What does GPA stand for in the context of pregnancy documentation?

In the context of pregnancy documentation, GPA stands for Gravida, Para, Abortus. This classification is used to provide a succinct summary of a woman's obstetric history.

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 or more, regardless of whether the infant was born alive or stillborn. Abortus represents the number of pregnancies that ended in abortion, which can include both spontaneous and elective terminations.

This standardized terminology is crucial in medical documentation as it allows healthcare providers to quickly assess a patient’s reproductive history and make informed decisions regarding her current and future care. Understanding the GPA components enhances communication among healthcare professionals and ensures better continuity of care throughout the pregnancy.