Accoucher vs. donner naissance vs. mettre au monde
In French, there are several ways to express the concept of giving birth, with 'accoucher', 'donner naissance', and 'mettre au monde' being commonly used phrases. While they all refer to the same general event, their usage can differ slightly in context, tone, and formality.
Accoucher
To deliver or to be delivered of a child; focuses on the action of the birth process, often from the perspective of the mother.
Elle a accouché d'un beau bébé hier soir.
(She gave birth to a beautiful baby last night.)
L'accouchement a eu lieu à la maternité.
(The childbirth took place at the maternity ward.)
Après avoir accouché, elle s'est reposée.
(After giving birth, she rested.)
Donner naissance
Literally means 'to give birth'; it emphasizes on the result, which is the coming into existence of a newborn. It is more formal than 'accoucher'.
Elle a donné naissance à des jumeaux.
(She gave birth to twins.)
La duchesse a donné naissance à son premier enfant en toute discrétion.
(The duchess gave birth to her first child discreetly.)
Donner naissance est considéré comme l'un des événements les plus significatifs de la vie.
(Giving birth is considered one of life's most significant events.)
Mettre au monde
To bring into the world; also implies delivering a child and emphasizes the role of the mother in introducing a new life into the world. It carries a sense of warmth and care often used poetically or affectionately.
Elle a mis au monde une petite fille en parfaite santé.
(She brought a healthy baby girl into the world.)
Mettre au monde un enfant change la vie pour toujours.
(Bringing a child into the world changes life forever.)
Il n'y avait rien de plus beau pour elle que de mettre au monde cet enfant tant désiré.
(For her, there was nothing more beautiful than bringing this longed-for child into the world.)
Summary
While 'accoucher' tends to refer to the physical act of childbirth mainly from the perspective of the mother, 'donner naissance' is somewhat more formal and focuses on the result – the arrival of a new human being – and 'mettre au monde' conveys affection and wonder at bringing life into existence. These phrases are interchangeable but are chosen based on context and desired connotation by French speakers in various situations related to childbirth.