What does 'para' indicate in obstetrics?

In obstetrics, the term 'para' specifically refers to the number of pregnancies that have resulted in the birth of at least one viable offspring, which is typically defined as a fetus born after 20 weeks of gestation. This term is critical for understanding a patient's obstetric history as it provides insight into their reproductive outcomes.

Viable offspring are typically considered to be those that survive outside of the womb, which means that stillbirths are not counted, while live births are. Therefore, choosing the option that notes the pregnancies yielding viable offspring captures the essence of what 'para' describes in clinical terms.

Other choices that consider miscarriages or total pregnancies do not align with the definition of 'para.' This is why the focus on live births or viable offspring is essential in the context of obstetrics when discussing a woman's reproductive history.