postpartum

adjective

post·​par·​tum ˌpōs(t)-ˈpär-təm 

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

Centennial has 11 locations on the Eastern Plains and intends to open a new clinic focused on prenatal and postpartum mental health for mothers and other family members who may be struggling as their families expand, CEO Dante Gonzales said. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2026

In closing arguments, Reddington said his client was failed by medical providers despite her seeking help for postpartum mental health issues. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 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

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

Phrases Containing postpartum

• postpartum blues
• postpartum depression

Rhymes for postpartum

• antepartum
• intrapartum

Medical Definition

postpartum

1 of 2 adjective

post·​par·​tum (ˈ)pōst-ˈpärt-əm 

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