From the Research
No, a patient who is currently 37 weeks pregnant and hasn't delivered yet would not have this pregnancy counted in her parity. Parity specifically refers to the number of pregnancies that have reached viability (typically defined as 20 weeks gestation or more) and resulted in a birth, whether live or stillborn. The current pregnancy is only counted in parity after delivery occurs. Until then, it would be reflected in the gravidity count, which represents the total number of pregnancies regardless of outcome. For example, a woman who has had two previous deliveries and is currently 37 weeks pregnant would be described as "Gravida 3, Para 2" (often written as G3P2).
The distinction is important for medical documentation and care planning, as parity specifically reflects the number of births a woman has experienced, which can have implications for risk assessment and management during labor and delivery 1. This is supported by recent studies that emphasize the importance of accurate prenatal care and documentation, including the identification of maternal and fetal risks at an early stage of pregnancy 2.
Key points to consider include:
- Parity is defined as the number of pregnancies that have reached viability and resulted in a birth
- Gravidity represents the total number of pregnancies regardless of outcome
- Accurate documentation of parity and gravidity is crucial for medical care planning and risk assessment
- Recent studies highlight the importance of prenatal care and documentation in reducing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality 1, 3.
In clinical practice, it is essential to prioritize accurate documentation and care planning based on a woman's parity and gravidity, taking into account the latest evidence and guidelines 4.