Definition of gestation

The word "gestation" originates from the Latin word "gestare," which means "to bear" or "to carry." In its original sense, the Latin word referred to the act of giving birth, but in the 15th century, the term began to be used in a more specific context, namely, the period of time during which a fetus develops inside the womb of a pregnant female. This sense of the word is often used in medicine to describe the duration of a pregnancy, which typically ranges from approximately 38 weeks to 42 weeks. The word "gestation" has been adopted into many languages, including English, and remains a key term in the field of obstetrics and women's health.