# postnatal

/ˌpoʊstˈneɪtəɫ/ (US) · /pˈəʊstneɪtəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/postnatal
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

relating to the time just after a baby is born. You use it to talk about the health and care of the mother and baby in those first weeks.

For teachers: relating to or occurring in the period immediately after childbirth, typically the first six weeks. Often contrasted with prenatal and applied to maternal recovery, infant development, and related medical care.

## Examples

- She receives postnatal care at the local clinic.
- After the birth, the midwife visits the family home to check postnatal recovery and the baby's weight.
- Postnatal support programmes that combine medical check-ups with mental health screening reduce complications for mothers during the vulnerable weeks following delivery.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun, as in 'postnatal care' or 'postnatal depression'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.