What does prenatally mean?
Prenatally means during pregnancy or before birth. It is used especially in medicine, healthcare, and discussions of fetal development to describe examinations, diagnoses, treatment, nutrition, or other care occurring while the fetus is still developing in the womb. The adverb is derived from the adjective prenatal and is closely related to antenatal, which is particularly common in British English. A prenatal diagnosis, for example, identifies a condition before birth, whereas neonatal care concerns a newborn infant after delivery. Although the word is technical by origin, it is understood by general audiences and appears in public information about pregnancy, prenatal testing, and prenatal classes. Its precise temporal reference makes it useful when distinguishing care or observations before childbirth from those occurring during the neonatal period.
adverbDuring the period of pregnancy, before a child is born.
- During pregnancy; before birth.
"The baby was diagnosed prenatally and received treatment immediately after birth."
"Prenatal screening indicated that the fetus was healthy."
"The course explains prenatal nutrition and preparation for childbirth."
Prenatal care can detect or address health conditions long before a baby enters the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prenatally come from?
Prenatally was formed in the 19th century from the combining form pre-, meaning “before,” and the adjective prenatal. The latter comes through Latin praenatalis, from prae-, meaning “before,” and natalis, meaning “of or relating to birth.” English relatives of the Latin root include natal, natality, and nativity.
Related word forms
How prenatally is actually used
The term is especially common in medical and healthcare contexts. British English more often uses the equivalent adjective or adverb antenatal, although prenatal is also widely understood and used.
Easily confused with prenatally
Prenatal refers to the time before birth, whereas neonatal refers to the period immediately following birth, especially in relation to newborn infants.