childbearing I. \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English childbering, from child + bering, from gerund of beren to bear — more at bear : the act of producing or bringing forth children : parturition II. adjective : of, relating to, or suitable for childbearing < the childbearing period of life > < women of childbearing age >