gestation

Plural: gestations

Noun

• the period during which an embryo develops (about 266 days in humans)
• the state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus
• the conception and development of an idea or plan
• The period of time during which an animal or human offspring physically develops inside the mother's body until it is born.
• The process of development of a plan or idea.

Synonyms

gestation period, maternity, pregnancy