para
Pronunciation: PAIR-ah
The number of pregnancies carried to viable gestational age, typically 20 weeks or more.
Full Definition
Para refers to the number of times a woman has given birth to a fetus that reached viability (usually defined as 20 weeks gestation or 500 grams birth weight), regardless of whether the infant was born alive or stillborn. Multiple births (twins, triplets) count as one para. This term is essential in obstetric shorthand and appears with gravida to describe complete reproductive history. The GTPAL system extends this further, breaking down pregnancy outcomes into specific categories that medical editors must accurately interpret and present.
Usage
Usage note: Used with numbers (P0, P1, P2, etc.). Multiple gestations count as single para. Essential component of GTPAL notation.
In Context
- "The 28-year-old patient was gravida 3, para 1 with one previous pregnancy loss." — Obstetric history documentation
- "Increased parity is associated with higher risk of certain pregnancy complications." — Epidemiological study