What does G/P/A represent in obstetric history?

In obstetric history, G/P/A stands for Gravida, Para, and Abortion. Gravida refers to the total number of times a woman has been pregnant, regardless of the outcome. Para indicates the number of pregnancies that have reached a viable gestational age (typically defined as 20 weeks), with live births and stillbirths counted together. Abortion, in this context, refers to the total number of pregnancies that ended before the viability of the fetus (including both spontaneous miscarriages and elective terminations).

This system provides a concise way to communicate a woman's reproductive history, which is crucial in assessing health risks, planning for prenatal care, and informing management decisions in both obstetric and emergency situations. Understanding these concepts helps healthcare professionals quickly grasp a patient's obstetric background, which may have significant implications for their current clinical care.