antepartum

[ an-tee-pahr-tuhm ]

adjective

1. of or noting the period prior to childbirth; before delivery:

   If there are special concerns, your doctor may order antepartum testing starting at 32 weeks.

adverb

1. in or during the period that precedes childbirth; before delivery:

   When given antepartum, this medication can cross the placenta.

Word History and Origins

Origin of antepartum¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1905–10