Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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:

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

The surgeon was also known for developing the B-Lynch brace suture, a life-saving technique for severe postpartum haemorrhage that helped save the lives of mothers across the world, Josh added.

From BBC Jun. 27, 2026

New dads face psychological pressures, from sleepless nights to sky-high bills, which can contribute to postpartum depression.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 10, 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

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training