Skip to main content
Intermediate Technical IVT

GTPAL

Also written as: GTPAL — Gravida, Term births, Preterm births, Abortions, Living children

An obstetric notation system documenting Gravida, Term births, Preterm births, Abortions, and Living children.

Full Definition

GTPAL is a comprehensive obstetric history notation system that provides detailed information about a woman's reproductive history. G represents total pregnancies (gravida), T represents term births (≥37 weeks), P represents preterm births (20-36 weeks), A represents abortions (pregnancy losses before 20 weeks, including therapeutic terminations), and L represents currently living children. For example, GTPAL 4-2-1-1-3 indicates 4 total pregnancies, 2 term births, 1 preterm birth, 1 abortion, and 3 living children. This system provides more clinical detail than the simple gravida/para notation and is essential for risk stratification and care planning.

Usage

Usage note: Always present as five numbers separated by hyphens. Ensure accuracy as this affects clinical decision-making and risk assessment.

In Context

  • "Patient's obstetric history: GTPAL 3-1-1-1-2, indicating one term birth, one preterm birth, and one early pregnancy loss." — Initial prenatal assessment
  • "Please update the chart to reflect her current GTPAL status following this delivery." — Postpartum documentation

Also known as

obstetric history notation

Don't confuse with

gravida/para notation GPA system

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON