G/P notation
Formal Definition
A standardized obstetric notation system (Gravida/Para) describing a woman's pregnancy history; Gravida (G) = total number of pregnancies; Para (P) = number of deliveries past 20 weeks gestation; often expanded as G_P_T_P_A_L (Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortus, Living).
How It's Used on the Ward
"She's a G3P2" or "G4P2021" — shorthand that immediately communicates obstetric history without listing each pregnancy individually.
Example
""28-year-old G3P2002 at 38 weeks: prior two full-term SVDs, two miscarriages, presenting in active labor with regular contractions every 3 minutes.""
Clinical Context
G includes current pregnancy if pregnant. Para counts deliveries (pregnancies ending ≥20 weeks), not babies — twins after 20 weeks = 1 para. Detailed notation: T = term deliveries (≥37 wks), P = preterm deliveries (20–36 wks), A = abortus (miscarriages + elective terminations <20 wks), L = living children. Example: G4P1102 = 4 pregnancies, 1 term delivery, 1 preterm delivery, 0 abortuses, 2 living children. Discrepancy between G-1 and P raises questions about losses.