In the Bible, pregnant women are depicted in various narratives that highlight God's sovereignty, the fulfillment of His promises, and the sanctity of life. Pregnancy is often portrayed as a blessing and a divine gift, with several key figures in biblical history experiencing miraculous pregnancies that play significant roles in God's redemptive plan.

Old Testament

1. Eve: As the first woman, Eve's role in the narrative of Genesis sets the stage for the theme of childbirth. After the fall, God tells Eve, "I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children" (Genesis 3:16). This pronouncement underscores the challenges and significance of childbirth in a fallen world.

2. Sarah: The wife of Abraham, Sarah's pregnancy is a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant. Despite her old age and initial barrenness, God promises Abraham that Sarah will bear a son. Genesis 21:1-2 records the fulfillment: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him."

3. Rebekah: The wife of Isaac, Rebekah's pregnancy is marked by divine revelation. When she experiences a tumultuous pregnancy, she inquires of the Lord and is told, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). This prophecy concerning Esau and Jacob shapes the future of Israel.

4. Hannah: Known for her fervent prayer, Hannah's account in 1 Samuel 1 highlights the power of prayer and God's faithfulness. After years of barrenness, she prays for a child, and God grants her request. She names her son Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked for him from the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:20).

5. The Shunammite Woman: In 2 Kings 4, the Shunammite woman is promised a son by the prophet Elisha. Her account illustrates God's power to bring life and His compassion in restoring her son to life after a sudden death.

New Testament

1. Elizabeth: The mother of John the Baptist, Elizabeth's pregnancy is a testament to God's miraculous intervention. Despite her old age, she conceives John, who is to be the forerunner of Christ. Luke 1:24-25 states, "After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared, 'The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.'"

2. Mary: The most significant pregnancy in the Bible is that of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her conception by the Holy Spirit fulfills the prophecy of the virgin birth. The angel Gabriel announces to her, "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus" (Luke 1:31). Mary's response, "I am the Lord’s servant... May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), exemplifies her faith and obedience.

Theological Implications

Pregnancy in the Bible is often associated with divine intervention and the unfolding of God's plan. It underscores the belief in the sanctity of life from conception, as seen in passages like Psalm 139:13-16 , where the psalmist acknowledges God's hand in the formation of life in the womb. The narratives of pregnant women in Scripture reveal God's faithfulness, the fulfillment of His promises, and the integral role of women in His redemptive history.