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.
Lindsay began experiencing postpartum mental health issues shortly after her and Patrick’s third child, Callan, was born in May 2022. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 Supporters have rallied around Clancy, with many sharing their own experiences with postpartum mental health struggles and placing the blame on the nation's health care system. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy has focused national attention on postpartum mental illness, psychiatric treatment, medication, and criminal responsibility. — Laurie Myers, Boston Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Many women say Clancy’s case reflects how postpartum mental illness and broader mental health concerns are dismissed, using the rally to demand better care and attention for mothers. — Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 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 1 Sep. 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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