What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fetal
Example
The fetal heartbeat can be detected as early as six weeks into pregnancy. [fetal: adjective]
Example
The ultrasound showed the baby in a fetal position. [fetal: adjective]
prenatal
Example
Prenatal vitamins are important for the health of both the mother and the baby. [prenatal: adjective]
Example
The doctor recommended prenatal testing to check for any potential issues. [prenatal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prenatal is more commonly used than fetal in everyday language, as it has a broader scope and is used in both medical and non-medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fetal and prenatal?
Both fetal and prenatal are commonly used in medical contexts and can be considered formal language. However, fetal may have a more technical or clinical connotation, while prenatal can be used in a more general or accessible way.
