puerperium

[ pyoo-er-peer-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Obstetrics.

1. the four-week period following childbirth.

puerperium

/ pjʊəˈpɪərɪəm /

noun

1. the period following childbirth, lasting approximately six weeks, during which the uterus returns to its normal size and shape

Word History and Origins

Origin of puerperium¹

1885–90; < Latin: childbirth, childbed, equivalent to puerper ( us ) of a woman in labor ( puer boy, child + -perus bringing forth, akin to parere to bear, breed) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of puerperium¹

C17: from Latin: childbirth, from puerperus relating to a woman in labour, from puer boy + parere to bear

Example Sentences

If the labour is normal and the puerperium uncomplicated, the number of leucocytes regains the normal in about a week.

From Project Gutenberg

There is always a possibility of collapse in the third stage or during the puerperium.

From Project Gutenberg

In the puerperium it is often an infection brought on by dirty midwives or physicians.

From Project Gutenberg

It is as physiological as any other somatic change in the puerperium.

From Project Gutenberg

Clean walls, clean floors, and a scrupulously clean bed must be maintained throughout the puerperium.

From Project Gutenberg