postpartum

adjective

post·​par·​tum ˌpōs(t)-ˈpär-təm How to pronounce postpartum (audio)
1
: occurring in or being the period following childbirth
a postpartum hemorrhage
postpartum care
see also postpartum blues, postpartum depression
2
: being in or used in the postpartum period
postpartum mothers
postpartum adverb
an infection occurring three weeks postpartum

Examples of postpartum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An overly tired new mother shared how postpartum delusion left her confusing her newborn with her pet in a viral video. — Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025 This cover image celebrates pregnant and postpartum bodies as something beautiful, to be admired. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE.com, 27 Aug. 2021 As outlined by American Progress, the same concern is not extended to those who need postpartum mental health assistance, health care, affordable child care and paid family leave. — Brooklyn White, Essence, 2 May 2022 Doulas provide nonclinical care to pregnant and postpartum individuals. — Katie Lobosco and Tami Luhby, CNN, 7 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for postpartum

Word History

Etymology

from the Latin phrase post partum "after childbirth," from post "after" + partum, accusative of partus "act of giving birth, childbirth," from parere "to give birth to, bring into being" + -tus, suffix of verbal nouns — more at post-, parturient entry 1

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of postpartum was in 1846

Phrases Containing postpartum

Rhymes for postpartum

See All Rhymes for postpartum

Browse Nearby Words

postparietal
postpartum
postpartum blues
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Postpartum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postpartum. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

postpartum

1 of 2 adjective
post·​par·​tum (ˈ)pōst-ˈpärt-əm How to pronounce postpartum (audio)
1
: occurring in or being the period following childbirth
a postpartum hemorrhage
postpartum care
see also postpartum blues, postpartum depression
2
: being in or used in the postpartum period
postpartum mothers
postpartum hospital rooms

postpartum

2 of 2 adverb
: after childbirth
a blood sample taken 14 days postpartum
an infection occurred three weeks postpartum
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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