postpartum

adjective

post·​par·​tum ˌpōs(t)-ˈpär-təm How to pronounce postpartum (audio)
1
: occurring in or being the period following childbirth
a postpartum hemorrhage
postpartum care
see also postpartum blues, postpartum depression
2
: being in or used in the postpartum period
postpartum mothers
postpartum adverb
an infection occurring three weeks postpartum

Examples of postpartum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
A couple of weeks later, Lindsay Clancy, apparently suffering from a postpartum mental disorder, strangled her three children to death and leapt from a window at her Duxbury home. Globe Columnist, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Feb. 2023 As a result of the policy, the Etowah County Detention Center often holds several pregnant and postpartum women in the jail, against the advice of experts on maternal and fetal health. al, 7 Sep. 2022 As outlined by American Progress, the same concern is not extended to those who need postpartum mental health assistance, health care, affordable child care and paid family leave. Brooklyn White, Essence, 2 May 2022 Doulas provide nonclinical care to pregnant and postpartum individuals. Katie Lobosco and Tami Luhby, CNN, 7 Dec. 2021 See all Example Sentences for postpartum 

Word History

Etymology

from the Latin phrase post partum "after childbirth," from post "after" + partum, accusative of partus "act of giving birth, childbirth," from parere "to give birth to, bring into being" + -tus, suffix of verbal nouns — more at post-, parturient entry 1

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of postpartum was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near postpartum

Cite this Entry

“Postpartum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postpartum. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

postpartum

1 of 2 adjective
post·​par·​tum (ˈ)pōst-ˈpärt-əm How to pronounce postpartum (audio)
1
: occurring in or being the period following childbirth
a postpartum hemorrhage
postpartum care
see also postpartum blues, postpartum depression
2
: being in or used in the postpartum period
postpartum mothers
postpartum hospital rooms

postpartum

2 of 2 adverb
: after childbirth
a blood sample taken 14 days postpartum
an infection occurred three weeks postpartum

More from Merriam-Webster on postpartum

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