afterpains: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical/Technical, Literary (metaphorical use)
Quick answer
What does “afterpains” mean?
Intermittent, cramping pains felt in the lower abdomen after childbirth, caused by contraction of the uterus as it returns to its normal size.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Intermittent, cramping pains felt in the lower abdomen after childbirth, caused by contraction of the uterus as it returns to its normal size.
Can be used metaphorically to describe any painful, lingering after-effects or consequences of a significant event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Medical terminology is identical. Slight preference for hyphenation in some British sources ('after-pains') though solid form is standard in both.
Connotations
Identical in both. The word carries neutral medical connotations and potentially poignant emotional ones in metaphorical use.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but would be understood by medical professionals, parents, and educated readers. Equally uncommon in general speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “afterpains” in a Sentence
[Subject: person] + experience/have + afterpains[Subject: afterpains] + begin/continue/fadeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “afterpains” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
In medical and nursing textbooks discussing postpartum care.
Everyday
In conversations between new mothers, midwives, and healthcare providers.
Technical
Standard term in obstetrics, gynaecology, and midwifery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “afterpains”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “afterpains”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “afterpains”
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I have afterpain').
- Confusing it with general postpartum soreness or perineal pain.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are less intense contractions that happen after delivery as the uterus shrinks, not before or during the birth itself.
They are usually most noticeable for the first 2-3 days postpartum and can persist intermittently for up to a week or more.
Yes, especially in literary contexts, to describe the difficult consequences or emotional fallout following a major event (e.g., 'the afterpains of war').
Both 'afterpains' and 'after-pains' are found, but the solid single word is the most common modern form in dictionaries.
Intermittent, cramping pains felt in the lower abdomen after childbirth, caused by contraction of the uterus as it returns to its normal size.
Afterpains is usually medical/technical, literary (metaphorical use) in register.
Afterpains: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːf.tə.peɪnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæf.tɚ.peɪnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The afterpains of success (metaphorical)”
- “The afterpains of a revolution (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AFTER giving birth, the PAINS continue as the uterus SHRINKS back.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL PAIN FOR EMOTIONAL/MENTAL SUFFERING (e.g., 'the afterpains of grief').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'afterpains' used most literally?