What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maternity
Example
She took a maternity leave from work to care for her newborn. [maternity: noun]
Example
The store sells a variety of maternity clothes for expectant mothers. [maternity: adjective]
pregnancy
Example
She experienced morning sickness during her pregnancy. [pregnancy: noun]
Example
The doctor confirmed her pregnancy with a blood test. [pregnancy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pregnancy is a more commonly used term than maternity in everyday language, as it is more specific and covers a longer period of time. However, maternity is commonly used in employment and leave policies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maternity and pregnancy?
Both maternity and pregnancy are formal terms that are commonly used in medical and healthcare contexts. However, maternity is also used in employment and legal contexts, making it slightly more formal than pregnancy in certain situations.
