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

Example Sentences

Sufficiently frightened, I find myself alone in Room 620 in the hospital’s antepartum ward.

From New York Times

Maggie was 28 weeks pregnant when she went to the hospital on May 8, the day she was scheduled to be admitted so she and her babies could be monitored in the hospital's antepartum unit.

From Fox News

It wasn’t until Phal was six months’ pregnant and hospitalized again that a resident walking by her room suggested that she be transferred to the antepartum unit.

From Washington Post

She then inquired about available positions as a laborist or antepartum nurse.

From Salon

At this time there is insufficient evidence to support a firm recommendation for universal antepartum or postpartum screening.

From New York Times