Afterbirth: meaning, definitions and examples
👶
afterbirth
[ ˈæftərˌbɜrθ ]
medical term
Afterbirth refers to the placenta and other tissues that are expelled from the uterus following the birth of a baby. This process typically occurs within a few minutes to an hour after childbirth. The expulsion of the afterbirth is a natural part of the birthing process and is important for the mother’s recovery. It helps to prevent postpartum complications and allows the uterus to begin healing.
Synonyms
afterpains, fetal membranes, placenta.
Examples of usage
- The doctor checked to ensure that the afterbirth was completely delivered.
- Afterbirth can sometimes cause complications if not expelled properly.
- Observing the afterbirth provides insights into the health of both the mother and baby.
- It's crucial for midwives to monitor the afterbirth after delivery.
Translations
Translations of the word "afterbirth" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pós-parto
🇮🇳 जच्चा (जन्म के बाद)
🇩🇪 Nachgeburt
🇮🇩 sesudah melahirkan
🇺🇦 післяпологовий
🇵🇱 poporodowy
🇯🇵 後産 (こうさん)
🇫🇷 après-accouchement
🇪🇸 posparto
🇹🇷 doğum sonrası
🇰🇷 산후 (산후)
🇸🇦 بعد الولادة
🇨🇿 po porodu
🇸🇰 popôrodný
🇨🇳 产后 (chǎn hòu)
🇸🇮 po porodu
🇮🇸 fæðingar
🇰🇿 туылғаннан кейін
🇬🇪 პოსტკავშირი (p’ost’k’avliri)
🇦🇿 doğumdan sonra
🇲🇽 posparto
Etymology
The term 'afterbirth' has its roots in Middle English, originating from the combination of 'after' and 'birth.' The word 'after' signifies the time following an event, while 'birth' derives from the Old English 'berþ' meaning 'to bear' or 'to bring forth.' The usage of 'afterbirth' is primarily associated with obstetrics and can be traced back to discussions surrounding childbirth practices in historical medical texts. The understanding and handling of afterbirth have evolved significantly over centuries, with advancements in medical knowledge leading to better management during and after delivery. Today, the term is commonly used in both medical communities and among the general public, particularly in discussions about maternal health and childbirth.