maternity
n. uncountablen. the state of being a mother. It is often used to describe things related to pregnancy or the time just after a baby is born.
n. the state or period of being a mother. Often used attributively to describe services, clothing, or legal rights associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
She is currently on maternity leave to care for her newborn.
The hospital recently opened a new maternity ward with private rooms for mothers and their infants.
Legislation regarding maternity protections varies significantly across borders, with some nations offering extensive paid leave while others provide only minimal job security for new parents.
From French maternité, from Latin māternitās.
Commonly used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'maternity clothes' or 'maternity ward'.