What does G/P/A represent in obstetrics?

In obstetrics, G/P/A stands for Gravida, Para, and Abortion, which is important for summarizing a woman's obstetric history.

Gravida refers to the total number of pregnancies that a woman has had, regardless of the outcome. This includes current pregnancies as well as all previous ones.

Para indicates the number of pregnancies that have reached a stage of viability, typically defined as 20 weeks of gestation. It reflects the number of births a woman has had, whether alive or stillborn.

Abortion, in this context, refers to any pregnancy loss that occurs before the 20-week mark, including both spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) and induced abortions.

Understanding this acronym is vital for healthcare providers as it allows them to quickly assess a woman’s reproductive history and risk factors pertinent to her health and any potential future pregnancies.