noun
confinement
The period of childbirth, including late pregnancy.
As her confinement approaches, she arranges for a midwife to attend.
Etymology
The birth-related use reflects the former custom of a mother remaining indoors or in bed around childbirth. The period of restricted activity supplied its name.
More examples
- The doctor records the expected date of confinement.
- She plans to spend her confinement at her mother's house.
- The midwife has cared for her through two confinements.
Forms
confinement · confinements
Similar words
- childbirth
- Refers to giving birth, without emphasizing the surrounding period.
- labor
- Refers specifically to the contractions and effort of delivery.