Pregnancy is a special time in many people’s lives. It brings changes, excitement, and sometimes a few worries too. People have created fun and interesting ways to talk about pregnancy using idioms. These are phrases that don’t mean exactly what they say but help us describe things in a creative way.
In this article, we will look at idioms that people use when talking about pregnancy. These idioms make it easier to share feelings and experiences in a simple and colorful way. You might hear them in movies, books, or everyday talk. Learning these idioms can help you understand what others mean and make your own speaking more interesting too. Let’s explore them together.
Idioms for Pregnancy
1. Bun in the oven
Meaning: Someone is pregnant
Example Sentence:
– My sister has a bun in the oven.
– They told us there’s a bun in the oven during dinner.
Other ways to say: Expecting a baby, going to have a baby
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of baking. A baby grows in the belly like a bun in an oven.
Usage: Used when someone wants to say someone is pregnant in a fun way.
2. Eating for two
Meaning: A woman is pregnant and needs to eat more
Example Sentence:
– I’m eating for two, so don’t judge me!
– She said she’s eating for two now.
Other ways to say: Expecting, pregnant and hungry
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that a pregnant woman is feeding herself and the baby.
Usage: Often used when a pregnant woman eats more than usual.
3. In the family way
Meaning: Pregnant
Example Sentence:
– Aunt May is in the family way again.
– She found out she was in the family way last month.
Other ways to say: Expecting, with child
Fun Fact/Origin: This old-fashioned phrase gently says someone is pregnant.
Usage: Used when someone is gently saying someone is pregnant.
4. With child
Meaning: Pregnant
Example Sentence:
– She’s with child and glowing.
– The actress is with a child in the movie.
Other ways to say: Pregnant, expecting
Fun Fact/Origin: This is a very old way of saying someone is pregnant.
Usage: Often used in stories, books, or old sayings.
5. Expecting
Meaning: Pregnant
Example Sentence:
– They’re expecting their first baby in September.
– Mom said she’s expecting again.
Other ways to say: Having a baby, with child
Fun Fact/Origin: This means waiting for something to arrive — in this case, a baby!
Usage: Used to say someone is going to have a baby.
6. Knocked up
Meaning: Pregnant (informal)
Example Sentence:
– She got knocked up in college.
– He said his girlfriend was knocked up.
Other ways to say: Pregnant, expecting (informal)
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from old slang and is more casual than other idioms.
Usage: Usually used in casual or humorous talk.
7. Preggers
Meaning: Slang for pregnant
Example Sentence:
– I didn’t know you were preggers!
– She’s preggers and glowing.
Other ways to say: Pregnant, expecting
Fun Fact/Origin: A fun, short way to say someone is pregnant.
Usage: Often used in texting or joking with friends.
8. In the pudding club
Meaning: Pregnant (British idiom)
Example Sentence:
– Lucy is in the pudding club.
– We just found out she joined the pudding club!
Other ways to say: With child, expecting
Fun Fact/Origin: A playful British phrase about pregnancy.
Usage: Used in British English more than American.
9. Up the duff
Meaning: Pregnant (slang)
Example Sentence:
– She’s up the duff again.
– We heard she’s up the duff and due soon.
Other ways to say: Expecting, with child
Fun Fact/Origin: A slang phrase from Australia and the UK.
Usage: More informal and used in casual talk.
10. Carrying a baby
Meaning: Pregnant
Example Sentence:
– She’s carrying a baby boy.
– They said she’s carrying a baby due in winter.
Other ways to say: Expecting, with child
Fun Fact/Origin: A simple and clear way to say someone is pregnant.
Usage: Common and easy to understand.
11. In a delicate condition
Meaning: Pregnant (used politely)
Example Sentence:
– She’s in a delicate condition, so be careful.
– He told us his wife is in a delicate condition.
Other ways to say: With child, expecting
Fun Fact/Origin: A gentle way to say someone is pregnant, often used in older times.
Usage: Used when being polite or formal about pregnancy.
12. Expecting a bundle of joy
Meaning: Going to have a baby
Example Sentence:
– We’re expecting a bundle of joy this fall.
– Their bundle of joy is due next month.
Other ways to say: Having a baby, new arrival
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bundle of joy” means a baby wrapped in a blanket.
Usage: Used in happy or excited situations.
13. On the nest
Meaning: Pregnant (old-fashioned)
Example Sentence:
– Grandma said she was on the nest with twins.
– She found out she was on the nest last week.
Other ways to say: Expecting, with child
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from birds sitting on eggs in a nest.
Usage: Used in older or rural expressions.
14. Got a baby on board
Meaning: Pregnant (often used in jokes or stickers)
Example Sentence:
– Her shirt said “baby on board.”
– They laughed and said she’s got a baby on board.
Other ways to say: Pregnant, expecting
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from car signs warning others about babies inside.
Usage: Used playfully or on signs and clothes.
15. Baby bump
Meaning: The small belly that shows in pregnancy
Example Sentence:
– She showed off her baby bump at the party.
– Her baby bump is getting big!
Other ways to say: Pregnancy belly, growing tummy
Fun Fact/Origin: A friendly way to talk about a pregnant belly.
Usage: Used when the pregnancy is visible.
16. Knocked over by the stork
Meaning: Pregnant (jokingly)
Example Sentence:
– She joked she was knocked over by the stork.
– Guess who got knocked over by the stork again?
Other ways to say: Expecting, with child
Fun Fact/Origin: The stork is a bird from fairy tales that “delivers” babies.
Usage: Used playfully or in cartoons and stories.
17. Got the glow
Meaning: Looking bright and happy due to pregnancy
Example Sentence:
– You’ve got the glow! Are you pregnant?
– She said she has had the glow since the second month.
Other ways to say: Radiant, looking happy
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the way some pregnant women seem to glow.
Usage: Used as a compliment or sign of pregnancy.
18. Expecting a little one
Meaning: Going to have a baby
Example Sentence:
– They’re expecting a little one soon.
– She’s expecting a little one by December.
Other ways to say: Having a baby, baby on the way
Fun Fact/Origin: “Little one” is a soft, kind way to refer to a baby.
Usage: Used in sweet or gentle talk.
19. Has a pea in the pod
Meaning: Pregnant
Example Sentence:
– She’s got a pea in the pod now.
– He smiled and said, “There’s a pea in her pod.”
Other ways to say: Expecting, bun in the oven
Fun Fact/Origin: A baby in the belly is like a pea inside a pod.
Usage: Used playfully or in cartoons.
20. Expecting a stork visit
Meaning: Going to have a baby
Example Sentence:
– Looks like they’re expecting a stork visit!
– The stork will be visiting their house soon.
Other ways to say: With child, baby coming soon
Fun Fact/Origin: The stork is a popular baby-delivery bird in stories.
Usage: Used in fun or storytelling ways.
21. Has a bun in her belly
Meaning: Pregnant
Example Sentence:
– You can tell she has a bun in her belly.
– Mom said she had a bun in her belly when she had me.
Other ways to say: Expecting, with child
Fun Fact/Origin: A twist on “bun in the oven,” it directly mentions the belly.
Usage: Used in playful or kid-friendly ways.
22. Carrying precious cargo
Meaning: Pregnant and caring for a baby
Example Sentence:
– Be gentle, she’s carrying precious cargo.
– She told the kids, “I’m carrying precious cargo, so be careful!”
Other ways to say: With child, growing a baby
Fun Fact/Origin: “Precious cargo” means something very important being carried.
Usage: Used kindly or as a gentle warning.
23. Knocked with a baby
Meaning: Pregnant (casual/slang)
Example Sentence:
– She got knocked out with a baby after college.
– They announced she was knocked with a baby last spring.
Other ways to say: Pregnant, expecting
Fun Fact/Origin: A casual twist on “knocked up.”
Usage: Used in casual speech.
24. Carrying new life
Meaning: Pregnant and growing a baby
Example Sentence:
– She’s carrying new life inside her.
– They told the kids, “There’s new life growing in mommy’s belly.”
Other ways to say: Pregnant, expecting
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase focuses on the miracle of life.
Usage: Used in touching or emotional ways.
25. Expecting a miracle
Meaning: Going to have a baby (often emotional or special)
Example Sentence:
– They’re expecting a miracle after years of trying.
– The doctor said they’re expecting a little miracle.
Other ways to say: Having a baby, special pregnancy
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used when the baby is very wanted or unexpected.
Usage: Used in heartwarming or spiritual ways.
26. Has a baby belly
Meaning: The belly is showing from pregnancy
Example Sentence:
– She’s got a baby belly now.
– Her baby belly popped out last month.
Other ways to say: Baby bump, pregnant belly
Fun Fact/Origin: A simple and fun way to talk about a growing belly.
Usage: Used when the pregnancy is visible.
27. Baby on the way
Meaning: A baby is coming soon
Example Sentence:
– They’ve got a baby on the way!
– There’s a baby on the way by Christmas.
Other ways to say: Expecting, new arrival
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom tells that the baby will arrive soon.
Usage: Used in announcements or celebrations.
28. Has a little passenger
Meaning: Pregnant and carrying a baby
Example Sentence:
– She joked about having a little passenger during the car ride.
– Be gentle—she’s got a little passenger!
Other ways to say: With child, carrying a baby
Fun Fact/Origin: This compares the baby to someone going along for the ride.
Usage: Used humorously.
29. Cooking something sweet
Meaning: Pregnant (joking or cute)
Example Sentence:
– She’s cooking something sweet—due in July!
– The oven’s on—she’s cooking something sweet!
Other ways to say: Bun in the oven, pregnant
Fun Fact/Origin: It ties pregnancy to cooking in a fun way.
Usage: Used in playful or creative announcements.
30. Swallowed a watermelon seed
Meaning: A joking way to say someone is pregnant
Example Sentence:
– She laughed and said, “Looks like I swallowed a watermelon seed!”
– Kids joked that she swallowed a watermelon seed.
Other ways to say: Pregnant, expecting
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from a baby-sized belly looking round like a watermelon.
Usage: Used humorously or with kids.
31. Belly is blooming
Meaning: Belly is growing from pregnancy
Example Sentence:
– Her belly is blooming fast!
– They said she’s blooming beautifully.
Other ways to say: Baby bump, showing
Fun Fact/Origin: “Blooming” is like flowers growing, just like a baby bump.
Usage: Used kindly and gently.
32. Hatching a surprise
Meaning: Pregnant and expecting a baby (secretly or unexpectedly)
Example Sentence:
– They were hatching a surprise and told us at dinner.
– She said, “We’re hatching a little one!”
Other ways to say: Expecting, with child
Fun Fact/Origin: Hatching is used for eggs, so this is like a baby coming soon.
Usage: Used for surprise baby news.
33. Growing a tiny human
Meaning: Pregnant
Example Sentence:
– I’m growing a tiny human here!
– She told us, “I’m growing a tiny human.”
Other ways to say: Pregnant, expecting
Fun Fact/Origin: A funny and sweet way to say a baby is growing.
Usage: Used humorously.
34. Got a future soccer player in there
Meaning: Pregnant and feeling baby kicks
Example Sentence:
– She said, “Feels like I’ve got a future soccer player in there!”
– He joked the baby was practicing kicks already.
Other ways to say: Pregnant, baby is active
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from baby movements feeling like kicks.
Usage: Used when feeling baby kicks.
35. Mama-to-be
Meaning: A woman who is going to be a mom
Example Sentence:
– She’s a mama-to-be this fall.
– That gift is for the mama-to-be.
Other ways to say: Expecting mom, pregnant woman
Fun Fact/Origin: Simple phrase for someone about to be a mom.
Usage: Used at showers and celebrations.
36. Nest-building
Meaning: Getting ready for the baby
Example Sentence:
– She started nest-building last month.
– They spent the weekend nest-building.
Other ways to say: Preparing for baby, setting up nursery
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how birds prepare a nest for babies.
Usage: Used for setting up a home for the baby.
37. Got the baby bug
Meaning: Suddenly wanting or having a baby
Example Sentence:
– They caught the baby bug after visiting friends.
– Looks like they’ve got the baby bug!
Other ways to say: Thinking about having kids, baby fever
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a “travel bug,” but for wanting babies.
Usage: Used when someone really wants a baby.
38. In baby mode
Meaning: Focused on having or caring for a baby
Example Sentence:
– She’s in full baby mode now.
– He said she went into baby mode as soon as they found out.
Other ways to say: Baby-focused, nesting
Fun Fact/Origin: Like being in work mode—but about babies.
Usage: Used during pregnancy or baby prep.
Quiz: Idioms for Pregnancy
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Each question has one correct answer. Use what you’ve learned from the idioms to find the best choice.
Question Key
1. What does “bun in the oven” mean?
A) Cooking dinner
B) Someone is pregnant
C) Someone is baking bread
2. If someone says “she’s eating for two,” what do they mean?
A) She is very hungry
B) She is eating for herself and a baby
C) She is cooking for guests
3. What does “with child” mean?
A) Playing with a kid
B) Babysitting
C) Pregnant
4. What does it mean if someone is “expecting a bundle of joy”?
A) Getting a pet
B) Having a baby
C) Moving houses
5. What does “in the family way” suggest?
A) Living with family
B) Pregnant
C) Visiting relatives
6. If someone says they’re “in baby mode,” what are they doing?
A) Acting like a baby
B) Playing with toys
C) Getting ready for a baby
7. What does “carrying precious cargo” mean in a pregnancy idiom?
A) Holding something important
B) Traveling with luggage
C) Pregnant with a baby
8. What does “got the glow” mean for a pregnant woman?
A) She is very hot
B) She looks bright and healthy
C) She is wearing makeup
9. If someone is “nest-building,” what are they doing?
A) Camping outside
B) Getting a room ready for a baby
C) Building a birdhouse
10. What does “baby on board” mean?
A) A baby is riding a bus
B) A pregnant woman is around
C) A baby is playing
11. If someone is “in a delicate condition,” what does it suggest?
A) They are sick
B) They are tired
C) They are pregnant
12. What does “got a pea in the pod” mean?
A) Cooking peas
B) Pregnant
C) Gardening
13. If someone is “expecting a stork visit,” what are they talking about?
A) Seeing birds
B) Expecting a baby
C) Going to the zoo
Answer Key
- B) Someone is pregnant
- B) She is eating for herself and a baby
- C) Pregnant
- B) Having a baby
- B) Pregnant
- C) Getting ready for a baby
- C) Pregnant with a baby
- B) She looks bright and healthy
- B) Getting a room ready for a baby
- B) A pregnant woman is around
- C) They are pregnant
- B) Pregnant
- B) Expecting a baby
Wrapping Up
Pregnancy is an important part of many people’s lives. It brings change, joy, and preparation. Idioms help people talk about pregnancy in fun, warm, or polite ways. Some are funny, while others are gentle. Learning these idioms can help you understand others better and use new phrases yourself.
Whether someone says “bun in the oven” or “baby on board,” they are sharing happy news in a special way. Knowing these idioms helps us connect with each other through everyday language.
