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Showing results for postpartum. Search instead for post-partum.

postpartum

American  
[pohst-pahr-tuhm] / poʊstˈpɑr təm /

adjective

  1. of or noting the period of time following childbirth; after delivery.

    I suffered from postpartum depression with my first child.


adverb

  1. in the period of time following childbirth; after delivery.

    Her passion as a physiotherapist is motivating women to regain their strength and fitness postpartum.

postpartum British  
/ pəʊstˈpɑːtəm /

adjective

  1. med following childbirth

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of postpartum

First recorded in 1840–50; from New Latin post partum “after childbirth”; post post- + partum, accusative of partus “a bringing forth,” equivalent to par(ere) “to bear ” ( see parturient) + -tus suffix of verbal action

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

On Wednesday, Morissette appeared on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast and told host Alex Cooper that she experienced postpartum depression after giving birth to each of children, and that the condition worsened each time.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 11, 2026

We know this trial may have “raised awareness” about postpartum mental health, but has not actually changed any tangible aspect of support for women struggling with it.

From Slate Sep. 5, 2026

Fournier believes Clancy was wronged by the US health system and felt compelled, as a woman and a mother, to show up for a case that has given a spotlight to postpartum struggles.

From BBC Sep. 5, 2026

About 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 4, 2026

The inability of many poor women to get adequate health care, including prenatal and postpartum care, has been a serious problem in this country for decades.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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