Body & Sexuality Vocabulary in French
Before talking about **les règles, la grossesse, and l’accouchement**, let's first explore vocabulary related to the **female body and sexuality**.
L’utérus ([ly.te.ʁys])
= **L’utérus** is the organ where a baby develops during pregnancy. It is located in the lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum. It contracts during childbirth to allow the baby to be born. In English, we say **"uterus"** or **"womb"**.
👉 **Useful sentences:**
✔ "L’utérus se dilate pendant l’accouchement pour laisser passer le bébé." (The uterus dilates during childbirth to allow the baby to pass.)
✔ "Après l’accouchement, l’utérus met plusieurs semaines à retrouver sa taille normale." (After childbirth, the uterus takes several weeks to return to its normal size.)
✔ "Les douleurs de règles sont causées par des contractions de l’utérus." (Period pain is caused by uterine contractions.)
Le vagin ([va.ʒɛ̃])
= **Le vagin** is the canal that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. It is where menstrual blood flows, where sexual intercourse occurs, and where the baby passes during a vaginal birth. In English, we say **"vagina"**.
👉 **Useful sentences:**
✔ "Après l’accouchement, le vagin peut mettre du temps à retrouver son élasticité." (After childbirth, the vagina may take time to regain its elasticity.)
✔ "L’hygiène intime est importante pour éviter les infections vaginales." (Intimate hygiene is important to prevent vaginal infections.)
✔ "Certaines femmes ressentent des douleurs vaginales après un rapport sexuel." (Some women experience vaginal pain after sexual intercourse.)
Les ovaires ([o.vaʁ])
= **Les ovaires** are two small organs located on each side of the uterus. They produce eggs (**ovules**), which are necessary for reproduction. Each month, one ovary releases an egg – this process is called **ovulation**. In English, we say **"ovaries"**.
👉 **Useful sentences:**
✔ "L’ovaire droit a libéré un ovule ce mois-ci, c’est pourquoi j’ai ressenti une douleur." (The right ovary released an egg this month, which is why I felt some pain.)
✔ "Le syndrome des ovaires polykystiques peut provoquer des troubles hormonaux." (Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause hormonal imbalances.)
✔ "Les ovaires produisent aussi des hormones comme les œstrogènes." (The ovaries also produce hormones such as estrogen.)
Le clitoris ([kli.to.ʁis])
= **Le clitoris** is an organ entirely dedicated to female pleasure. Contrary to popular belief, it is not limited to the small visible part – it extends inside the body and has more than 8,000 nerve endings. In English, we say **"clitoris"**.
👉 **Useful sentences:**
✔ "Le clitoris est l’organe le plus sensible du corps humain." (The clitoris is the most sensitive organ in the human body.)
✔ "Beaucoup de gens ignorent que la plus grande partie du clitoris est interne." (Many people don’t know that most of the clitoris is internal.)
✔ "Lors d’une excitation, le clitoris se gorge de sang et devient plus sensible." (During arousal, the clitoris fills with blood and becomes more sensitive.)
Les seins / La poitrine ([lɛ sɛ̃] / [la pwa.tʁin])
= **Les seins** are glands located on the chest. Their primary function is to produce milk after pregnancy to feed the baby, but they also have aesthetic and sensory importance. In English, we say **"breasts"**.
👉 **Useful sentences:**
✔ "Les seins peuvent devenir sensibles avant les règles." (Breasts can become sensitive before a period.)
✔ "Pendant la grossesse, la poitrine peut augmenter de volume." (During pregnancy, the breasts may increase in size.)
Le périnée ([pe.ʁi.ne])
= **Le périnée** is a group of muscles located between the pubic bone and the anus, supporting the pelvic organs (**bladder, uterus, and rectum**). It plays an essential role in urinary continence, organ support, and sexuality. After childbirth, **le périnée** can weaken and may require **rééducation** (rehabilitation). In English, we say **"perineum"**.
👉 **Useful sentences:**
✔ "La rééducation du périnée est recommandée après un accouchement pour éviter les fuites urinaires." (Perineal rehabilitation is recommended after childbirth to prevent urinary leakage.)
✔ "Un périnée tonique aide à prévenir les descentes d’organes." (A strong perineum helps prevent organ prolapse.)
✔ "Il existe des exercices comme le yoga ou le Pilates pour renforcer le périnée." (Exercises like yoga or Pilates can help strengthen the perineum.)
Le vocabulaire des règles en français
Les règles - [le ʁɛɡl]
= **Les règles**, also called **menstruations**, refer to the monthly blood flow experienced by people with a uterus. In English, we say **"period"**.
🗣️ On dit aussi :
- **Les menstruations** (more formal)
- **Avoir ses ragnagnas** (colloquial, humorous)
- **Être indisposée** (a discreet way to say you are on your period)
💬 Expressions utiles liées aux règles en français
✔ "J’ai mes règles." (I have my period.)
✔ "Mes règles sont irrégulières." (My periods are irregular.)
✔ "J’ai des crampes menstruelles." (I have menstrual cramps.)
✔ "Mes règles sont abondantes." (My period is heavy.)
✔ "Je suis en syndrome prémenstruel (SPM)." (I have premenstrual syndrome - PMS.)
🩹 Les protections hygiéniques :
- **Un tampon** = Small absorbent device inserted into the vagina ("tampon")
- **Une serviette hygiénique** = External protection placed in underwear ("sanitary pad")
- **Une coupe menstruelle (cup)** = Reusable silicone device inserted into the vagina ("menstrual cup")
- **Une culotte menstruelle** = Washable, absorbent underwear ("period underwear")
Le vocabulaire de la grossesse en français
Le test de grossesse ([tɛst də ɡʁɔ.sɛs])
= **Le test de grossesse** is a test that detects the presence of **HCG hormone** to confirm pregnancy. It can be done using a **urine test** (at home) or a **blood test** (in a lab). In English, we say **"pregnancy test"**.
✔ "J’ai fait un test de grossesse et il est positif !" (I took a pregnancy test, and it was positive!)
✔ "Le test sanguin est plus fiable que le test urinaire." (A blood test is more reliable than a urine test.)
Être enceinte ([ɛtʁ‿ɑ̃.sɛ̃t])
= **Être enceinte** means carrying a baby in the womb for about nine months. It starts from fertilization and ends with childbirth. In English, we say **"to be pregnant"**.
✔ "Je suis enceinte de trois mois." (I am three months pregnant.)
✔ "Elle a appris qu’elle était enceinte hier." (She found out she was pregnant yesterday.)
Les nausées matinales ([no.ze ma.ti.nal])
= **Les nausées matinales** are a feeling of nausea or vomiting often experienced in early pregnancy. They can happen at any time of the day. In English, we say **"morning sickness"**.
✔ "J’ai des nausées tous les matins depuis ma grossesse." (I have nausea every morning since I got pregnant.)
✔ "Les nausées disparaissent souvent après le premier trimestre." (Nausea often disappears after the first trimester.)
L’échographie ([e.kɔ.ɡʁa.fi])
= **L’échographie** is a medical exam that uses ultrasound to see the baby in the uterus. It helps monitor fetal development. In English, we say **"ultrasound"**.
✔ "J’ai ma première échographie la semaine prochaine !" (I have my first ultrasound next week!)
✔ "On a vu le bébé bouger pendant l’échographie !" (We saw the baby moving during the ultrasound!)
Le fœtus ([fø.tys])
= **Le fœtus** is the developing baby inside the uterus after eight weeks of pregnancy. Before that, it is called an **embryon**. In English, we say **"fetus"**.
✔ "Le fœtus commence à bouger vers la 16e semaine." (The fetus starts moving around the 16th week.)
✔ "On entend les battements du cœur du fœtus à l’échographie." (We can hear the fetus’s heartbeat during the ultrasound.)
Des fuites urinaires ([fɥit y.ʁi.nɛʁ])
= **Des fuites urinaires** refer to involuntary urine leakage due to the pressure exerted by the baby on the bladder. In English, we say **"urinary leaks"**.
✔ "Depuis le troisième trimestre, j’ai des petites fuites urinaires quand je tousse ou ris." (Since the third trimester, I have small urinary leaks when I cough or laugh.)
✔ "Les exercices de rééducation du périnée peuvent aider à réduire les fuites urinaires après l’accouchement." (Pelvic floor exercises can help reduce urinary leaks after childbirth.)
Des pertes vaginales ([pɛʁt va.ʒi.nal])
= **Les pertes vaginales** refer to natural vaginal secretions, which may increase during pregnancy. In English, we say **"vaginal discharge"**.
✔ "Depuis le début de ma grossesse, j’ai plus de pertes blanches." (Since the beginning of my pregnancy, I have more white discharge.)
✔ "Si les pertes ont une odeur forte ou une couleur anormale, il faut consulter un médecin." (If the discharge has a strong odor or an unusual color, you should consult a doctor.)
Le diabète gestationnel ([dja.bɛt ʒɛs.ta.sjɔ.nɛl])
= **Le diabète gestationnel** is an increase in blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It usually disappears after childbirth. In English, we say **"gestational diabetes"**.
✔ "Mon médecin m’a fait un test pour vérifier si j’ai du diabète gestationnel." (My doctor gave me a test to check if I have gestational diabetes.)
✔ "En cas de diabète gestationnel, il faut surveiller son alimentation et parfois prendre un traitement." (In case of gestational diabetes, one must monitor their diet and sometimes take medication.)
Un doppler ([dɔ.plɛʁ])
= **Le doppler** is a medical exam that allows one to hear the baby’s heartbeat in the womb. In English, we say **"Doppler ultrasound"**.
✔ "Lors de mon rendez-vous, le médecin a utilisé un doppler pour écouter le cœur du bébé." (During my appointment, the doctor used a Doppler to listen to the baby's heartbeat.)
✔ "Le doppler permet de vérifier si le bébé est en bonne santé." (The Doppler allows checking if the baby is healthy.)
La toxoplasmose ([tɔk.sɔ.plaz.moz])
= **La toxoplasmose** is an infection that can be dangerous for the baby if the mother contracts it during pregnancy. In English, we say **"toxoplasmosis"**.
✔ "Les femmes enceintes doivent éviter de manger de la viande crue à cause du risque de toxoplasmose." (Pregnant women should avoid eating raw meat due to the risk of toxoplasmosis.)
✔ "Si on est immunisée contre la toxoplasmose, il n’y a aucun risque." (If you are immune to toxoplasmosis, there is no risk.)
Des vergetures ([vɛʁ.ʒe.tyʁ])
= **Les vergetures** are marks on the skin caused by rapid stretching, often during pregnancy. In English, we say **"stretch marks"**.
✔ "J’ai des vergetures sur le ventre et les cuisses depuis ma grossesse." (I have stretch marks on my belly and thighs since my pregnancy.)
✔ "Appliquer de l’huile d’amande douce peut aider à prévenir les vergetures." (Applying sweet almond oil can help prevent stretch marks.)
Le liquide amniotique ([li.kid am.njɔ.tik])
= **Le liquide amniotique** surrounds and protects the baby inside the uterus. In English, we say **"amniotic fluid"**.
✔ "Le médecin vérifie que le liquide amniotique est en quantité suffisante." (The doctor checks that the amniotic fluid is in sufficient quantity.)
✔ "Quand on perd les eaux, c’est le liquide amniotique qui s’écoule." (When the water breaks, it is the amniotic fluid that flows out.)
Une sage-femme ([saʒ fam])
= **Une sage-femme** is a healthcare professional specialized in pregnancy monitoring and childbirth. In English, we say **"midwife"**.
✔ "Ma sage-femme m’accompagne tout au long de ma grossesse." (My midwife supports me throughout my pregnancy.)
✔ "La sage-femme a aidé à l’accouchement de mon bébé." (The midwife assisted in my baby's delivery.)
Une fausse couche ([fos kuʃ])
= **Une fausse couche** is the spontaneous termination of pregnancy before 20 weeks. In English, we say **"miscarriage"**.
✔ "J’ai fait une fausse couche à huit semaines de grossesse." (I had a miscarriage at eight weeks of pregnancy.)
✔ "Certaines fausses couches surviennent sans cause évidente." (Some miscarriages happen without an obvious cause.)
L’avortement / L’IVG ([a.vɔʁ.tə.mɑ̃] / [i.ve.ʒe])
= **L’avortement** (or **IVG**: **Interruption Volontaire de Grossesse**) is a medical procedure to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. In English, we say **"abortion"**.
✔ "En France, l’IVG est légale et peut être pratiquée jusqu’à 14 semaines de grossesse." (In France, abortion is legal and can be performed up to 14 weeks of pregnancy.)
✔ "Elle a eu recours à un avortement médicamenteux à la clinique." (She had a medical abortion at the clinic.)
✔ "Certaines femmes ressentent un soulagement après un avortement, d’autres ont besoin d’un soutien psychologique." (Some women feel relief after an abortion, while others need psychological support.)
Questions posées par le médecin lors d’une consultation de grossesse
❓ "Avez-vous fait un test de grossesse ?" (Have you taken a pregnancy test?)
❓ "À quand remontent vos dernières règles ?" (When was your last period?)
❓ "Avez-vous des nausées ou des vomissements ?" (Do you have nausea or vomiting?)
❓ "Souhaitez-vous un suivi par une sage-femme ou un gynécologue ?" (Would you like to be followed by a midwife or a gynecologist?)
Le vocabulaire de l’accouchement en français
Accoucher ([a.ku.ʃe])
= **Accoucher** means to give birth to a child. This can happen naturally (vaginal birth) or via a cesarean section. In English, we say **"to give birth"**.
✔ "J’ai accouché à l’hôpital après huit heures de travail." (I gave birth at the hospital after eight hours of labor.)
✔ "Elle a accouché à domicile avec l’aide d’une sage-femme." (She gave birth at home with the help of a midwife.)
Le travail ([tʁa.vaj])
= **Le travail** refers to the process of contractions and cervical dilation that prepare for birth. It can last for hours or even days. In English, we say **"labor"**.
✔ "Mon travail a duré 12 heures avant que mon bébé naisse." (My labor lasted 12 hours before my baby was born.)
✔ "Quand le travail commence, il est important de bien respirer pour gérer la douleur." (When labor starts, it's important to breathe properly to manage the pain.)
Perdre les eaux ([pɛʁdʁ lez o])
= **Perdre les eaux** means that the amniotic sac (which contains amniotic fluid) ruptures before childbirth. This is a sign that labor may start soon. In English, we say **"water breaking"**.
✔ "J’ai perdu les eaux cette nuit, je vais à la maternité." (My water broke last night, I’m going to the maternity ward.)
✔ "Si la poche des eaux se rompt mais que les contractions ne commencent pas, un déclenchement peut être nécessaire." (If the water breaks but contractions don’t start, labor may need to be induced.)
Les contractions ([kɔ̃.tʁak.sjɔ̃])
= **Les contractions** are uterine movements that prepare the body for childbirth. They can be irregular in late pregnancy or become stronger before delivery. In English, we say **"contractions"**.
✔ "J’ai eu des contractions cette nuit, mais elles n’étaient pas régulières." (I had contractions last night, but they weren’t regular.)
✔ "Les contractions deviennent plus intenses avant l’accouchement." (Contractions become more intense before childbirth.)
Le bouchon muqueux ([bu.ʃɔ̃ my.kø])
= **Le bouchon muqueux** is a thick substance that seals the cervix during pregnancy to protect the baby from infections. It is expelled before childbirth. In English, we say **"mucus plug"**.
✔ "J’ai perdu mon bouchon muqueux ce matin, ça veut dire que l’accouchement approche." (I lost my mucus plug this morning, which means labor is approaching.)
✔ "La perte du bouchon muqueux peut être accompagnée de légers saignements." (Losing the mucus plug can be accompanied by light bleeding.)
La péridurale ([pe.ʁi.dy.ʁal])
= **La péridurale** is a local anesthesia used to reduce contraction pain during labor. It is administered into the lower back by an anesthesiologist. In English, we say **"epidural"**.
✔ "J’ai choisi d’avoir une péridurale pour atténuer la douleur." (I chose to have an epidural to relieve the pain.)
✔ "Certaines femmes préfèrent accoucher sans péridurale." (Some women prefer to give birth without an epidural.)
Une césarienne ([se.za.ʁjɛn])
= **Une césarienne** is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. It can be planned or performed in an emergency. In English, we say **"C-section"**.
✔ "J’ai dû avoir une césarienne car mon bébé était en siège." (I had to have a C-section because my baby was in a breech position.)
✔ "Après une césarienne, il faut du temps pour récupérer." (After a C-section, recovery takes time.)
Le placenta ([pla.sɑ̃.ta])
= **Le placenta** is the organ that nourishes the baby during pregnancy. After childbirth, it is naturally expelled. In English, we say **"placenta"**.
✔ "Après l’accouchement, le médecin vérifie que le placenta est bien expulsé." (After childbirth, the doctor checks that the placenta has been fully expelled.)
✔ "Le placenta est essentiel pour apporter l’oxygène et les nutriments au bébé." (The placenta is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the baby.)
L’expulsion ([ɛks.pyl.sjɔ̃])
= **L’expulsion** is the stage where the baby exits the mother’s body after the cervix is fully dilated. This phase requires pushing efforts. In English, we say **"pushing stage"**.
✔ "La sage-femme m’a aidée à bien respirer pour l’expulsion." (The midwife helped me breathe properly during the pushing stage.)
✔ "L’expulsion peut durer quelques minutes ou plus d’une heure selon les femmes." (The pushing stage can last a few minutes or more than an hour, depending on the woman.)
Le vocabulaire du post-partum et du bébé
Le post-partum ([pɔst.paʁ.tɔm])
= **Le post-partum** refers to the period after childbirth when the mother's body recovers and adapts to life with a newborn. In English, we say **"postpartum period"**.
✔ "Le post-partum est une période de grands changements physiques et émotionnels." (The postpartum period is a time of significant physical and emotional changes.)
✔ "Certaines femmes ressentent beaucoup de fatigue pendant le post-partum." (Some women experience a lot of fatigue during the postpartum period.)
Les lochies ([lɔ.ʃi])
= **Les lochies** are the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, as the body expels the remaining pregnancy tissues. This bleeding can last for several weeks. In English, we say **"lochia"**.
✔ "Les lochies peuvent durer jusqu’à six semaines après l’accouchement." (Lochia can last up to six weeks after childbirth.)
✔ "Il est conseillé d’utiliser des serviettes hygiéniques et non des tampons pendant cette période." (It is recommended to use sanitary pads instead of tampons during this period.)
Les tranchées ([tʁɑ̃.ʃe])
= **Les tranchées** are postpartum uterine contractions that help the uterus return to its normal size. They are often stronger in women who have already given birth. In English, we say **"afterpains"**.
✔ "Les tranchées sont plus fortes pendant l’allaitement à cause de l’ocytocine." (Afterpains are stronger during breastfeeding due to oxytocin.)
✔ "Le médecin m’a conseillé de prendre du paracétamol pour soulager les tranchées." (The doctor advised me to take paracetamol to relieve afterpains.)
L’allaitement ([a.lɛ.tə.mɑ̃])
= **L’allaitement** is the act of feeding a baby with breast milk. In English, we say **"breastfeeding"**.
✔ "Elle a choisi d’allaiter son bébé pendant six mois." (She chose to breastfeed her baby for six months.)
✔ "Je ne sais pas encore si je vais allaiter ou donner le biberon." (I don’t know yet if I will breastfeed or bottle-feed.)
Le colostrum ([kɔ.lɔs.tʁɔm])
= **Le colostrum** is the first milk produced after childbirth. It is rich in antibodies and helps protect the baby from infections. In English, we say **"colostrum"**.
✔ "Le colostrum est souvent jaunâtre et très concentré." (Colostrum is often yellowish and very concentrated.)
✔ "Ce premier lait est essentiel pour renforcer le système immunitaire du bébé." (This first milk is essential for strengthening the baby’s immune system.)
Un biberon ([bi.bʁɔ̃])
= **Un biberon** is a bottle with a nipple used to feed a baby with expressed breast milk or formula. In English, we say **"bottle"**.
✔ "Mon bébé préfère le biberon au sein." (My baby prefers the bottle to breastfeeding.)
✔ "J’ai acheté des biberons en verre car ils sont plus écologiques." (I bought glass bottles because they are more eco-friendly.)
Une couche ([kuʃ])
= **Une couche** is an absorbent protection worn by babies or people with incontinence. In English, we say **"diaper"**.
✔ "Il faut que je change la couche de mon bébé." (I need to change my baby’s diaper.)
✔ "Les couches lavables sont plus écologiques que les couches jetables." (Reusable diapers are more eco-friendly than disposable ones.)
Le baby-blues ([be.bi.blyz])
= **Le baby-blues** is a period of sadness and emotional sensitivity experienced by many new mothers after childbirth. It is caused by hormonal changes and usually disappears within a few days. In English, we say **"baby blues"**.
✔ "Je pleure pour un rien, je pense que c’est le baby-blues." (I cry for no reason, I think it’s the baby blues.)
✔ "Le baby-blues est fréquent et dure en général quelques jours." (The baby blues are common and usually last a few days.)
Une sage-femme ([saʒ fam])
= **Une sage-femme** is a healthcare professional specialized in pregnancy and childbirth. In English, we say **"midwife"**.
✔ "Ma sage-femme m’accompagne tout au long de ma grossesse." (My midwife supports me throughout my pregnancy.)
✔ "La sage-femme a aidé à l’accouchement de mon bébé." (The midwife helped deliver my baby.)
