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

---

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 ” ( parturient ) + -tus suffix of verbal action

Example Sentences

Experts say specialist support for postpartum psychosis is now available across Wales.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Distinct from postpartum depression and the baby blues, conditions that are pervasive and persistent, D-MER is episodic, flaring and disappearing within minutes, completely related to the act of breastfeeding.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2026

For Palmer, portraying Samira’s unease wasn’t just about highlighting the disconnect between her and Rob, it was also about portraying the specific fears of living in a postpartum state.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

Ms. Back has struggled with cyclical bouts of depression since becoming a mother, but she explains that her depression didn’t begin immediately postpartum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 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