Intermediate
Technical
IVT
multipara
A woman who has given birth to viable offspring more than once.
Full Definition
Multipara refers to a woman who has completed two or more pregnancies to the point of viability (typically 20 weeks gestation or 500g birth weight). This obstetric classification is crucial for predicting labour patterns, as multiparous women typically have shorter labours. The term is part of the GTPAL system used to describe obstetric history.
Usage
Usage note: Often shortened to 'multip' in clinical notes.
In Context
- "As a multipara, she was advised that labour might progress more rapidly." — Birth plan discussion
- "The multipara's cervix dilated from 4cm to complete in two hours." — Labour progress note
Also known as
multiparous
multip
Contrasted with
primipara
nullipara
Don't confuse with
multigravida
grand multipara