Medical Definition of Para: Meaning in Medicine
Quick summary In medical terminology, para can mean different things depending on context. In obstetrics, it relates to the number of pregnancies carried beyond a certain point. In other medical words, para- is a...
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Quick summary
In medical terminology, para can mean different things depending on context. In obstetrics, it relates to the number of pregnancies carried beyond a certain point. In other medical words, para- is a prefix meaning beside or alongside.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only. It does not replace advice from a clinician, midwife, or pharmacist. If you are reviewing a pregnancy history or a medical term in a report, confirm the meaning with the original record or official leaflet.
What is the medical definition of para?
In medical use, para most often refers to a person’s pregnancy and birth history. It is used in obstetrics to describe the number of pregnancies that have reached a specified stage of gestation, commonly beyond 20 weeks.
The term can also appear in other medical words as a prefix, where it usually means beside or alongside.
What does para mean in obstetrics?
In obstetrics, para is used to describe how many pregnancies have progressed to a viable stage of gestation. For example, a person described as para 1 has had one pregnancy that reached that stage.
This term helps healthcare professionals summarize reproductive history in a short, standardized way.
What does the para prefix mean in medical terminology?
The prefix para- comes from Greek and generally means beside or alongside. It appears in many medical terms that describe location, relationship, or position.
Examples include:
- Paravertebral — beside the vertebrae
- Paracardiac — near or beside the heart
- Paranasal — beside the nasal cavity
How is multipara defined?
Multipara refers to a person who has had more than one pregnancy that resulted in birth at the stage used for obstetric counting.
This term is often used with gravida, which refers to the total number of pregnancies.
Example of gravida and para
A person described as gravida 3, para 2 has been pregnant three times and has had two pregnancies that met the para definition.
These terms are used to give a concise overview of obstetric history.
Common para-related terms in medical language
Several related terms are used in obstetrics:
| Term | General meaning |
|---|---|
| Nullipara | A person who has not given birth |
| Primipara | A person who has had one birth |
| Multipara | A person who has had more than one birth |
| Gravida | The total number of pregnancies |
How do medical prefixes relate to location?
Medical prefixes often help describe where a structure is located or how it relates to another structure. Words such as para-, peri-, and inter- are used to add that context.
This makes medical language more precise when describing anatomy, procedures, and findings.
What does gravida mean?
Gravida refers to the number of times a person has been pregnant, regardless of the outcome. It is commonly paired with para to describe obstetric history more completely.
Because these terms are used in clinical records, their exact meaning should be interpreted in context.
What does plegia mean?
Plegia is a medical suffix that refers to paralysis or loss of voluntary movement in a body part.
Examples include:
- Hemiplegia — paralysis affecting one side of the body
- Quadriplegia — paralysis affecting all four limbs
This suffix is separate from para, but it is another example of how medical word parts change meaning.
Frequently asked questions
▸ What does para mean in medical terms?
In obstetrics, para refers to the number of pregnancies that have reached the stage used for birth counting. In other medical words, para- can mean beside or alongside.
▸ What does para literally mean?
The prefix para- comes from Greek and literally means beside or alongside.
▸ What is the difference between gravida and para?
Gravida refers to the total number of pregnancies. Para refers to the number of pregnancies that reached the stage used for obstetric counting.
▸ What does multipara mean?
Multipara describes a person who has had more than one birth at the stage used in obstetric counting.
▸ Where might I see para used in anatomy?
You may see para- in terms such as paravertebral or paranasal, where it describes something located beside another structure.
Safety reminder: Medical terms can vary by context, specialty, and record format. If you are reading a chart, lab report, or pregnancy history, ask a qualified healthcare professional to interpret the term in context.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Sources and verification
The following sources or official references are listed to support verification of the medicine information discussed in this article.
- MedlinePlus: Pregnancy and childbirth terminology
- Merck Manual Consumer Version: Pregnancy terminology
- NHS: Pregnancy and birth glossary
- Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary: para-
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Medicine information can change and may vary depending on country, product formulation, patient history and professional guidance. Always check official medicine information and ask a healthcare professional for personal medical questions.