Medical Transcription Certificate Program
Facilitator: Carrie Stein, CMT
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Obstetrical Terminology (gravida and para)
There are several ways to correctly write the phrase containing �gravida� and �para.� If a woman has had 3 pregnancies, 2 full-term deliveries, 1 miscarriage, and has 2 living children, this can be written:
a. gravida 3, para 2, ab 1 OR
b. gravida 3, para 2, abortus 1 OR
c. gravida 3, para 2, a 1 OR
d. G3, P2, A1 OR
e. gravida 3, para 2-0-1-2 (3 pregnancies, 2 full-term deliveries, 0 premature deliveries, 1 miscarriage, and 2 living children)
Use the style dictated by the originator of the report. The words gravida and para are not capitalized except at the beginning of a sentence, and arabic numerals are used.
In order to �add up� the numbers and make sure they are correct, if using style �a,� �b,� �c,� or �d� above, add the number of deliveries and abortions or miscarriages. That number should equal the number of pregnancies.
For style �e� above, add the number of full-term deliveries, premature deliveries, and abortions or miscarriages. That number should equal the number of pregnancies.
If the numbers do not �add up,� check the medical record if you have access to it, contact the originator of the report, or flag the report to let the originator know that there is a discrepancy in the numbers.