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
Kauffman went to the hospital the day after the birth for treatment for afterbirth bleeding, according to WJAC.
—
Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 27 May 2026
The afterbirth was still on her.
—CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
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
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Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 27 May 2026
The afterbirth was still on her.
—CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Afterbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterbirth. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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
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