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.

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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

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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

See Examples For:

postpartum

That summer, Shiver had an abortion and told Moore that she went to a hospital to be treated for postpartum depression, according to the firm’s findings.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

The researchers say these discoveries help fill an important gap in knowledge about women's biology and could eventually improve care for mothers, including efforts to prevent and treat postpartum depression.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

It’s kind of been my little postpartum treat that I look forward to.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026

Misoprostol was initially approved by the FDA for stomach ulcers and is routinely prescribed off-label to induce labor, treat postpartum hemorrhage, and prepare the cervix for IUD insertion.

From Slate ● May 18, 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