These expressions have been woven into the tapestry of language, offering a unique and often amusing perspective on the beautiful journey of impending parenthood.
So, whether you’re “knocked up,” “in the pudding family,” or simply “with a bellyful of joy,” join us as we explore the linguistic twists and turns of expecting a little one.

Idioms for Pregnancy
Bun in the Oven
Meaning: Refers to being pregnant or having a baby on the way.
In a Sentence: She’s got a bun in the oven and a twinkle in her eye, anticipating the arrival of her little one.
Expecting a Stork Visit
Meaning: The traditional myth that storks deliver babies.
In a Sentence: We’re not waiting for a courier; we’re expecting a stork visit any day now.
Eating for Two
Meaning: The idea of eating extra during pregnancy to nourish both mother and baby.
In a Sentence: She’s enjoying every meal, embracing the concept of eating for two.
Preggers
Meaning: A casual and affectionate term for being pregnant.
In a Sentence: Look at that glow! Someone’s definitely feeling preggers and fabulous.
On the Baby Way
Meaning: Being on the journey of pregnancy.
In a Sentence: They’re on the baby way, navigating the twists and turns of parenthood together.
With Child
Meaning: Another way of saying someone is pregnant.
In a Sentence: They’re not just a couple; they’re a family with child on the way.
In the Family Way
Meaning: Being pregnant and expecting a new addition to the family.
In a Sentence: Their cozy home is about to get a bit busier; they’re in the family way.
In the Pudding Club
Meaning: An old-fashioned term for being pregnant.
In a Sentence: She proudly announced that she’s in the pudding club; celebrations ensued.
Knocked Up
Meaning: Informal term for being pregnant.
In a Sentence: They weren’t expecting it, but now they’re happily knocked up and preparing for parenthood.
In a Delicate Condition
Meaning: A somewhat formal and old-fashioned way to say someone is pregnant.
In a Sentence: She’s in a delicate condition, but her spirit is anything but fragile.
Up the Duff
Meaning: A cheeky and colloquial expression for being pregnant.
In a Sentence: Surprise! She’s up the duff, and everyone’s over the moon.
Sporting a Baby Bump
Meaning: The visible protrusion of a pregnant woman’s belly.
In a Sentence: She’s proudly sporting a baby bump, radiating maternal charm.
In the Club
Meaning: Being part of the exclusive group of expectant parents.
In a Sentence: They’re officially in the club, sharing parenting tips and excitement with fellow members.
In the Pudding Family
Meaning: A playful twist on the idea of being pregnant.
In a Sentence: They’ve joined the pudding family, adding their unique flavor to the mix.
Anticipating a Little One
Meaning: The expectation and excitement of welcoming a baby.
In a Sentence: The entire family is eagerly anticipating a little one, preparing for the joyous arrival.
In the Oven
Meaning: Being pregnant, with the baby metaphorically “baking” in the womb.
In a Sentence: The news is out—there’s a bun in the oven, and the countdown has begun.
Carrying a Bundle of Joy
Meaning: The joyful anticipation of bringing a baby into the world.
In a Sentence: She’s not just carrying a baby; she’s carrying a bundle of joy that will change their lives.
With a Plus One
Meaning: Humorous reference to bringing a guest, the baby, to life’s party.
In a Sentence: They’re attending life’s party with a plus one, a tiny guest who’s stealing the show.
With a Bun in the Oven
Meaning: A delightful metaphor for being pregnant.
In a Sentence: Her laughter echoes through the kitchen as she cooks, with a bun in the oven and happiness on the rise.
Waiting for a Special Delivery
Meaning: Anticipating the unique and precious arrival of the baby.
In a Sentence: The nursery is ready, and they’re eagerly waiting for a special delivery that will change everything.
In the Nest
Meaning: Creating a cozy space in preparation for the upcoming arrival.
In a Sentence: They’re feathering the nest, making it warm and welcoming for the little one on the way.
Growing a Family
Meaning: The beautiful process of expanding the family through pregnancy.
In a Sentence: They’re not just expecting a baby; they’re actively growing a family with each passing day.
On the Family Track
Meaning: Embracing the journey of family-building.
In a Sentence: They’ve chosen to be on the family track, navigating the twists and turns of parenthood together.
In the Baby-Making Business
Meaning: Humorous reference to actively trying to conceive.
In a Sentence: With love in the air, they’re playfully in the baby-making business, eagerly awaiting positive news.
On the Baby Train
Meaning: Being on the journey toward parenthood.
In a Sentence: All aboard the baby train! They’re on the tracks, ready for the adventure that awaits.
With a Bellyful of Joy
Meaning: Overflowing with happiness and excitement for the upcoming arrival.
In a Sentence: She walks with a glow, with a bellyful of joy, radiating happiness and anticipation.
Summary
Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Bun in the Oven | Pregnant or having a baby on the way | She’s got a bun in the oven, anticipating the arrival of her little one. |
Expecting a Stork Visit | Belief that storks deliver babies | We’re expecting a stork visit any day now; no courier required. |
Eating for Two | Eating extra during pregnancy for mother and baby | She’s embracing eating for two, enjoying every meal. |
Preggers | Casual and affectionate term for being pregnant | Look at that glow! Someone’s feeling preggers and fabulous. |
On the Baby Way | Being on the journey of pregnancy | They’re on the baby way, navigating the twists of parenthood. |
With Child | Another way of saying someone is pregnant | They’re not just a couple; they’re a family with a child on the way. |
In the Family Way | Being pregnant and expecting a new addition to the family | Their cozy home is about to get busier; they’re in the family way. |
In the Pudding Club | Old-fashioned term for being pregnant | She proudly announced she’s in the pudding club; celebrations ensued. |
Knocked Up | Informal term for being pregnant | They weren’t expecting it, but now they’re happily knocked up. |
In a Delicate Condition | Formal way to say someone is pregnant | She’s in a delicate condition, but her spirit is anything but fragile. |
Up the Duff | Cheeky and colloquial expression for being pregnant | Surprise! She’s up the duff, and everyone’s over the moon. |
Sporting a Baby Bump | Visible protrusion of a pregnant woman’s belly | She’s proudly sporting a baby bump, radiating maternal charm. |
In the Club | Part of the exclusive group of expectant parents | They’re officially in the club, sharing excitement with fellow members. |
In the Pudding Family | Playful twist on being pregnant | They’ve joined the pudding family, adding their unique flavor. |
Anticipating a Little One | Expectation and excitement for welcoming a baby | The entire family is eagerly anticipating a little one. |
In the Oven | Being pregnant, with the baby metaphorically “baking” | The news is out—there’s a bun in the oven, and the countdown has begun. |
Carrying a Bundle of Joy | Joyful anticipation of bringing a baby into the world | She’s carrying a bundle of joy that will change their lives. |
With a Plus One | Humorous reference to bringing a baby as a guest to life’s party | They’re attending life’s party with a plus one, stealing the show. |
With a Bun in the Oven | Delightful metaphor for being pregnant | Her laughter echoes as she cooks, with a bun in the oven and happiness rising. |
Waiting for a Special Delivery | Anticipating the unique arrival of the baby | They’re eagerly waiting for a special delivery that will change everything. |
In the Nest | Creating a cozy space for the upcoming arrival | They’re feathering the nest, making it warm for the little one. |
Growing a Family | The process of expanding the family through pregnancy | They’re actively growing a family with each passing day. |
On the Family Track | Embracing the journey of family-building | They’ve chosen to be on the family track, navigating parenthood together. |
In the Baby-Making Business | Humorous reference to actively trying to conceive | With love in the air, they’re playfully in the baby-making business. |
On the Baby Train | Being on the journey toward parenthood | All aboard the baby train! They’re on the tracks, ready for the adventure. |
With a Bellyful of Joy | Overflowing with happiness and excitement | She walks with a glow, with a bellyful of joy, radiating happiness. |
Conclusion
And there you have it—a whimsical exploration of idioms for pregnancy. From buns in the oven to expecting stork visits, these expressions add a touch of humor and warmth to the incredible journey of bringing new life into the world.