The answer is: She was a virgin

Matt 1:23 - Matthew clearly understands this to be a literal virgin (cf Luke 1:34) and implies that the conception was miraculous.

When we talk about Mary, the mother of Jesus, her virginity stands out as not just an interesting detail, but a pivotal aspect of the story that's woven through both the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In that era, a young girl becoming pregnant outside of marriage could have led to drastic consequences. Yet, in this particular narrative, the miracle of her virginity signifies divine intervention in the normal flow of human life.

This concept of miraculous births isn't just a New Testament phenomenon. Echoes of similar accounts can be found throughout the Bible. Consider the Hebrew Bible where Sarah, the wife of Abraham, and Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, both experienced miraculous conceptions after long periods of barrenness. These stories set a precedent in biblical history – a theme that miracles profiling significant figures often arise in extraordinary circumstances.

Mary’s primacy as a figure wearing multiple historic titles, such as Theotokos (God-bearer), highlights her significance beyond her role as Jesus' mother. In light of her circumstances, she became a symbol of faith, obedience, and strength, demonstrating that God often chooses unlikely vessels for great purposes.

So, while the miraculous conception points to something unprecedented, it's Mary’s resilience and belief amidst societal pressures that resonates deeply with many, reminding us that even in unlikely situations, great things can begin — something worth pondering as we reflect on her story!