Prenatal Terms Every Expectant Mother Should Know

Pregnancy is a complex and fascinating process that involves a multitude of changes in a woman's body. It is time of immense joy and excitement, but also of uncertainty and questions. As a result, there are many terms that are important to know when discussing prenatal care and pregnancy.

Gravida/Gravidity

Gravida or gravidity refers to a woman who is pregnant or the number of times she has been pregnant. For example, a woman who is currently pregnant for the first time would be referred to as a primigravida.

Nulligravida

Nulligravida refers to a woman who has never been pregnant.

Primigravida

Primigravida refers to a woman who is pregnant for the first time.

Multigravida

Multigravida refers to a woman who has had two or more pregnancies.

Parity

Parity refers to the number of pregnancies that have reached viability, which is typically defined as 20 weeks of gestation, regardless of whether the fetus was born alive or not.

Nullipara

Nullipara refers to a woman who has never given birth to a baby beyond the point of viability, which is typically 20 weeks.

Primipara

Primipara refers to a woman who has given birth to one baby beyond the point of viability, which is typically 20 weeks.

Multipara

Multipara refers to a woman who has given birth to two or more babies beyond the point of viability, which is typically 20 weeks.

Preterm

Preterm refers to a pregnancy that has reached 20 weeks of gestation but ended before 37 weeks. Preterm babies are at an increased risk of health problems because they have not had the chance to fully develop before birth.

Term

Term refers to a pregnancy that has lasted between 37 and 42 weeks. Babies born at term are considered full-term and have a lower risk of health problems than preterm babies.

Postterm

Postterm refers to a pregnancy that goes beyond 42 weeks. Postterm pregnancies can be risky for both the mother and the baby and often require medical intervention to ensure a safe delivery.

Pregnancy is a time of great change and growth, both for the mother and the baby. Understanding these prenatal terms is crucial for expectant mothers to communicate effectively with their healthcare providers and to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and delivery. By being informed and proactive, expectant mothers can ensure a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.