How do you say 'morning sickness' in Italian?

The term for 'morning sickness' in Italian is 'nausea mattutina'. You might say, 'Ho la nausea mattutina ogni mattina' (I have morning sickness every morning). Couples can practice describing pregnancy symptoms to each other in Italian to expand their vocabulary.

What's the Italian term for 'ultrasound' during pregnancy?

The Italian word for 'ultrasound' is 'ecografia'. You might hear the doctor say, 'Dobbiamo fare un'ecografia per vedere il bambino' (We need to do an ultrasound to see the baby). Practice asking your partner 'Quando è la prossima ecografia?' (When is the next ultrasound?).

How do you say 'due date' in Italian?

The term for 'due date' is 'data presunta del parto'. You can say, 'La data presunta del parto è il...' (The due date is...). When talking about the baby's arrival, try asking your partner 'Quando pensi che arriverà il bambino?' (When do you think the baby will arrive?).

What are some Italian phrases to use when talking to your baby in the womb?

You can say 'Ciao piccolo/a!' (Hello little one!) or 'Ti voglio bene' (I love you). Try singing Italian lullabies like 'Ninna nanna'. Couples can take turns speaking to their baby in Italian to create a loving and language-rich environment.

How do you say 'baby shower' in Italian, and what are typical gifts?

While there isn't a direct translation, 'festa per il bambino in arrivo' (party for the arriving baby) is often used. Typical gifts include 'pannolini' (diapers), 'vestitini' (little clothes), and 'giocattoli' (toys). Plan a pretend baby shower with your partner and practice thanking guests for their gifts in Italian.

Italian Baby & Pregnancy Vocabulary: Essential Words for Expecting Couples

Essential Italian baby and pregnancy vocabulary for expecting couples. From doctor visits to nursery setup, learn it all.

Expecting a bambino with your Italian-speaking partner is an exciting journey. Learning the essential bambino and pregnancy vocabulary in Italian will help you participate fully in doctor visits, shopping for the cameretta, and those precious first conversations with your little one.

For everyday communication with your partner, check out our guide on essential Italian phrases for couples.

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Phrase to Learn

bambino

baby

[ bahm-BEE-noh ]

The most important word for your growing family.

Essential Pregnancy Vocabulary

incinta pregnant

Pronunciation: een-CHEEN-tah

"Lei è incinta di tre mesi."

Italian	English	Context
bambino	baby	Your little one
incinta	pregnant	The condition
in attesa	expecting	Anticipating baby
data presunta del parto	due date	When baby arrives
ecografia	ultrasound	Seeing baby
cameretta	nursery	Baby's room
pannolino	diaper	Essential item
biberon	bottle	For feeding
passeggino	stroller	For walks
culla	crib	Baby's bed

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Italian Pregnancy Traditions

In Italian-speaking cultures, pregnancy is often celebrated with specific traditions. Baby showers, gender reveals, and family gatherings are common ways to welcome the new arrival. It's traditional to wait until after birth to buy certain items.

Announcing the News

Sharing the news of a pregnancy is a monumental moment in Italian culture, where family often sits at the heart of every celebration. When preparing to tell others that you are expecting, it is helpful to have a variety of verbs and expressions ready to convey the timing and the joy of the arrival. Navigating these conversations requires a balance of formal respect for elders and the informal warmth shared among peers.

This section provides the linguistic tools needed to deliver your announcement effectively across different social circles. We explore specific phrases for speaking to your partner’s family—particularly the future grandparents—where traditional sentiments are common. Additionally, you will find casual vocabulary suitable for sharing the surprise with friends, ensuring you can express your excitement naturally in any setting.

To Your Partner's Family

We're in attesa a bambino! - The big announcement
You're going to be grandparents! - For the parents
We have wonderful news! - Building anticipation

To Friends

We're having a bambino! - Direct and joyful
Our family is growing! - Gentle announcement
Little one on the way! - Cute phrasing

in attesa expecting

Pronunciation: een ah-TAY-zah

"Siamo in attesa di un bambino in primavera."

At the Doctor's Office

Essential phrases for prenatal appointments:

Italian	English	When to Use
data presunta del parto	due date	Asking about timeline
ecografia	ultrasound	For the scan
incinta	pregnant	Medical discussions
Healthy bambino	healthy baby	Good news
in attesa	expecting	General context

Questions to Ask

When is the data presunta del parto? - Timeline question
Is the bambino healthy? - Health check
When is the next ecografia? - Appointment planning

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Medical Appointments

In Italian-speaking healthcare settings, prenatal care may follow specific schedules. Having your partner help translate during appointments is invaluable, or bring a translation app as backup.

Nursery and Baby Items

Preparing the home for a newborn involves more than just assembly; it is about creating a dedicated space known in Italy as the cameretta. This room serves as the child's first environment, and discussing its layout requires specific terminology for furniture, textiles, and safety equipment. Gaining a handle on these nouns allows for clearer communication when browsing Italian catalogs or speaking with store clerks.

In the following subsections, we break down the essential vocabulary for setting up the cameretta, focusing on the core pieces of furniture every nursery requires. We also provide a specialized list of shopping vocabulary, which is indispensable when visiting a baby boutique to compare different models of strollers, car seats, and high chairs. Learning these terms streamlines the logistical process of nesting and ensures you get exactly what you need for the new arrival.

culla cradle / crib

Pronunciation: KOOL-lah

"Abbiamo scelto una culla di legno per la cameretta del bambino."

Setting Up the cameretta

Italian	English	Description
culla	crib	Baby's sleeping place
passeggino	stroller	For transportation
pannolino	diaper	Essential supplies
biberon	bottle	Feeding equipment
cameretta	nursery	Baby's room

Shopping Vocabulary

We need pannolinos - Basic necessity
Where are the biberons? - Store navigation
This culla is perfect! - Making choices
The passeggino fits well - Practical decisions

cameretta nursery / baby's room

Pronunciation: kah-meh-REHT-tah

"Stiamo decorando la cameretta per il bambino."

Talking to Your Baby

Sweet phrases for your little one:

Italian Phrase	English	Moment
Hello, little bambino	Hello, little baby	First greeting
I love you, bambino	I love you, baby	Any moment
Sleep well, little one	Sleep well	Bedtime
Beautiful bambino	Beautiful baby	Admiration

Baby Shower Vocabulary

Italian	English	Context
bambino shower	baby shower	The celebration
Gift for bambino	baby gift	Presents
Congratulations	congratulations	Well-wishes
The cameretta	the nursery	Showing preparations

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Baby Naming

In Italian-speaking cultures, baby names often carry family significance or honor loved ones. Discuss naming traditions with your partner early, as choosing a name that works in both languages can be important.

After the Baby Arrives

First moments vocabulary:

At the Hospital

The bambino is here! - Announcement
Healthy bambino! - Good news
Beautiful bambino! - First reactions

First Days Home

Time to change the pannolino - Daily care
The bambino is hungry - Feeding time
bambino is sleeping - Quiet time

For more family vocabulary, explore our meeting your Italian partner's family guide.

Quick Reference Card

Need	Vocabulary
Announcement	We're in attesa!
Doctor visit	data presunta del parto, ecografia
Shopping	culla, pannolino, biberon
Daily care	bambino, pannolino, biberon

Your journey into parenthood in two languages will give your bambino the beautiful gift of bilingualism. Every word you learn in Italian strengthens your family bond.