What term describes the period after the delivery of a baby?

The term that describes the period after the delivery of a baby is "postpartum." This period typically extends for several weeks following childbirth and is a time for recovery for the mother and adjustment for both mother and baby. During the postpartum phase, various physical and emotional changes occur as the mother’s body heals from childbirth, and she begins to establish a bond with her newborn. This term specifically refers to the timeframe after the baby's birth, encompassing the mother's experiences and needs during this critical transition.

Pregnancy refers to the period during which a fetus develops inside a woman's uterus, which occurs prior to delivery. Antepartum is a term used to describe the time before labor begins, focusing on the pregnancy itself. Postnatal, although sometimes used interchangeably with postpartum, more specifically refers to the period after birth related to the newborn's health and care but may not encompass the full range of maternal recovery and changes. Hence, "postpartum" is the most appropriate term for describing the period specifically following the delivery of a baby.