Idioms are a fascinating way to express ideas more creatively, and when it comes to the journey of pregnancy, the English language is filled with expressions that are both charming and imaginative.
These idioms don’t just describe the physical changes of pregnancy—they often reflect the emotions, excitement, and anticipation that come with bringing new life into the world. Whether someone wants to announce they’re expecting in a fun way or just lighten the conversation, pregnancy idioms make it easier to share big news with a little extra flair.
In this article, we’ll look at 47 idioms about pregnancy, explain their meanings, and provide long, engaging example sentences to show how they might be used in everyday conversations. We’ll also include a short activity at the end to help practice using them.
Let’s begin exploring the creative language of pregnancy!
What Is an Idiom for Pregnancy?
An idiom for pregnancy is a figure of speech that uses non-literal language to describe the state of being pregnant. Instead of saying “I’m pregnant,” someone might say “I have a bun in the oven” or “We’re expecting,” which adds charm, humor, or subtlety to the message.
These expressions are often used to gently hint at pregnancy, make announcements, or simply add personality to conversation. Let’s break down each one and see how these idioms bring pregnancy talk to life.
Idioms for Pregnancy
1. Bun in the oven
Meaning: A common idiom used to say someone is pregnant.
In a Sentence: When she showed up to brunch wearing a radiant smile and kept resting her hand on her belly, I had a strong feeling there was a bun in the oven.
Other Ways to Say: Expecting a baby, Pregnant, Going to have a child
2. Eating for two
Meaning: Refers to the idea that a pregnant person is now nourishing both themselves and the baby.
In a Sentence: Ever since the pregnancy test came back positive, she’s been telling everyone that she’s eating for two as an excuse to order dessert with every meal.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Needing more food
3. In the family way
Meaning: A traditional and polite expression used to indicate someone is pregnant.
In a Sentence: During the family gathering, Aunt Clara leaned in and whispered to me with a knowing smile that my cousin might be in the family way again.
Other Ways to Say: Expecting, With child
4. Expecting
Meaning: A gentle and formal way to say someone is pregnant.
In a Sentence: They haven’t told many people yet, but I overheard them say they’re expecting their first baby this winter and couldn’t be more excited.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Awaiting a baby
5. Knocked up
Meaning: A slang term used to say someone has become pregnant, often used informally.
In a Sentence: When he joked that his girlfriend got knocked up, we all gave him a look because that’s not exactly how you break the news to your parents.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Got someone pregnant
6. With child
Meaning: An old-fashioned but gentle way to say someone is pregnant.
In a Sentence: She walked gracefully through the garden, clearly with child, glowing with the quiet pride of a mother-to-be.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Expecting a baby
7. In the pudding club
Meaning: A humorous British idiom for being pregnant.
In a Sentence: I almost spilled my tea when she casually said she’d joined the pudding club and then winked at me like I should’ve figured it out sooner.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Secretly expecting
8. Got a little one on the way
Meaning: Refers to having a baby coming soon.
In a Sentence: After years of hoping, they finally have a little one on the way, and they’ve already started decorating the nursery in soft pastel colors.
Other Ways to Say: Expecting, Pregnant
9. Carrying a child
Meaning: A literal and respectful way to describe being pregnant.
In a Sentence: She’s currently carrying a child and taking every precaution to stay healthy and rested for the months ahead.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Having a baby
10. Preggers
Meaning: A playful and informal slang word for being pregnant.
In a Sentence: She posted a photo of her baby bump with the caption “Feeling preggers and proud,” and everyone flooded the comments with congratulations.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Expecting
11. A bun in the oven
Meaning: Another version of saying someone is pregnant, often said in a light or humorous tone.
In a Sentence: When she announced there was a bun in the oven, everyone at the baby shower erupted in laughter and joy, realizing it was her clever way of sharing the news.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Expecting
12. In a delicate condition
Meaning: A formal and respectful way to refer to someone who is pregnant.
In a Sentence: The hostess kindly offered her a seat, whispering to the waiter that the lady was in a delicate condition and shouldn’t be standing too long.
Other Ways to Say: Expecting, Pregnant
13. Got the glow
Meaning: Refers to the radiant appearance often associated with pregnancy.
In a Sentence: As soon as she walked into the room, it was clear she had the glow that people always talk about when someone is expecting.
Other Ways to Say: Radiantly pregnant, Glowing
14. Up the duff
Meaning: A humorous and informal British slang for being pregnant.
In a Sentence: He tried to keep a straight face as he told his mates that his partner was up the duff, but everyone could tell he was secretly thrilled.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Expecting a child
15. Baby on board
Meaning: Indicates that someone is pregnant, commonly seen on signs or stickers.
In a Sentence: She added a “Baby on Board” magnet to the back of her car the same day she shared the exciting pregnancy news with her friends.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Child coming soon
16. About to pop
Meaning: Someone is very close to giving birth.
In a Sentence: She waddled into the room, holding her belly with both hands and laughing that she felt like she was about to pop any minute.
Other Ways to Say: Near due date, Very pregnant
17. Growing a tiny human
Meaning: A cute and modern idiom describing the process of pregnancy.
In a Sentence: She proudly wore a T-shirt that said “Growing a Tiny Human,” turning every trip to the grocery store into an adorable conversation starter.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Expecting
18. Got the stork coming
Meaning: Refers to the old myth that storks bring babies—used humorously.
In a Sentence: He smiled sheepishly and said they’ve got the stork coming this fall, hinting at their exciting plans to become first-time parents.
Other Ways to Say: Expecting a baby, Pregnant
19. Knocked up
Meaning: A slang term, sometimes considered crude, for becoming pregnant.
In a Sentence: Even though it’s not the most polite phrase, he nervously told his friend that his girlfriend was knocked up and they were figuring things out.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Got someone pregnant
20. Swallowed a watermelon seed
Meaning: A humorous way to describe a large baby bump.
In a Sentence: When people teased her by saying she must’ve swallowed a watermelon seed, she laughed and cradled her bump like it was the most precious thing in the world.
Other Ways to Say: Big baby bump, Heavily pregnant
21. Growing a bump
Meaning: Refers to the visible sign of pregnancy.
In a Sentence: She didn’t say anything at first, but once she started growing a bump, the questions and congratulations started pouring in.
Other Ways to Say: Showing pregnancy, Belly growing
22. Got a baby brewing
Meaning: A fun and casual idiom likening pregnancy to making something warm and wonderful.
In a Sentence: They joked that she had a baby brewing, just like her favorite morning cup of coffee—slow, strong, and full of love.
Other Ways to Say: Expecting, Carrying a baby
23. Got one in the chamber
Meaning: A slangy way to say someone is pregnant, often used in jest.
In a Sentence: He smirked and said they’ve got one in the chamber, clearly proud of their big news and already thinking about baby names.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Expecting
24. Cooking a baby
Meaning: A playful twist on the “bun in the oven” idiom.
In a Sentence: She laughed when her husband said she was cooking a baby and reminded him that she was also growing it, loving it, and carrying it every step of the way.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Carrying a child
25. Baby bumpin’
Meaning: A trendy, upbeat way to say someone is showing during pregnancy.
In a Sentence: She showed up to the party in a stretchy dress that hugged her belly just right, proudly saying she was baby bumpin’ tonight.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Showing off the bump
26. Got a baby on the way
Meaning: A common idiom to say someone is expecting a child soon.
In a Sentence: They finally shared with their extended family that they’ve got a baby on the way, and everyone immediately started planning baby showers and gift registries.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Expecting
27. Expecting a visit from the stork
Meaning: A charming way to say someone is going to have a baby.
In a Sentence: She laughed and said they were expecting a visit from the stork this summer, which was her way of breaking the exciting news gently to her younger siblings.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Baby arriving soon
28. Carrying a miracle
Meaning: Emphasizes the beauty and preciousness of pregnancy.
In a Sentence: After years of trying, she softly told her best friend that she was carrying a miracle, and the room filled with happy tears.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, A special pregnancy
29. Preggo
Meaning: A fun, slangy way to refer to someone who is pregnant.
In a Sentence: She posted a photo of herself in overalls with the caption “just your local preggo farmer girl,” and it instantly went viral.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Expecting
30. Knocked up
Meaning: A repeat slang term to reinforce its informal usage.
In a Sentence: Despite the rough sound of it, he jokingly told his coworkers that his wife got knocked up, and now they were scrambling to baby-proof the house.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Impregnated
31. Blooming
Meaning: Used to describe a pregnant person who looks especially healthy and radiant.
In a Sentence: Everyone commented on how she was blooming lately, with her cheeks rosy and her energy full of joy that only motherhood can bring.
Other Ways to Say: Glowing, Radiantly pregnant
32. Got a baby on board
Meaning: A lighthearted idiom indicating pregnancy, often used in cars.
In a Sentence: She stuck a “baby on board” sign on the back window of her car and said it felt real now that the world knew she was growing a family.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, With child
33. Expecting a bundle of joy
Meaning: Refers to the excitement of a newborn arriving soon.
In a Sentence: They’re expecting a bundle of joy this winter, and they’ve already painted the nursery and picked out the tiniest socks you’ve ever seen.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Baby on the way
34. In bloom
Meaning: Describes a woman during pregnancy as radiant and full of life.
In a Sentence: People often told her she was in bloom, as if pregnancy had brought out a peaceful beauty she didn’t even know she had.
Other Ways to Say: Glowing, Blossoming
35. Carrying precious cargo
Meaning: A sweet way to describe someone who is pregnant.
In a Sentence: Every time she boarded the train, her husband would say she was carrying precious cargo and made sure she had the safest seat.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Protecting her unborn baby
36. Expecting a tiny human
Meaning: A humorous and modern way to refer to being pregnant.
In a Sentence: She updated her social media bio to say “expecting a tiny human” and suddenly got a flood of likes, messages, and name suggestions.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Having a baby
37. Bumping along
Meaning: A playful idiom that refers to progressing through pregnancy.
In a Sentence: She’s bumping along into her third trimester now and still can’t believe how fast the time is flying.
Other Ways to Say: Advancing through pregnancy, Pregnant journey
38. On the baby train
Meaning: Refers to joining the phase of life where people start having children.
In a Sentence: They’re officially on the baby train now, joining all their friends who’ve recently had children and swapping stroller tips.
Other Ways to Say: Entering parenthood, Pregnant
39. Full of life
Meaning: Can describe pregnancy both physically and emotionally.
In a Sentence: She seemed truly full of life—her baby growing inside her and her heart growing in anticipation of meeting them.
Other Ways to Say: Radiant, Pregnant with joy
40. Baby on the brain
Meaning: Describes someone constantly thinking about their upcoming baby.
In a Sentence: Ever since she found out she was pregnant, it’s been baby on the brain all day, from names to cribs to lullabies.
Other Ways to Say: Obsessed with the pregnancy, Excited about the baby
41. Popped
Meaning: A casual term for when the baby bump becomes clearly visible.
In a Sentence: She hadn’t said anything at work, but once she popped, her coworkers threw her a surprise mini baby shower.
Other Ways to Say: Showing, Belly is visible
42. Expecting company
Meaning: A humorous way to say you’re pregnant.
In a Sentence: When someone asked if she had any visitors coming soon, she smiled and said, “Yes—I’m expecting company around September,” while patting her belly.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Expecting a child
43. Little kicker
Meaning: A nickname for a baby who moves a lot in the womb.
In a Sentence: She calls the baby her little kicker because every night at 10 p.m., like clockwork, the dance party starts in her belly.
Other Ways to Say: Baby in womb, Active unborn child
44. Growing love
Meaning: Emphasizes the emotional part of pregnancy.
In a Sentence: Every time she looks at her ultrasound, she says her heart is growing love even faster than her belly.
Other Ways to Say: Emotional connection to baby, Pregnancy journey
45. Life inside
Meaning: A poetic way to refer to pregnancy.
In a Sentence: She said it’s the most powerful thing she’s ever felt—to know there’s life inside and that it depends on her completely.
Other Ways to Say: Pregnant, Creating life
46. Round and ready
Meaning: Someone very pregnant and close to their due date.
In a Sentence: She joked that she was round and ready like a pumpkin in October, just waiting for the big day.
Other Ways to Say: Ready to give birth, Very pregnant
47. Belly buddy
Meaning: A playful nickname for the unborn baby.
In a Sentence: She rubbed her belly gently and told her belly buddy that soon they’d meet face-to-face, and she couldn’t wait.
Other Ways to Say: Unborn baby, Pregnancy companion
Practice Exercise
Fill in the blanks below with the right idioms from the article:
- She’s been craving pickles and ice cream lately—clearly she’s ____________.
- He nervously told us that his girlfriend is ____________ and they’re getting ready.
- When she posted her first belly photo, it was clear she had ____________.
- They said they’re ____________ this fall and already planning names.
- She walked slowly and carefully, knowing she was ____________.
- Her cheeks were glowing and she had the energy of someone truly ____________.
- She decorated the car with a sign saying ____________ to hint at the news.
- We all laughed when she said she was now part of the ____________.
Answers:
eating for two, knocked up, popped, expecting a baby, carrying precious cargo, full of life, baby on board, pudding club
Conclusion
Pregnancy idioms bring warmth, creativity, and personality to the way we talk about one of life’s most beautiful experiences. Whether it’s a light-hearted joke, a poetic description, or a meaningful phrase, each idiom captures a unique emotion tied to expecting a child.
Use these expressions to add color to conversations, share your joy, or understand others better. After all, language is not just about words—it’s about the stories and emotions they carry, especially when there’s a little one on the way.