prenatal

UK: ˌpriːˈneɪtl | US: ˌpriːˈneɪtl

Definition

  1. adj. occurring or existing before birth

Structure
pre <before>nat <birth>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "prenatal" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Pre-" (from Latin prae, meaning "before")
  2. "Nat" (from Latin natus, past participle of nasci, meaning "to be born")
  3. "-al" (a suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -alis)

The term emerged in the mid-19th century in medical contexts, logically describing conditions or care "before birth." The morpheme "nat" also appears in words like "natal" (relating to birth) and "neonatal" (relating to newborns).

Examples

  1. Prenatal vitamins are essential for fetal development.

  2. She attended all her prenatal checkups regularly.

  3. Prenatal care reduces risks during pregnancy.

  4. The study focused on prenatal exposure to environmental factors.

  5. Prenatal yoga helps expectant mothers stay healthy.