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

“DOGE canceled funds for several research projects, which could save countless Black mothers,” Davis said, pointing to research at the Morehouse School of Medicine to improve the health outcomes of pregnant and postpartum women.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

What’s more, women who have suffered from the condition while breastfeeding one kid may not necessarily have to deal with it again during subsequent postpartum periods.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2026

Four days after giving birth, 30-year-old Lizzy Berryman's postpartum psychosis forced her to be sectioned and taken from York to Derby while "soaked in urine" in a hospital car.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Another thing that I feel like the controversy is proof of is how much of a non-factor postpartum depression is.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 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