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
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
But neuroscientist Mark Kristal says human mothers might be missing out on the benefits other mammals receive from gobbling up their afterbirth.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Mar. 2012
From rodents to cattle to apes, new moms turn to the business of eating or licking up the afterbirth, including the liver-like placenta, as soon as the baby is out.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Mar. 2012
The two doulas stayed on the phone with the couple to help with the afterbirth and cutting the umbilical cord.
—Sara Smart, CNN, 28 Dec. 2022
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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
But neuroscientist Mark Kristal says human mothers might be missing out on the benefits other mammals receive from gobbling up their afterbirth.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Mar. 2012
From rodents to cattle to apes, new moms turn to the business of eating or licking up the afterbirth, including the liver-like placenta, as soon as the baby is out.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Mar. 2012
The two doulas stayed on the phone with the couple to help with the afterbirth and cutting the umbilical cord.
—Sara Smart, CNN, 28 Dec. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Afterbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterbirth. Accessed 12 Mar. 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
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