para

Full Definition

The number of pregnancies a woman has carried to viable gestational age (20 weeks or more), regardless of whether the birth resulted in a live birth or stillbirth. This count is independent of the number of fetuses delivered (twins count as one para). Para is often combined with gravida to give a complete obstetric history, expressed as G_P_ (gravida/para). The term is distinct from gravida, which counts all pregnancies including the current one.

Usage

Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'P' in medical documentation. Not to be confused with the prefix meaning 'beside' or 'alongside.'

In Context

• "The patient's obstetric history shows G3P2, indicating three pregnancies with two carried to term." — Obstetric consultation note
• "She is para 0, making this her first pregnancy to reach viability." — Prenatal care documentation