In obstetrical terms, what does "gravida" refer to?

"Gravida" refers to the total number of pregnancies a woman has had, regardless of the outcome. This includes all pregnancies, whether they resulted in live births, stillbirths, or miscarriages. Understanding the term "gravida" is essential in obstetrics, as it provides insight into a woman's reproductive history and can influence her care and management during pregnancy. It is a foundational term that helps healthcare providers assess a patient’s experience and risk factors associated with pregnancy.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of reproductive history: the number of viable offspring pertains to "para," the current state of being pregnant reflects "pregnancy," and the number of abortions refers specifically to loss of pregnancy rather than total pregnancies. Thus, the key focus for "gravida" lies in the comprehensive count of all pregnancies a woman has experienced.