The Bible and Pregnancy

the Bible and pregnancy page ultrasound photo 2

Ultrasound photo of my son Jacob

As we cover the topic of the Bible and pregnancy, you may have the following questions:

  • What does God say about babies in the womb? 
  • What Bible verses do I read to them? 
  • How do I grow in my relationship with God during my pregnancy? Are there Bible and pregnancy devotionals for this period of time and transition in my life?

Also, you may need encouragement in the pregnancy journey due to feeling nervous and overwhelmed. May the following Bible passages inspire you as you move forward in your journey!

What Does it Say About Pregnancy in the Bible?

Here are ten verses from the Bible including what God says about babies in the womb...

1. Genesis 25:21  

"Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived."

Summary:

When reflecting on or discussing the Bible and pregnancy, you can meditate on stories of how God worked in the lives of His people. Picture this: Isaac has a heart-to-heart with God because Rebekah's having a tough time getting pregnant. Guess what? The Lord totally comes through, granting their wish and making Rebekah a mother-to-be!

Application:

When life gets a bit tricky, let's take a cue from Isaac. Spend time with God in prayer. Such  heart-to-heart conversation with Him might just be the game-changer we need. Trust that He's got our backs and knows the perfect timing for our dreams to come true.

2. Genesis 30:22:

"Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb."

Summary:

Life's journey has its unexpected turns. For Rachel, things seemed a bit sluggish in the baby department. However, God remembered her, enabling her to conceive.

Application:

In times of waiting, God's remembrance brings forth blessings. Trust in His divine timing, and who knows, your "out of the blue" moment might be just around the corner, courtesy of the One who remembers dreams.

3. Psalm 139:13-14:

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."

Summary:

This Psalm reads like a poetic ode to the Creator, expressing gratitude for the intricate formation within the mother's womb. It acknowledges the profound craftsmanship of God, celebrating the individual as a marvel.

Application:
When you spend time in self-reflection, grasp the significance of being fearfully and wonderfully made. Embrace your uniqueness, recognizing that, as per this Psalm, you embody divine craftsmanship. In moments of doubt, praising God and focusing on your identity in Him can dispel uncertainty.

4. Luke 1:42:

"Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!'"

Summary:
In this heartfelt encounter, Elizabeth, overcome with joy, exclaims to Mary, "You're truly blessed among women, and that little one growing inside you? Double blessings!" It's like a joyous acknowledgment of the expectant mother and the life within.

Application for Pregnant Women:
As a mom-to-be, channel Elizabeth's spirit in your journey. Embrace the joy of your pregnancy, recognizing the unique blessing it carries. Share your excitement with those around you and celebrate the miracle of life within.

By radiating positivity and gratitude, you not only honor your own experience but also inspire others to join in the celebration of the beauty of motherhood.

Also, when a mom-to-be crosses your path, express your genuine joy for her and the life she carries. Celebrate the journey of pregnancy and embrace the opportunity to spread positivity to expectant mothers around you.

5. Isaiah 66:9:

"Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?' says the Lord. 'Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?' says your God."

Summary:

God's speaking here, and it's like He's saying, "If I bring you to the point of giving birth, you bet I'll make it happen! Closing up the womb? Not my style,"—it's like a divine assurance that when God promises something, delivery is on the way.

Now, the promises of God are conditional. See my page: for further explanation on this topic:

https://www.encouragementscriptures.com/a-list-of-Gods-promises.html

Application:

For expecting moms, this verse carries a powerful message. Embrace the journey of pregnancy knowing that God, the ultimate deliverer, is orchestrating this incredible process. Trust that just as He ensures the delivery of new life, He's intricately involved in every step of your pregnancy. So, rest in His promises, and let the anticipation of the joyous arrival fill your heart with assurance.

Also, in life's birthing seasons—whether it's dreams, plans, or promises—trust that if God led you to that point, He's not about to hit the brakes. Keep the faith, because just as God ensures delivery in childbirth, He's committed to bringing your endeavors to fruition.

6. Luke 1:36:

"Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren."

Summary:

Entering the scene in Luke's narrative, the angel imparts astounding news to Mary, revealing,


"In case you haven't heard, your relative Elizabeth,

previously considered unable to conceive?

Well, she's already six months into a miraculous pregnancy!"


It's a profound testament to unexpected wonders.


Application for Expectant Mothers:

Imagine this, moms-to-be—God specializes in making the seemingly impossible, well, possible. Take a page from Elizabeth's book as you navigate your pregnancy journey.

When uncertainties arise, anticipate divine interventions. Your journey holds the potential for miraculous surprises, just like Elizabeth's unexpected but joyous pregnancy.

Consider also the miracle of the entire process from conception to birth and beyond!

7. Jeremiah 1:5:

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

Summary:

Jeremiah's getting a divine backstory here. It's like God saying,

"Hey Jeremiah, before you even had a birthday,

I had big plans for you.

You were on my radar way before the womb-life started,

and oh, by the way, you're destined for prophet status!"

Application for Expectant Mothers:

Imagine this, moms-to-be—before you even started kicking, God had big plans in mind. As you journey through pregnancy, tap into the divine purpose and potential already woven into your little one.

Embrace the unique destiny awaiting your baby, just like Jeremiah embraced his prophetic call. Each kick, each heartbeat—part of a divine masterpiece in the making.

This verse is certainly one you can read to and personalize for your baby. You can write and/or say something like this:

"(Name), before God began

forming you in my womb,

He knew you.

The Lord knows you now.

He has already sanctified you;

and has ordained you

to carry out His plan for your life--

for His glory!"

8. Psalm 127:3:

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."

Summary:

Here in Psalms, it's like a poetic declaration, "Check it out—children are a divine gift, a precious reward straight from the Lord. They're like a heritage, a legacy bestowed upon us."

Application:

In this period of pregnancy, imagine what it will be like each day and night with your new child—every giggle, every bedtime story, every moment shared with your little one is a part of a heavenly heritage. Recognize the incredible value in the gift of children.

Knowing that this child is a delightful, precious gift from God, embrace in advance--now and always--the joy and responsibility that comes with raising them. They are not just a reward but a legacy entrusted to you by the Creator Himself.

9. 1 Samuel 1:27:

"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him."

Summary:

In the pages of Samuel, there's a beautiful moment of acknowledgment:


"This little one? He is the result of my prayers, a blessing

the Lord granted in response to my heartfelt requests."

In this story, the little one's name is Samuel, who Hannah prayed fervently for--leading to this beautiful answer from God. The verse above is in the context of Hannah's desire to dedicate his life to the Lord. Surely, God fulfilled His plan for Samuel's life. Samuel, God's appointed prophet and judge, anointed David as King of Israel.

Application for Expectant Mothers:

Expectant moms, take a cue from Hannah's story. Your moments of prayer, dreams, and hopes for your child are significant. As you carry life within you, know that your petitions matter.

Embrace the journey, knowing that the precious life growing in your womb is a tangible response to the desires you've shared with the Lord. Each kick, each heartbeat—a testament to the power of prayer in the journey of motherhood.

Also, follow Hannah's example regarding her commitment to present--to dedicate the child to Lord--all the days of his or her life. 

10. Genesis 29:31:

"When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren."

Summary:
Okay, picture this in Genesis: Leah's dealing with rejection but God steps in and opens up her womb. Meanwhile, Rachel's facing a bit of a baby-block. It's like a divine twist in the family dynamics.

Application for Expectant Mothers:

Expectant moms, sometimes life throws unexpected twists like it did for Leah and Rachel. When faced with challenges or unmet expectations, trust that God's timing and plans are unique for each individual. Your journey, like Leah's, may have unexpected blessings. Embrace the present, trusting that God's hand is intricately involved in every aspect, including the miraculous journey of motherhood.

Bible Chapter to read during pregnancy

While there isn't a specific chapter in the Bible exclusively dedicated to pregnancy, there are several passages that convey themes of God's care, blessing, and the sanctity of life that can be comforting and inspirational during this special time including the ones listed above. 

If you're looking for a whole chapter, I would recommend Psalm 139 due to the majority of the passage pertaining to God's presence and intimate knowledge of us from the time we were created in the womb. The Psalm also reflects the idea that we were created for Him.

Bible Verses to Read to the Baby in the Womb

the Bible and pregnancy page ultrasound photo 1

Ultrasound photo of my son Jacob

When we consider the Bible and pregnancy, you might wonder about certain Bible verses that you can read to your unborn child. Reading verses to a baby in the womb is a beautiful way to bond and share faith-filled positive energy. Here is a set of comforting and uplifting verses:

1. Jeremiah 1:5--Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you...

2. Psalm 139:13-14 
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

3. Isaiah 41:10 
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

4. Psalm 91:11 
For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.

5. Proverbs 3:24 
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

6. Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.

7. Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This verse encourages a heart filled with prayer and thanksgiving, promising the peace of God that surpasses understanding. It's a wonderful verse to share with the baby, conveying a sense of tranquility and reliance on God's care.

Any of the verses above can be personalized, and not only can you say a prayer to God for the baby, you can talk to him or her directly.

The Bible and Pregnancy Announcements: Verses You Can Use

The following are verses you can use to announce and celebrate the blessing of a new life...

1. Psalm 127:3 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

2. Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you...

3. Psalm 139:13-14
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

4. Genesis 1:28:
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

This verse from Genesis carries the blessing of fertility and the command to multiply, making it a joyful and fitting choice for announcing the forthcoming addition to the family.

5. Genesis 30:22:
Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb.

This verse highlights God's providence and the blessing of conception, making it a beautiful addition to a pregnancy announcement.

Each of the above verses celebrate the precious gift of new life and the wonder of God's creation, making them a heartfelt addition to a pregnancy announcement.

For information from the Bible on the topic of raising children, go to:

https://www.encouragementscriptures.com/Bible-verses-about-raising-children.html

On the topic of family in general...

https://www.encouragementscriptures.com/The-Bible-and-family.html

For pregnancy and parenting resources, go to https://www.focusonthefamily.com/.