Pregnancy Terms Chart (OB Basics)

GTPAL

A system used to summarize obstetric history including Gravity, Term births, Preterm births, Abortions, and Living children.

Gravida

The total number of times a woman has been pregnant, regardless of the outcome.

Para

The number of pregnancies that have reached viability (usually ≥ 20 weeks), regardless of whether the babies were born alive or stillborn.

Abortions

Pregnancies that ended before 20 weeks, including miscarriages and elective terminations.

Living children

The number of children who are currently alive.

Term births

Pregnancies that were carried to term, typically defined as 37 weeks gestation or later.

Preterm births

Babies born between 20 weeks and less than 37 weeks of gestation.

Parity

The number of pregnancies that have progressed to a viable gestational age, measured at or beyond 20 weeks.

Current pregnancy

The pregnancy the woman is currently experiencing.

Abortion at 8 weeks

A pregnancy loss that occurred at 8 weeks gestation.

Baby born at 40 weeks

A baby that was born full-term, typically around 40 weeks gestation.

Baby born at 34 weeks

A baby that was born preterm at 34 weeks gestation.

Living children: 2

Indicates that the woman currently has two children who are alive.

G4 P2

The gravida (4) indicates 4 pregnancies, and para (2) indicates 2 viable pregnancies.

TPAL breakdown

A detailed breakdown of obstetric history into four distinct categories: T (Term), P (Preterm), A (Abortions), L (Living children).

Parity Terms

Terms that describe the number of times a woman has given birth at or beyond 20 weeks.

NCLEX high-yield

Concepts and information that are often tested on the NCLEX exam.

Current pregnancy

The pregnancy in progress, counted in the gravida.

Abortion

A term referring to a pregnancy loss before the 20 weeks gestation.

Living children

Children who are currently alive and are the result of previous pregnancies.

Trimester

A third of a pregnancy; typically divided into three trimesters.

Fundal height

A measurement of the size of the uterus used to assess fetal growth.

Ultrasound

A medical imaging technique used to visualize the fetus during pregnancy.

Screening tests

Tests performed during pregnancy to assess the health of the mother and fetus.

Amniocentesis

A procedure used to obtain amniotic fluid for testing fetal health and genetic conditions.

Prenatal vitamins

Supplements taken during pregnancy to ensure adequate nutrition for the mother and fetus.

Labor stages

The phases through which a woman passes during childbirth: dilation, descent, and expulsion.

Colostrum

The first form of milk produced by the mammary glands after giving birth.

Postpartum period

The time after childbirth when the mother recovers and adjusts to motherhood.

Gestational age

The age of the pregnancy calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period.

Breech presentation

A fetal position in which the baby is positioned to deliver feet or buttocks first.

Cesarean section

A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen.

Midwifery

A healthcare profession specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube.