Pregnancy Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

In this blog, we’ll explore some funny and interesting phrases people use when talking about pregnancy. These phrases are called idioms and they help us express our thoughts in creative ways.

Pregnancy Idioms

Here are 20 pregnancy idioms in English with the meaning and example sentence for each.

Eating for two

Meaning: Eating more because you’re pregnant.
Example: She’s definitely eating for two these days.

Bun in the oven

Meaning: Pregnant.
Example: Did you hear? She has a bun in the oven!

In a family way

Meaning: To be pregnant.
Example: It seems she’s in a family way now.

Up the duff

Meaning: Pregnant (informal).
Example: Yep, she’s up the duff.

Preggers

Meaning: Pregnant (informal).
Example: I just found out I’m preggers!

With child

Meaning: Pregnant.
Example: She is with child and glowing.

Knocked up

Meaning: Pregnant (slang).
Example: She got knocked up last spring.

Baby bump

Meaning: The visible stomach bulge from pregnancy.
Example: Her baby bump is so cute!

Expecting

Meaning: Pregnant, awaiting the baby.
Example: They are expecting their first child.

Carrying a child

Meaning: Pregnant.
Example: She’s carrying a child due in June.

Pea in the pod

Meaning: Pregnant.
Example: She’s just a little pea in the pod.

Pregnant pause

Meaning: A long pause in speaking.
Example: There was a pregnant pause during the meeting.

The stork is coming

Meaning: A baby is on the way.
Example: Looks like the stork is coming to their house!

Barefoot and pregnant

Meaning: Pregnant and domesticated (outdated).
Example: She’s happy staying barefoot and pregnant.

Having a baby

Meaning: Pregnant, going to have a baby.
Example: They’re having a baby next month!

Carrying low

Meaning: Pregnant with a baby sitting low.
Example: She’s carrying low this time.

Carrying high

Meaning: Pregnant with a baby sitting high.
Example: I can tell she’s carrying high.

Due date

Meaning: The expected day of the baby’s birth.
Example: Her due date is fast approaching.

Gestating

Meaning: Carrying a baby in the womb.
Example: She’s been gestating for six months now.

Second trimester

Meaning: The second third of a pregnancy.
Example: She’s in her second trimester and feels great.

Read More:

Bathroom Idioms

Poems about Pregnancy Announcement

Adjectives for Pregnancy

Pregnancy Idioms