childbearing

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the process or period of carrying and giving birth to children

   The study examined how work conditions affected pregnancy and childbearing.

2. 2
   adj

   relating to, suitable for, or capable of bearing children

   The survey focused on adults of childbearing age.

From Middle English childberyng, a compound of child + bearing. Bearing is the verbal noun of bear in its old sense 'to carry and give birth to.'

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