afterbirth
noun
af·ter·birth
ˈaf-tər-ˌbərth 
: the placenta and fetal membranes that are expelled after delivery
Examples of afterbirth in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Amnion tissue, typically discarded with the rest of the afterbirth, is rich in cells and tissues that stimulate the body's natural healing processes and can help reduce pain, inflammation and scaring.
—
Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
During lambing season, the smell of afterbirth left him with days of brain fog, fatigue, and joint aches.
—Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024
But there are times when afterbirth cramps may be a cause for concern.
—Devan McGuinness, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023
For instance, a female desert elephant gives birth in a harsh environment ravaged by drought, taking a refreshing shower in the afterbirth—the first time this behavior has been caught on camera.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Apr. 2023
She’s cleaned and dressed before the umbilical cord is cut and the afterbirth comes.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2022
The objects lend some weight to one of two theories, currently under vigorous debate, that explain how planets are made in the afterbirth of stars.
—Rebecca Boyle, Discover Magazine, 31 Dec. 2020
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.
Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
During lambing season, the smell of afterbirth left him with days of brain fog, fatigue, and joint aches.
—Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024
But there are times when afterbirth cramps may be a cause for concern.
—Devan McGuinness, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023
For instance, a female desert elephant gives birth in a harsh environment ravaged by drought, taking a refreshing shower in the afterbirth—the first time this behavior has been caught on camera.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Apr. 2023
She’s cleaned and dressed before the umbilical cord is cut and the afterbirth comes.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2022
The objects lend some weight to one of two theories, currently under vigorous debate, that explain how planets are made in the afterbirth of stars.
—Rebecca Boyle, Discover Magazine, 31 Dec. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Afterbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterbirth. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
afterbirth
noun
af·ter·birth
ˈaf-tər-ˌbərth
: the placenta and membranes of the fetus that are expelled after childbirth
Medical Definition
afterbirth
noun
af·ter·birth
ˈaf-tər-ˌbərth
: the placenta and fetal membranes that are expelled after delivery
called also secundines
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share