afterbirth

What is another word for afterbirth? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — The placenta and other tissue that comes away from the womb after an animal or person gives birth.

We haven't recorded synonyms for afterbirth yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use afterbirth

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

pass the afterbirth deliver the afterbirth expel the afterbirth eat the afterbirth

It is a plain, clinical-sounding word used in both everyday and medical or veterinary contexts.

Etymology

Afterbirth is built from after- and birth, joined to describe what comes away from the body once a birth is complete. Similar compound words exist in Danish and Swedish, which points to a shared pattern across the Germanic languages rather than direct borrowing.

Full origin of afterbirth →

Frequently asked questions

What is the afterbirth?

It is the placenta and related tissue that leaves the womb after a baby or animal is born.

Is the afterbirth the same as the placenta?

The afterbirth includes the placenta along with the membranes and other material expelled with it, so the two terms overlap closely.

Do all mammals produce an afterbirth?

Most mammals do, since most carry young in a womb and expel the placenta after birth.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of afterbirth