childbearing

noun

1. (uncountable, usually)The process of giving birth; pregnancy and parturition.

   “From the Swedish returns (1776-1855) it appears that 100 childbearings produced 101.62 children, viz., 2.82 stillborn, 98.80 quickborn; consequently 100 quickborn children imply 101.21 childbearings.”

adj

1. (not-comparable)Of, pertaining to, or suitable for childbirth.

   “Women in the latter stages of childbearing should not be permitted to attend the toll of the manufactories.”

   “In these cases, fish intake rates specific to females of childbearing age are most appropriate when assessing exposures to developmental toxicants.”

2. (figuratively, informal, not-comparable)Of a woman's hips, attractively wide.

   “Hips that in the old country would be considered good childbearing hips, but in this country are too wide.”