Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Antepartum
Occurring before labour and delivery; the period during pregnancy prior to childbirth.
Full Definition
The antepartum period encompasses the time from conception until the onset of labour. In clinical documentation, antepartum findings, complications, or interventions are those that occur during pregnancy but before delivery begins. This term is frequently used in obstetric records to distinguish prenatal events from intrapartum (during labour) or postpartum (after delivery) occurrences. Editors must ensure this term is not confused with 'antenatal', though they are often used interchangeably in clinical contexts.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize when referring to specific protocols or periods, lowercase in general descriptive use.
In Context
- "The antepartum surveillance protocol included weekly biophysical profiles after 32 weeks gestation." — Obstetric care plan
- "Antepartum haemorrhage was ruled out following the patient's complaint of vaginal spotting." — Emergency department note
Also known as
prenatal
antenatal
Contrasted with
postpartum
intrapartum
Don't confuse with
antenatal