childbearing
C1Formal, neutral, academic, medical
Definition
Meaning
The act or process of giving birth to children.
The entire period of a person's life during which they are physically capable of having children; often used as an adjective to describe issues, ages, or decisions related to this period or process.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun (uncountable). When used as an adjective, it is often hyphenated (e.g., childbearing years). The term is neutral and biological, focusing on the physical capacity and process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. 'Maternity' is a more common synonym in both varieties, but 'childbearing' is standard in specific contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties share the same clinical, demographic, or sociological connotations. It is not an everyday conversational term.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in demographic and policy discussions, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (the childbearing of a population)Adj + N (delayed childbearing)V + N (postpone childbearing)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in HR or benefits discussions regarding maternity leave policies.
Academic
Common in sociology, demography, public health, and medical texts discussing fertility rates, population studies, and women's health.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. More likely in formal discussions about family planning.
Technical
Standard in medical, epidemiological, and demographic reports to refer to the physiological process or period.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A - childbearing is not a verb.
American English
- N/A - childbearing is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - childbearing is not an adverb.
American English
- N/A - childbearing is not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She was in her prime childbearing years.
- The study focused on childbearing patterns in the UK.
American English
- The average childbearing age has risen.
- They discussed childbearing decisions and career plans.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Childbearing is a part of life for many families.
- The health clinic offers advice for women during childbearing.
- Social policies can significantly influence the average age of childbearing in a society.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BEARing a CHILD' – the act of bearing (carrying and delivering) a child.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHILDBEARING IS A BIOLOGICAL FUNCTION / CHILDBEARING IS A DEMOGRAPHIC PHASE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'детородство' in neutral contexts; it is very clinical. Use 'рождение детей' or 'деторождение' for the process, and 'репродуктивный возраст' for 'childbearing age'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'childbearing' as a countable noun (e.g., 'three childbearings'). It is uncountable.
- Confusing it with 'childrearing' (raising children).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'childbearing' MOST frequently used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Childbearing' refers specifically to the process of giving birth. 'Childrearing' refers to the process of raising and educating children after they are born.
Typically, no. The term is physiologically specific to the person who carries and gives birth to a child. In demographic contexts, it refers to the female population of reproductive age.
Yes, it is neutral to formal. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 'having children' or 'giving birth'.
It is usually hyphenated when preceding a noun (e.g., 'childbearing age', 'childbearing hips'). It describes something related to the process or period of giving birth.