childbearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "childbearing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing pregnancy, childbirth, or the process of having children. Example: "The challenges of childbearing can vary significantly from one individual to another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite the huge risks associated with unprotected sex in South Sudan, including an HIV epidemic and one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, the rate of contraceptive prevalence amongst women of childbearing age remains at just 1.7%.

The Guardian

From Scandinavia to France, countries' populations are recovering and childbearing is increasing.

The Economist

After Ireland's, France's women are the most fertile in the European Union, with 1.9 children per woman of childbearing age.

The Economist

Yet there is little international evidence that fertility is stimulated by childbearing subsidies; it may not be curtailed by their erosion.

The Economist

The birth rate has fallen to 1.3 children per woman of childbearing age, down from six in 1960.

The Economist

It explains why fewer children were born at a particular time, but not why childbearing stayed low.

The Economist

Many migrants have traditional views on marriage and childbearing.

The Economist

A report in May from the Japan Policy Council, a research foundation, stated that on current trends some 900 regional municipalities half of the total could disappear or cease to function by 2040 as women of childbearing age migrate to big cities.

The Economist

According to the latest census, "female literacy, improving general health care, improving female employment rates [are] slowly redefining motherhood from childbearing to child rearing.

The Economist

Couples in virtually all societies have frequent sex, and therefore access to family planning is necessary to separate sex from childbearing.

The Economist

They also have high levels of teenage pregnancy that help bump up the figures.Ms d'Addio says the very low fertility rates now seen in many OECD countries are not inevitable, and governments should try to lessen the obstacles to childbearing faced by individuals and families.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical data related to populations, use "childbearing" to specify the age range or group being studied (e.g., "women of childbearing age").

Common error

Instead of saying "factors influencing family size", be specific and mention "factors affecting childbearing decisions" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "childbearing" functions primarily as a noun, representing the process or activity of bearing children. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples like "women of childbearing age" and "delaying childbearing". It can also function as an adjective as in "childbearing subsidies".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "childbearing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe the process of having children. As confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in contexts concerning demographic trends, health issues, and societal factors. Usage spans from neutral news reports to more formal encyclopedic entries, and scientific studies. When writing about this topic, use "childbearing" to be specific about the biological and social process of having children. Remember that factors influencing family size are better articulated by mentioning "factors affecting childbearing decisions" for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

childbirth

This term specifically refers to the act of giving birth.

having children

This is an informal, everyday way of referring to the process of becoming a parent through childbirth.

procreation

This term is a more formal synonym, emphasizing the biological process of producing offspring.

reproduction

This alternative is a broader term encompassing all aspects of creating offspring, not specifically the act of carrying and giving birth.

parturition

A medical term for the process of giving birth.

fertility

This focuses on the capacity to conceive and bear children, rather than the process itself.

maternity

This term refers to motherhood and the state of being pregnant.

gestation

The period of development inside the womb, focusing on the pregnancy aspect.

natal care

This relates to the care provided during and after childbirth, including prenatal and postpartum services.

family formation

This is a broader term referring to creating a family, which includes but isn't limited to childbearing.

FAQs

What does "childbearing age" mean?

The term "childbearing age" typically refers to the range of years during which a woman is capable of conceiving and giving birth, usually between the ages of 15 and 49.

What are the main risks associated with "delayed childbearing"?

Risks associated with "delayed childbearing" include decreased fertility, increased risk of pregnancy complications, and a higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.

How does access to contraception affect "rates of childbearing"?

Increased access to contraception typically leads to lower "rates of childbearing" as individuals and couples can better plan and space their pregnancies.

What are some social factors that influence "decisions about childbearing"?

Social factors influencing "decisions about childbearing" include cultural norms, economic conditions, access to education and healthcare, and government policies.