Pregnancy dream meaning may not be immediately obvious if you’re not pregnant. A vivid dream of this nature may be startling if you’re not currently experiencing pregnancy, but there are several possible meanings or interpretations which may provide insight.
Key Information
- The significance of pregnancy in a dream is often unrelated to physical pregnancy.
- While dreams have historically been linked with divine intervention, psychology supports the idea that dreams can have significant importance relating to real world experiences.
- The symbolic meaning of pregnancy in dreams is often linked with themes around growth and development.
How to Interpret Pregnancy Dream Meaning
Dreams about being pregnant are not unusual – according to Lauri Loewenberg, a certified professional dream analyst, dreams about pregnancy are one of the most dreams she is most commonly asked about. Yet this type of dream is not necessarily related to pregnancy itself (though it might be).
This particular dream can take various forms, each with various meanings. Perhaps you dream of being pregnant yourself, or it may be a family member or stranger.
Maybe you dream about the process of giving birth, or even pregnancy loss. All of these are common in dreams of pregnancy, with slightly different meanings according to the context.
The most important consideration for dream interpretation is the feelings invoked by the dream.
The shared thread between all of these dreams is the underlying themes involved, which may not be initially obvious. As discussed in our article about the psychology of dreams, the ideas in our dreams often have symbolic significance and may not be a reflection of the actual subject matter.
It’s also important to keep in mind that dream interpretation is subjective and based on current personal experiences in the dreamer’s life, past experiences, and variations in cultural contexts.
With this in mind, the most important consideration for dream interpretation is the feelings invoked by the dream – that’s always going the biggest clue as to the true meaning behind a dream.
According to Shelby Harris, PsyD, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, while pregnancy or baby dreams may be triggered by a real life pregnancy or desire to become pregnant, they may also be in response to other things going on in real life.
For example, a preoccupation with fertility plans, hormonal changes, uncertainty about the future, or significant life changes could all lead to such dreams.
Below we explore some of common pregnancy dreams and their possible meanings.
Dreaming That You Are Pregnant
For non-pregnant women, a dream of this nature is likely symbolic.
If you’re currently experiencing actual pregnancy, this dream can be taken at face value; to dream of pregnancy is relatively common in this situation1. You’re simply dreaming about a very real life experience and the complex feelings that you’re likely processing in relation to it, in particular the significant changes and new responsibilities that inevitably come with raising a child.
Loewenberg also says a dream of this nature may be a nudge from your biological clock for those of a childbearing age.
On the other hand, for non-pregnant women whom this is not a reflection of their current situation, a dream of this nature is likely symbolic.
If you think of your dream in an abstract way, it could relate to a goal or even an idea in its conception.
For example, the symbolism of pregnancy in this instance may relate to a new project you’re working on, or perhaps you’re going through some kind of transformation. Either way, the growth and development aspect of the situation could be depicted by pregnancy in a dream.
If you think of your dream in an abstract way, it could relate to a goal or even an idea in its conception. Your dream may represent new beginnings and/or the nurturing phase during which it is still full of potential, any any associated apprehension you may feel.
Of course, in this interpretation, the end result would be not a baby, but a significant change in your life or circumstances.
Dreaming That Somebody You Know is Pregnant
If somebody close to you is pregnant this is a simple explanation for this kind of dream. If that’s not the case however, there may be other interpretations.
If you dream of a family member or friend being pregnant, it may mean that you see growth in that person, explains Loewenberg.
But, if the person is more of an acquaintance, such as a colleague, that can be symbolic of growth you see in yourself, says Loewenberg. Consider whether that person possesses a quality you find admirable, particularly if it’s something you’ve actively been working on improving.
Dreaming About a Pregnant Stranger
On the face of it, a random dream of an unknown pregnant woman may seem peculiar and feel a little strange or surreal. But, as with most dreams, it is likely to reflect some part of you.
Dreaming about the pregnancy of a stranger can be interpreted as the desire for the development of an unfamiliar part of yourself.
A good rule of thumb to remember when it comes to figuring out your dreams is that almost everything and everyone in your dreams will represent some part of you. Dreams are a form of deep introspection and are almost always about the self.
Lauri Loewenberg, certified dream analyst
With this in mind, dreaming about the pregnancy of a stranger can be interpreted as the desire or acknowledgement of the development of an unfamiliar part of yourself. An example, according to Loewenberg, would be the discovery of a new hobby in which you’d like to grow and excel.
A Dream About Childbirth
Dreaming about childbirth is not unusual for expectant mothers1; if you’re not pregnant, however, then other interpretations can apply. According to Loewenberg, the meaning can vary depending on whether you’re the one giving birth, or if you’re observing somebody else delivering a baby.
This dream may symbolise the fruits of your ‘labour’.
Dreaming about giving birth yourself may represent the birth of new ideas or a creative project you wish to undertake, especially one that you feel apprehensive about.
Having reservations about striving for a goal, whether because it poses a financial risk or requires significant compromise, may show up in your dreams as a way of helping you to process the associated feelings.
Alternatively, this dream may symbolise the fruits of your ‘labour’. It may come following graduation or after the efforts involved with building up a new business or mastering a new job role.
To dream of somebody else giving birth may relate to having watched their hard work and progress pay off, and been inspired by the ‘new life’ it represents.
Dreaming About a Positive Pregnancy Test
To dream of a positive pregnancy test may indicate hope, new opportunities, or the desire for a new phase or chapter. It could also have spiritual implications, symbolising transformation or personal growth that has already taken place.
Dreaming About Pregnancy Loss
It’s worth being aware that intense and vivid dreams are common in pregnancy, with nightmares frequently reported in the third trimester2. This may be explained by more frequent sleep disturbances from REM rapid eye movement) sleep, though studies suggest there is not an increase in actual REM3.
Cross-reference for any similar feelings in waking life.
For those worrying that these dreams are predictive, it’s important to note that research supports the idea that the dreaming mind is often processing suppressed emotions or unresolved issues4.
According to Loewenberg, these dreams are more likely to be an expression of concern by the subconscious mind in a ‘safe’ dream state, particularly if it’s a high-risk pregnancy or your first.
If you experience such a dream while you’re not pregnant, it could symbolise a big project or goal that wasn’t successful in the way you’d hoped.
Remember, as mentioned previously, pay close attention to the feelings brought up by your dream, and cross-reference for any similar feelings in waking life.
Biblical Meaning of Pregnancy Dreams
Whilst this site primarily focuses of psychological meanings of dreams, for some people, taking a biblical perspective can bring comfort. There are several biblical interpretations of pregnancy-related dreams which are covered below for those interested in biblical teachings.
In the context of religion, dreams have long been held sacred within biblical narratives, with the idea that they may contain divine messages or valuable insights from the holy spirit. Biblical references suggest dreams can serve as warnings or epiphanies about real life situations.
In the Old Testament, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream of seven fat cows swallowed by seven lean ones, predicting a period of prosperity followed by famine, reinforcing the idea of symbolism in dreams.
In the context of biblical principles, pregnancy dreams may also indicate spiritual growth, or wisdom.
Spiritual Meaning of Being Pregnant in a Dream
If you’re not religious but consider yourself spiritual, you may be more drawn to seek profound spiritual significance in your dreams.
Research has shown the metaphoric symbolism of waking life in dreams can provide personal insight.
We’ve already discussed the concept of personal growth, and for many this could be interpreted as embarking on a spiritual journey to discover oneself.
Whether or not you consider yourself to be spiritual, it may be possible to gain a better understanding of your specific dream by reflecting on its content and – perhaps most importantly – how it made you feel.
Research has shown the metaphoric symbolism of waking life in dreams can play a significant role in delivering important messages, in the form of personal insight and conscious awareness of the self5.
If you’re interested in dream analysis and possible interpretations, try keeping a dream journal, and see where you can make associations between some of the themes in the dream and your waking life.
Sources
- Lara-Carrasco J, Simard V, Saint-Onge K, Lamoureux-Tremblay V, Nielsen T. Maternal representations in the dreams of pregnant women: a prospective comparative study. Front Psychol. 2013 Aug 27;4:551. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00551. PMID: 23986734; PMCID: PMC3753535.
- Schredl M, Gilles M, Wolf I, Peus V, Scharnholz B, Sütterlin M, Deuschle M. Nightmare frequency in last trimester of pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2016 Nov 9;16(1):346. doi: 10.1186/s12884-016-1147-x. PMID: 27829406; PMCID: PMC5103377.
- Hashmi AM, Bhatia SK, Bhatia SK, Khawaja IS. Insomnia during pregnancy: Diagnosis and Rational Interventions. Pak J Med Sci. 2016 Jul-Aug;32(4):1030-7. doi: 10.12669/pjms.324.10421. PMID: 27648062; PMCID: PMC5017073.
- Malinowski, J. (2017). High thought suppressors dream more of their negative waking-life experiences than low thought suppressors. Dreaming, 27(4), 269–277. doi: 10.1037/drm0000061.
- Edwards CL, Ruby PM, Malinowski JE, Bennett PD, Blagrove MT. Dreaming and insight. Front Psychol. 2013 Dec 24;4:979. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00979. PMID: 24550849; PMCID: PMC3872037.