To Provide an Example: The baby’s kicking like crazy today! / She said her tummy was bouncing.
Alternative Meaning: Baby is active. / Moving all the time.
43. Third trimester
Meaning: The last part of pregnancy.
To Provide an Example: She’s in the third trimester now. / The third trimester means baby is almost here.
Alternative Meaning: Last few weeks before baby is born. / The final stage.
44. Baby belly
Meaning: A pregnant tummy.
To Provide an Example: She showed off her baby belly. / Mom’s baby belly was big and round.
Alternative Meaning: Tummy with a baby inside. / Pregnant belly.
45. Mama mode
Meaning: Getting ready to be a mom.
To Provide an Example: She’s in full mama mode now. / She cleaned and cooked in mama mode.
Alternative Meaning: Acting like a mom. / Taking care of things.
46. Baby kicking
Meaning: Baby’s feet or hands move inside.
To Provide an Example: She said the baby is kicking again. / I felt the baby kicking once.
Alternative Meaning: Baby is awake and moving. / A sign the baby is growing.
47. Expecting twins
Meaning: Having two babies.
To Provide an Example: She’s expecting twins this fall. / They got ready for twins.
Alternative Meaning: Two babies in the belly. / Pregnant with two.
48. Glow up
Meaning: Looking happy and fresh.
To Provide an Example: She had a real glow up during pregnancy. / Mom looked pretty with her glow up.
Alternative Meaning: Looking healthy and joyful. / Pregnancy glow.
49. Resting for two
Meaning: Resting while pregnant.
To Provide an Example: She’s resting for two today. / Mom said she needs to rest for two.
Alternative Meaning: Taking care by resting. / Mom and baby need sleep.
50. Family is growing
Meaning: A new baby is joining the family.
To Provide an Example: Our family is growing—we’re getting a baby sister. / Their family is growing this spring.
Alternative Meaning: A baby is on the way. / A new family member is coming.
Trials for Success: Idioms for Pregnancy
- Mom said she’s __________ because her tummy is getting big.
- Aunt Lily is __________, so she’s eating more snacks now.
- Dad said there’s a __________ in the oven—we’re getting a baby!
- The doctor told us the baby is __________ and will come soon.
- She is __________ with a baby boy and looks very happy.
- At the baby shower, everyone talked about the __________ date.
- My teacher is on __________ leave and will be back after her baby is born.
- Grandma said Mom had the __________ of pregnancy when she smiled.
- The baby is __________ like crazy today!
- They had a big party to welcome the __________ of joy.
- Our cousin is __________ twins, so they need two cribs.
- The baby started __________ last night and woke Mom up.
- They are getting ready because the baby is __________.
- Mom said she’s been __________ for pickles all day!
- We visited the hospital to see the family’s new __________.
Answer Key
- showing
- eating for two
- bun
- full term
- expecting
- due
- maternity
- glow
- kicking
- bundle
- expecting
- kicking
- on the way
- craving
- arrival
Conclusion
Talking about pregnancy can be fun and kind when we use the right words. Idioms help us say big ideas in a simple way. They make it easy to talk about new babies and how people feel.
Now that you know some idioms for pregnancy, you can listen for them and use them too. They help you understand what people mean in a fun way. Learning these words can make talking and writing more clear and friendly.
