Why was it so important that Marie Antoinette become pregnant?

Marie Antoinette's pregnancy was crucial for several reasons, primarily for the stability of the French monarchy. As the wife of Louis XVI, her ability to produce heirs was vital to ensure the continuation of the Bourbon dynasty and to solidify political alliances. Additionally, a pregnancy would help alleviate public discontent regarding the perceived failure of the royal couple to fulfill their reproductive duties, which was a significant source of criticism at the time. Ultimately, successful pregnancies were seen as essential to the legitimacy and future of the monarchy in a period marked by growing unrest.