gestation
/ˌdʒɛstˈeɪʃən/Definitions
1. noun
The period of development of a fetus or embryo inside a woman’s womb, from conception to birth.
“The couple anxiously waited through the long period of gestation, counting down the days until the baby’s arrival.”
2. noun
The process or period of development in the formation of something, especially a plan or idea.
“The gestation period for the new project was several months, but the end result was well worth the wait.”